Reference Sources

Using Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

The Fitzgerald Library has a strong collection of reference materials both online and in print volumes located on the main level of the library.

Use these resources at the start of your research process for good background information and to get in touch with the leading scholars and experts in your field of study.

CREDO

Comprehensive online encyclopedia with access to 650+ full text e-Book titles with link outs to articles in our databases for deeper coverage.

Gale Virtual Reference Library

Includes New Catholic Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia of Religion, Encyclopedia of Education, Encyclopedia of World Biography, Novels for Students, American Decades, American Law Yearbook, Case Studies in Global Business, and more.

Gale Virtual Reference Library-Twin Cities Library’s Collection

Includes access to Business Plans Handbook (volumes 11 and 12), Encyclopedia of Educational Leadership and
Administration, and Encyclopedia of Multicultural Psychology.

Full text e-Books

Salem History

Provides online access to the Milestone Documents of American Leaders reference set, a compilation of primary documents from notable Americans with commentary and analysis and The 50 States set which offers up-to-date information on individual American states.

1754–current | Full text e-Books

Salem Literature

Provides access to various volumes from the following sets:
Magill’s Literary Criticism–Yearly Essay-Review of 200 Outstanding Books
Salem Critical Insights–a distillation of both classic and current literary criticism of some of the
world’s most-studied literature

Full text e-book

New Advent Encyclopedia Online

The New Advent Encyclopedia is the first result for an online Catholic encyclopedia. It was published in 1917 and, while it can have very good information, it is missing a century of events and their interpretation. In general, treat its articles as historical documents. The encyclopedia gives the reader a sense of how early 20th century theologians reflected on particular topics. The most current Catholic encyclopedia is available in print in the Reference Collection and now online.

Why Use Reference? 

Credibility:

• Authoritative publishers
• Articles are written by well respected scholars/experts in the field

Background Information:

• Efficient method to identify key terms, dates, people, theories

Search Terms:

• Find key words to more efficiently search for articles in databases

Bibliographies:

• Find leads to new sources in books and journals