Prince George's Community College

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Largo, Maryland 20774

Reference Books

 

 

A reference book is a book that can be used by itself as a source of information without use of a second source of information. The information is usually concise, factual information; however, the information may vary in length from a brief definition or statistic to a lengthy article.

Reference books usually include access components such as indexes that lead to information elsewhere in the book itself, rather than to other sources of information. In many cases, reference books cannot be used effectively without using access points included in the reference tool. It is therefore important to look for indexes and other access keys in reference books.

The most important categories of reference tools include:

• Dictionaries (English Language), such as the American Heritage Dictionary.

  One way to begin your research is to focus on key words–the important words used in discussions of your question. As you look for answers to your research question, you will need to be familiar with the key words associated with it. You can explore the meanings of keywords by using dictionaries.

• Dictionaries (Subject), such as the Black's Law Dictionary, Dictionary of Medicine, and Dictionary of Psychology.

Subject dictionaries define topics more specifically.

• Encyclopedias (General), such as the Encyclopedia Americana, World Book Encyclopedia, and Academic American Encyclopedia.

  One of the best places to find an overview of questions and topics on any subject is a general encyclopedia.

• Encyclopedias (Subject), such as the Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice, Encyclopedia of Bioethics, and the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology.

Subject encyclopedias go into greater depth on more specific questions than general encyclopedias.

• Atlases, such as the Times Atlas of the World.

  Atlases can help you to place your research in a location. They are collections of maps which may also include charts, short articles, and special maps showing population, climate, economic factors, etc.

• Handbooks, such as the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, and Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Handbooks can help you obtain factual information on a particular subject in a brief, easy-to-consult format.

• Directories, such as the Encyclopedia of Associations.

  Directories can provide the telephone numbers and addresses of people with significant insight into your research question, such as manufacturers, foundations, corporations or societies.

  Reference tools are an excellent first stop for your research project. They are also vital throughout the project. Use them often!

  Source:
  

  Hord, B. (1995). The reference room: Kinds of reference tools. Retrieved March 18, 2002, from http://www.hccs.cc.tx.us/system/library/Center/Ref2.html.