USSO 291Y Immigration, Identity, Writing

University-level libraries offer a wide variety of topical and subject specific reference collections.  Many of the entries for terminology, key concepts and topics, people, ...etc. in these works include multi-page essays and bibliographies.  Make sure to take full advantage of these collections, both in print and online.

Types of reference works include:

• topical encyclopedias
• biographical dictionaries
• directories (for people and associations)
• historical atlases and almanacs
• subject handbooks
• subject guides
• statistical compendium
• subject bibliographies

Use the names of reference types in keyword searches to find the sections of Case Libraries reference collection that address your topic.

• Online catalog keyword search example = (“encyclopedia/dictionary/handbook”) + (research topic keywords)

If the reference source is not available electronically, make sure to note the location of the print reference source in the catalog entry.