Reference sources are books that provide summaries, definitions of terms, quick facts, data, and bibliographies. They are a perfect place to start when you need an overview of a topic or are required to cite a definition of a term. Many reference materials have moved from print format to digitized databases since the information in them can rapidly change.
Reference includes: Dictionaries, Thesauri, Atlases, Encyclopedias, Bibliographies, Yearbooks, Timelines, Quotations, Handbooks, and Manuals
In a nutshell, start with a reference source when you need a quick easy look-up of factual information.
--> A note on Wikipedia: While Wikipedia can be a fountain of excellent information, it remains an open-source encyclopedia that is not necessarily vetted for accuracy in every article. Use Wikipedia to get some good background information, collect terminology and important names, and seek out the works cited at the end of the entry.
In the databases:
In print:
Find print Dictionaries in the catalog by searching "dictionaries" and then clicking "Physical Books in the Library Catalog" on the left hand side. Add a language (i.e. "Spanish") or other key word to find a specific dictionary you need. Handbooks, thesauri, and manuals may appear in your search.
Here are some examples -
In the databases:
In print:
Find print Encyclopedias in the catalog by searching "encyclopedia" and then clicking "Physical Books in the Library Catalog" on the left hand side.
Here are some examples -
Macdonald-Kelce Library - The University of Tampa - 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. - Tampa, FL 33606 - 813 257-3056 - library@ut.edu - Accessibility