Reference Resources

Reference -- dictionary and encyclopedia -- resources are an excellent place to begin research because they provide background information about a subject.

Checking reference resources first will help you

• get an overview of the subject.
• note key concepts/developments.
• identify significant individuals.
• see a chronology/timeline.
• discern connections/interrelationships with other developments.
• develop a list of search terms.
• find bibliographies -- sources for more information.

The library has thousands of reference resources both in print and online.  The collections in the list below are often good starting points.