Start Your Research

Reference sources can provide a general overview of a topic. They can help you identify key issues, controversies and facts about a topic. Use the bibliography or works cited to find other relevant & authoritative sources.

Find reference books in the library catalog

• Print reference sources
  • Do a Keyword search for the broad topic, for example, use “Education” instead of “mainstreaming.”
  • Limit the “Location” to “Reference Collection”.
• Online reference books
  • Do a Keyword search for the broad topic, but before pressing Submit…
  • In another search box, enter the following: (encyclopedia OR handbook OR dictionary).
  • Limit the Material Type to EBOOKS

Find reference sources in library databases

• Credo Reference: Easy access to trusted content from over 70 of the world’s leading academic publishers.
• Gale Virtual Reference Library: A searchable collection of online reference books.
• CQ Researcher: A collection of in depth reports about current issues of interest.
• Opposing Viewpoints Research Center: A collection of brief essays & articles on current social issues.

Subject Guides

For more ideas about places to start your research, check out the Libraries’ Subject Guides.