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Specialized encyclopedias, such as Encyclopedia of Human Biology, Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice, and Encyclopedia of Materials Science and Engineering, often provide excellent overviews of a topic, which may give you some ideas on a topic of your own. However, not all of these are online. Ask a reference librarian about finding such resources if you need assistance. 

Selected Online Resources: 

Biographical Dictionary
Encyclopaedia Britannica Online
CIA World Factbook

Columbia Encyclopedia
Encarta
Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy