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Digital Content and Copyright Resources: Reference

Tips for Using Reference Sources

GALE Virtual Reference Library

Search the Clark Library's digital collection of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research.

General Reference Sources

here could be links to Reference Books,  eBooks,    online/subscription encyclopedias  we may want to break this down

 

What is a Reference Source?

A "Reference" source is media you "refer" to for either basic/background information or a specific piece of information. They differ from other sources in that you rarely use them "from cover to cover". Reference sources are also usually organized in a specific way (alphabetically, chronologically, etc.) to make finding information quicker and easier. 

NOTE: it is very rare to cite a reference source as evidence in an academic work. Reference sources can be physical or digital (on the web or in a database.)

Examples:

  • Encyclopedia
  • Dictionary
  • Atlas
  • Chronology
  • Almanac
  • Phonebook
  • Thesaurus
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