What is a Reference Source?
What is a Reference Resource?
A Reference Source is usually a physical or digital document that you would refer to for more information about a topic. When doing academic research, it is sometimes much better to consult a reference resource than to type your question into google. Reference resources are usually curated around specific topics, making them more credible and informative than the advertisement suggestion that will pop up at the top of your google search!
Examples of Reference resources:
- Dictionaries
- Thesauruses
- Encyclopedias
- Almanacs
- Indexes
- Concordances
- Atlases
General Subject Reference
- Cambridge Core This link opens in a new window
Selected books, journals articles, and reference books published by Cambridge University Press.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica Online This link opens in a new window
Encyclopaedia Britannica Public Library Edition.
- Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window
Online encyclopedias, dictionaries and other reference books on all subjects, published by Oxford University Press.
Note that in CrossSearch, many topics, events, groups, etc., have a "Research Starter" entry at the top of the results. This is a great way to get started, often with timelines, jumping-off points for other references, and important terms and themes in that topic.
Selected Subject Reference
Physical Reference books and E-Books
We have many physical reference books such as encyclopedias and atlases in our physical collection at Dinand. Any books labeled as "Dinand Reference" are available on our reference book shelves in the Dinand Reading room. You would locate these books by using the book's call number to locate it from the reading room reference shelves. Other books on this list are available in our physical stacks in Dinand or as ebooks. To locate physical books, feel free to ask our staff at the Dinand circulation desk for help!
Modern China by Call Number: JC311 .M54 1998ISBN: 0815307209Publication Date: 1997-11-01Available in Dinand Reference. Ask the Dinand Circulation Desk for help locating in the reading room.
Encyclopedia of Modern Asia by Call Number: DS4 +E53 2002ISBN: 0684806177Publication Date: 2002-11-27Available in Dinand Reference. Ask the Dinand Circulation Desk for help locating in the reading room.
Southeast Asia by Call Number: DS524 .S68 2004ISBN: 1576077705Publication Date: 2004-10-13Available in Dinand Reference. Ask the Dinand Circulation Desk for help locating in the reading room.
Berkshire Encyclopedia of China by Call Number: DS735.A2 +B47 2009ISBN: 9780977015948Publication Date: 2008-01-01Available in Dinand Reference. Ask the Dinand Circulation Desk for help locating in the reading room.
Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy by Call Number: B121 .C66 2002ISBN: 0415240387Publication Date: 2000-08-31Available in our Dinand Library collection. Ask the circulation desk for help locating in the stacks.
Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, ZenCall Number: BL1005 .L4813 1989Available in Dinand Reference. Ask Dinand Circulation desk for help locating in the reading room.
The Columbia Guide to Asian American History by Call Number: E184.O6 C64 2001ISBN: 9780231505956Publication Date: 2005-03-30Available as an E-book or in our Dinand collections.
A Companion to Asian Art and ArchitectureCall Number: Visual Arts Wing N7340 .C63 2011Ask Dinand Circulation desk for help locating in the Visual Arts wing.
