Encyclopedias & More

Getting Started and Background Information

Encyclopedias
The Library offers hundreds of academic encyclopedias, covering every topic imaginable. Encyclopedias give you a broad overview of your topic and provide you with key people, places, events, and ideas related to your subject. The encyclopedias the Library offers are written and edited by experts and are credible sources of information for your papers and projects.  

Quick Facts

Almanacs
Almanacs help you answer quick, factual questions.

Biographies
Need information about a particular person? Try these resources.  

Dictionaries and Thesauri
Tools for working with words - find definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, antonyms, abbreviations, acronyms, and more.

Directories
Directories are lists of information about people, places, things, and events that are usually organized alphabetically or by category to help you find the information you need.

Statistics and Polls
Resources to help you find data about a variety of subjects, from the economy to population to public opinion on current issues. If you need numbers, start here.