Finding Specific Titles
The library has a plethora of print and online reference sources. The best way to find specific reference sources is to use the library catalog, either searching a specific title or searching a subject along with the terms encyclopedias or dictionaries. See the example at the bottom of this page.
Online Reference Databases
The library has subscriptions to several large, multidisciplinary databases that you can use to search for most topics.
Online Dictionaries
The library has subscriptions to several large, English language dictionaries.
What are reference sources?
Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference sources provide basic information on a topic like names, dates, and definitions. Use these when narrowing down a topic or to look up unfamiliar terms and concepts when reading scholarly publications like journal articles.
What are subject-specific reference sources?
These are focused in a particular discipline or topic. Often, these sources will have more detailed entries written by a specific scholar in the field and provide a bibliography.
Where are reference sources located?
There is a reference collection on the 1st floor, behind that Research Help desk, that you can browse. However, many reference sources can also be found in the circulating collection or available online.
How do I search for reference sources?
It's best to either consult the applicable subject guide for reference recommendations or search the catalog.
There are many ways to search the catalog. Here's one option:
When going through your results, pay attention to where the reference source is located. It may be in the 1st floor collection, in the circulating collection, or an online source.