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Reference sources

Reference book entry for the word "dictionary"

Reference sources include encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, almanacs, yearbooks, directories, atlases, etc. They are excellent sources of background information, quick fact checking, definitions of concepts or terminology, and discipline-specific context. This means they are good starting points for your research, especially, if you are not very familiar with the topic you want to write about. Our library has many reference sources in electronic or print format. Some of the most important such sources in your field of study are listed below.


Library reference collections

Search the reference databases below for background information, definitions, and/or topic overviews from subject-specific encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference sources. For information on how to access these databases from off-campus, you may consult our off-campus access page.