Subject Guides: Background Reference Resources: Multipurpose sources

Multipurpose Sources

Why consult a multipurpose source?

Multipurpose sources are databases that contain several types of reference resources, such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks. They are a good place to start your search, or to get a wide variety of background information on your topic, all in one place.

Oxford Reference Online Premium This link opens in a new window
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Contains dictionaries and reference titles covering a variety of subjects: from General Reference and Language to Science and Medicine, and from Humanities and Social Sciences to Business and Professional.
Gale Ebooks This link opens in a new window
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Also known as Gale Virtual Reference Library, this is a database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research
SAGE Books This link opens in a new window
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E-books and reference works in Business, Education and the Social Sciences