Understanding General Reference Tools

Reference tools contain general information. Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and atlases are three types of reference tools. These materials can be found in both the reference and circulation collections of the library.

Encyclopedias

A general encyclopedia compiles information about a wide variety of subjects. Subject encyclopedias compile information on a single subject. The information is alphabetical and generally includes an index. Many times the articles will include a bibliography for further research. General encyclopedias are not considered primary sources for research papers but are useful for an overview of your subject.  Specialized encyclopedias with signed articles may be used for some courses; consult your professor.

General encyclopedias can be found in the Dewey classification 031. Subject encyclopedias are found in the classification for that subject; e.g. Bible encyclopedias would be in 220.3; music encyclopedias 780.3.

Online encyclopedias: LibrarySpot List

Dictionaries

Dictionaries are one of the most used reference tools. Within the alphabetical arrangement, you may find information such as spelling, pronunciation, definition, other forms of the word, etymology (history), part of speech, and the word used in context. Just as with the encyclopedia, there are dictionaries dedicated to specific subjects. General dictionaries can be found in 423; Bible dictionaries can be found in 220.3.

Online dictionaries: LibrarySpot list

Atlases

An atlas is a book of maps. They may be maps of the world, a part of the world, or illustrating events or statistics. The index will help you locate the area needed. Atlases can be found in the 900's; Bible atlases can be found in 220.91.

Online maps: LibrarySpot list