Step 2:  Scope it Out 
Selected online and print reference sources

American National Biography
Encyclopedia Britannica Online

Encyclopedia of Psychology

Encyclopedia Mythica

Encyclopedia of Religion

Biography and Genealogy Master Index

Contemporary Authors
Granger's World of Poetry

CIA World Fact Book

Larousse Dictionary of World History

Handbook for Research in American History

Handbook of Research on Sport Psychology

Encyclopedia of Sociology

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace & Conflict

GroveMusic

Praeger Encyclopedia of Art

Encyclopedia of Environmental Science

Encyclopedia of Science & Technology

The Encyclopedia of the Horse

Flight and Flying : a Chronology

Who's Who in Aviation History?