Print and electronic reference works, such as scholarly subject encyclopedias, are useful in a number of ways. First, they introduce you to a subject that you are unfamiliar with. Additionally, they are neutral in tone and: provide a scholarly yet accessible introduction to a topic in the broadest sense; identify key ideas and themes; may point to important people associated with a topic; introduce unfamiliar terms that can be added to a list of keywords; provide a bibliography (aka "works cited," "suggested sources") for further study. An essay in an encyclopedia may also serve to help you choose and/or focus your topic.
The print books in this guide are located in the Reference Collection [main/1st floor] and are non-circulating.
The titles below are organized by their primary focus, but most will also include topics covered in the other titles.
Row 7
Row 9
Row 10