Books are excellent sources for information such as:

• in-depth coverage of a subject

• history and chronology       

• overview of a big topic

• background information

• bibliographies of additional sources. 

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A book does not need to be read cover-to-cover to be used for research. To determine how appropriate and useful the book might be, look at its parts:

• Table of Contents - Tells you how the book is arranged (for example, chronologically or topically) and its general content.

• List of Illustrations - Gives a list of photographs, drawings, tables, or other types of illustrations used to support the contents of the book. 

• Preface, Forward, or Introduction - May provide the reader with ideas about the author's intention or purpose for writing the book. Gives an indication of the depth of research presented.

• Bibliography - The list may be sources that were used to create the work they accompany, or it may be a list of additional materials on the topic. Great way to locate more sources on your topic.  

• Index - Specific subjects in the book. This can tell you if the book covers aspects of your topic that interest you.