Starting Your Research - Augustana Library

Are you just starting to research a topic? Do you need to get more context and background information ("reference" information) before reading detailed articles and books? Try searching the databases below to find an overview of your topic from sources including encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographies, and more.

Use the dictionaries below to look up the definition or etymology of a word.

The library has encyclopedias and other reference sources about a wide variety of subjects. You can find many of them by using Search the Library and entering the word "encyclopedia" along with key terms about your subject area.

For more information about reference sources, visit the Background Reference Sources Guide.