Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias contain factual articles on many subjects.

There are two types of encyclopedias -- general and subject. General encyclopedias provide overviews on a wide variety of topics. Subject encyclopedias contain entries focusing on one field of study. The Clarke Library has print encyclopedias in the reference collection, and electronic encyclopedias that you can use by going to the Library website, choosing Quick Reference and then clicking on Encyclopedias.

Use an Encyclopedia

• when looking for background information on a topic
• when trying to find key ideas, important dates or concepts

Examples

• Encyclopedia of Psychology (print subject encyclopedia)
• Encyclopedia Britannica or Britannica Online (general encyclopedia in print and online)
• Access Science (online subject encyclopedia)