Macdonald-Kelce Library: Current and Controversial Topics: Specialized Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Reference

Reference vs. Research

Reference resources are good for getting background information and an overview on your topic.

We also have many specialized encyclopedias, both in the reference section of the library, and in the databases.

Brittanica Academic This link opens in a new window
Offers the complete Encyclopedia Britannica online as well as Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus.
Gale Databases This link opens in a new window
Covers multidisciplinary resources in a wide range of formats including journals, e-books, historical primary sources, podcasts, videos, transcripts, newspaper articles, etc.
Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window
Access all Oxford's dictionaries, companions, and encyclopedias in one place.

Oxford Reference is a multi-disciplinary database that features a range of short entries, timelines,quotations, and lengthy in-depth reference articles on all topics. Browse by subject or enter a keyword in the search box.