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General Reference

Provides quick access to information from reliable reference resources, both in print in the library and online.

Welcome!

The purpose of the General Reference library guide is to provide quick access to information from reliable reference resources, both in print in the library and online.

What are they?

Reference sources are available in general or subject specific 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:

  • Almanacs
  • Atlases
  • Bibliographies
  • Encyclopedias
  • Dictionaries
  • Glossaries
  • Handbooks
  • 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 help desk on the first floor or the research center on the second floor of the library and ask for a reference book suggestions.