Reference sources are available in general or subject specifics contexts and in print or online formats. You need to evaluate each source and determine which are helpful to you and appropriate for you to use.

Examples:

• Encyclopedias
• Dictionaries
• Almanacs
• Glossaries
• Handbooks
• Atlases
• Bibliographies
• Indexes

Reference materials are good starting points for research projects because they can provide:

• background or introductory information on a topic
• terminology or additional keywords to use in further searches
• a bibliography listing other materials on a topic

Feel free to visit the reference desk on the first floor of the library and ask a librarian for reference book suggestions.

Two Stanford PWR students talk about how reference materials will help them in their PWR research.