How to Find Reference Sources

What are reference sources? | Why use reference sources? | How can you find reference sources? |

What are reference sources?

Have you ever needed to know the�

population of a city?
major achievements of a famous individual?
definition or a term or phrase in an unfamiliar subject?
date of an important event?

These types of questions are best answered by reference sources, which provide quick, factual information on a topic. There are many types of reference sources. For example,

Dictionaries contain definitions of terms.
Encyclopedias contain concise, factual information on topics or concepts.
Handbooks contain practical information (e.g., how to do something) on a topic.
Almanacs contain calendars, basic facts, and statistical information relating to people, places, and events.
Biographical sources contain biographical information on individuals such as birth and death dates and major achievements.

Why use reference sources?

Reference sources are often the best place to start your research because they:

provide a good introduction to a topic.
provide brief, factual information.
summarize and clarify issues.
define unfamiliar terms.
identify additional relevant sources such as books and periodical articles.

How can you find reference sources?

There are several different ways to find reference sources on your topic:

Ask at the Information & Research Help Desk. The librarians are happy to point you to references sources useful for your topic.
Browse the reference area stacks, near the Information & Research Help Desk (this is separate from the main bookstacks). The reference collection is organized by subject, using the same call number system as the main bookstacks e.g., a book on botany would be located at QK in both the main stacks and in the reference collection.
Search the Library Catalogue and limit your search to the location: reference. All reference sources are included in the Library Catalogue.

August 5, 2008