Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias contain factual articles on many subjects. They can be found in printed form in the library, and in electronic form through databases to which the library subscribes.

Using databases such as Gale Virtual Reference Library, you can search the contents of multiple encyclopedias at once.

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.

Use an Encyclopedia

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

Examples

• Encyclopedia of American History (subject encyclopedia)
• World Book (general encyclopedia)