Below are key reference books that provide a general overview of a topic or help identify synonyms, related terms, or basic data. These sources often include references and lists of further readings.
International encyclopedia of the social & behavioral sciencesWikipedia is a great resource for getting general info about something, but because anyone can contribute or change its content it is considered unreliable. College faculty typically do not consider Wikipedia a credible information source.
Instead, use the library's print or electronic encyclopedias, dictionaries, or other reference books to backup the basic information of your research paper. These resources have gone through an editorial process to check for accuracy. To the right and above are some resources that may be of use.
Multicultural America: an encyclopedia of the newest Americans
American countercultures: an encyclopedia of nonconformists, alternative lifestyles, and radical ideas in U.S. history
The Wiley-Blackwell encyclopedia of social and political movements
The social history of the American family: an encyclopedia
Sourcebook on Violence Against Women
The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative InquiryLooking for statistical information? There are many places to find statistics...newspapers, journal articles, web pages. Below are just a couple of places that might be helpful:
