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:
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.
In the databases:
Authoritative and state-of-the-art surveys of current thinking and research, from leading international figures in the discipline.
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