How do I...?
Are you beginning research on a topic new or unfamiliar to you? If so, an excellent way to begin is to consult an encyclopedia.
Benefits and Considerations | General Encyclopedias | Specialized Encyclopedias
Locating Encyclopedias and Reference Sources
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ENCYCLOPEDIC SOURCES are the ideal starting place if you are a non-specialist on your topic. They will typically provide:
BENEFITS
- an overview and background information on a topic
- the established knowledge on a topic
- the most important facts about a topic
- the key figures, places, or events related to your topic
- a list of recommended readings on a topic
CONSIDERATIONS
- They have gone through an editorial process
- They are often written by specialists in the field
- They do not use jargon
- They tend to be short and concise
- They are intended as an overview and are not the best source for up to date developments
- They are not a complete look at the scholarship and research on a topic
- They are a good starting point and a great place to establish keywords and research leads
General Reference Encyclopedias |
ONLINE
Encyclopedia Britannica CU
Gale Virtual Reference Library CU
Oxford Digital Reference Shelf CU
You can also find other general encyclopedia sets in print in the Reference Stacks (map) in Norlin Library (Call number range AE5 - AG5)
Specialized Reference Encyclopedias |
SPECIALIZED ENCYCLOPEDIAS
- are introductions to specialized topics or fields
- do not require prior knowledge
- do not use specialized jargon
- provide a deeper level of knowledge than general encyclopedias
EXAMPLES
Online
Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology CU
Encyclopedia for Science and Technology CU
Encyclopedia of Environmental Science and Engineering CU
Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy CU
In Print
Berkshire Encyclopedia of World Sport
Encyclopedia of American Foreign Policy
Encyclopedia of Children, Adolescents, and the Media
Encyclopedia of Ethical, Legal, and Policy Issues in Biotechnology
Encyclopedia of Environmental Issues
Encyclopedia of Film Themes, Settings and Series
Globalization: Encyclopedia of Trade, Labor, and Politics
International Encyclopedia of Sexuality
Women in the Third World : an Encyclopedia of Contemporary Issues
Locating Encyclopedias and Other Reference Sources |
There are two ways to search Chinook, the library catalog, for these resources:
By Keyword
EXAMPLE: [your topic keyword] AND encyclop*
NOTE: You may also try searching dictionary, handbook, or guide
By Subject Heading
Choose to search by LC Subject Heading and enter:
[subject heading]-Dictionaries
[subject heading]-Encyclopedias
[subject heading]- [Geographic subdivision]-Dictionaries
[subject heading]- [Geographic subdivision]-Encyclopedias
EXAMPLE:
Immigrants -- Encyclopedias
Immigrants -- United States -- Encyclopedias
There are numerous subject-specific research guides available that list core recommended resources. These guides often point to encyclopedias and other reference sources. Choose the discipline most closely aligned with your topic.
Reference Universe
This is a searchable database that indexes information from specialized subject encyclopedias. It does not include the full text of reference materials but will point you to reference sources that cover your topic. It searches both the titles of reference articles as well as the encyclopedia / dictionary indexes, providing a thorough level of access to materials and potential sources. CU
Watch a quick tutorial on how to use this resource!
Please email suggestions for additional resources.
Created7/07 CBS
CU = Resources marked with this symbol are available in campus libraries and to students, staff, and faculty via the campus network. Use of these resources is subject to copyright laws and license limitations. Remote access information.
