• an overview of the topic, providing you with definitions and basic information. Even if your instructor does not want you to use an encyclopedia as a source in a paper, you will still find useful information within an encyclopedia.
• a discussion of key words, issues, events, and people associated with your topic. Notice the words (or subject headings) in bold type found within the encyclopedia. These words can help you narrow or expand your research topic.
• a bibliography, or list of authoritative books on your topic. Look for these books in the library’s online catalog.

General Encyclopedias:
Shelved near the reference desk, general encyclopedias contain informational articles of varying length on subjects in all fields of knowledge. Examples include:Academic American Encyclopedia [short, specific articles, excellent illustrations with simple terminology.]Encyclopedia Americana [more in-depth articles]Encyclopedia Britannica [the most scholarly general encyclopedia in our collection. You must use its index volumes to locate complete information. See a library staff member for assistance.]

Special Encyclopedias:
A special encyclopedia provides more detailed information in its subject area than a general encyclopedia. Although some subject encyclopedias are called "dictionaries," they contain far more information than the short, concise, factual entries usually found in dictionaries. A few of the many subject encyclopedias are listed below. If you need to locate an encyclopedia for a subject not listed, search the online catalog under "k=encyclopedias and dictionaries."