If you're studying a topic that's new to you, you may want to find some background information to familiarize yourself with the topic before you start looking for scholarly information. This will make it easier to know what search terms to use and help you refine what it is you're looking for.
The library has reference sources that provide great background information on all kinds of topics. These reference databases are a good place to check. Books are also great sources for getting a better understanding of your topic, so don't forget to search OneSearch.