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Reference Sources

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Reference Sources

Online tools to find quick facts and/or background information on any topic.

Credo Reference Authentication Required

Provides online access to 100 reference books (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, etc.) in all subject areas. This is the premier place to look up a quick fact or to search for background information on a research topic.

CQ Researcher Authentication Required

Reliable, unbiased, and in-depth information on a wide variety of current issues. Excellent for browsing hot topics.

Discovering Collection Authentication Required

A good resource for very basic information on virtually any topic. This comprehensive reference resource includes essays, critical analyses, biographies, and primary sources in both text and multimedia.

Educator's Reference Complete Authentication Required

This database complements ERIC by providing fulltext to about 1100 journals indexed in ERIC, as well as about a dozen standard reference titles related to Education--such as the encyclopedias of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Sociology, and Psychology. Covers all levels and areas of Education.

Facts on File (World News Digest) Authentication Required

A searchable news and events site, with encyclopedia and almanac. Gives top news stories back to 1940. Special features include maps; photographs; historic documents; and overviews of key issues, newsmakers and events since 1980.

Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center Authentication Required

Provides overviews and multiple points of view on contemporary social issues. Includes viewpoint articles, articles drawn from popular magazines, academic journals, and newspapers, primary sources, statistics, podcasts, and links to Web sites on topics ranging from abortion to illegal immigration, from gambling to war crimes. This series is also available in book format in the Ready Reference section on the 1st floor of the Miller Center Library.

MasterFILE Premier Authentication Required

A very broad, general database containing full text of important reference sources (good for background information on a topic), news articles, popular magazine articles, and some scholarly articles.

Points of View Reference Center Authentication Required

This full-text reference resource presents multiple sides on current controversial topics. Each topic may include topical essays, supporting articles, primary source documents, images, and videos.

SAGE Reference Online Authentication Required

SAGE Reference Online provides access to several fulltext specialized encyclopedias covering several areas in the social sciences. Titles include:

Science Reference Collection Authentication Required

Full-text reference resource compiled from nearly 640 specialized encyclopedias, reference books, and periodicals. Topics covered include biology, chemistry, earth sciences, environmental sciences, physics, medicine, science & society, and technology.

For more focused resources, choose one: