ACSR 1005: Foundations for Academic Success (Aucutt): Background Information

Reference sources can provide a general overview of a topic. They are good for finding facts and definitions, overviews of topics, and additional sources of information. Use reference resources for background, vocabulary, and context.

There are many types of references such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, and more. The library has a print (located on the 1st floor) and online reference collection. 

Online reference collections are a credible substitute for sources such as Google and Wikipedia.

Reference sources can help you jumpstart your research project by:

• providing a quick overview of a topic,
• identifying key questions that can shape your research,
• pointing you towards other sources on the topic.

Reference sources typically end with a bibliography or works cited, which you can use to find key books and articles on your topic.