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What Are Background Reference Sources?
What are background reference resources?
Background reference resources, or often just reference sources, are designed for quick retrieval of specific and authoritative information.
Use reference sources to:
- Find definitions of words or concepts
- Read an overview of a topic
- Establish keywords for searching
- Browse lists of sources on a topic
Types of Background Reference Resources
Which type of source is right for the job?
If you need: |
Try: |
|---|---|
| Somewhere to start | multipurpose |
| Meaning of a word or concept | dictionary |
| Background information or summary of a topic | encyclopedia |
| Practical information or comprehensive overview of a topic | handbook, manual, guide or companion |
| Information about a place | map, atlas or gazetteer |
| Data, numbers or facts | statistics or government information |
| Collection of vetted sources on a topic | bibliography |
| Information about a person | biographical |
Subject Specific Background Reference Resources
Subject specific reference sources are a great way to find specialized information in your discipline.
Try searching the library catalogue by adding a type of reference source to your subject area.
eg: psychology handbook; art dictionary; Shakespeare bibliography
Or check your discipline's Subject Guide for recommended sources