Reference Books
On this page you will find a list of 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 and are a great resource to turn to when you need background information or are brainstorming ideas for further research.
Authoritative Reference Sources vs Wikipedia
Wikipedia 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 below are some resources that may be of use.
Online Encyclopedias and More
- Oxford Reference Online100 well-known and trusted dictionaries and reference books combined into a single cross-searchable web database.
- Britannica OnlineThe electronic version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. An excellent starting point for almost any topic of research, the Britannica offers both concise descriptions, and longer, more comprehensive articles on a wide variety of topics.
Dictionary of Literary Biography
Dictionary of Literary Biography
Shelved near librarians' offices.
- Twentieth-Century Caribbean and Black African Writers. First SeriesCall Number: HAT Reference PN771 .D43 v.117Page 53
- Twentieth-Century Caribbean and Black African Writers. Second SeriesCall Number: HAT Reference PN771 .D43 v.125
Specialized Dictionary
Dictionnaire wolof-français et français-wolofCall Number: HAT Reference PL8785.4 .D56 2003Publication Date: 2003
Print Reference Books
Below is a selection of resources available in the Reference section of the library; these are African-related titles or titles that contain sections on Africa or African countries. These resources do not checkout and must be used in the library.
Encyclopedia of African ReligionCall Number: HAT Reference BL2400 .E53 2009
Global Studies - AfricaCall Number: HAT Reference DT1 .G56
Encyclopedia of Africa by Call Number: HAT Reference DT3 .E53 2010
Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience by Call Number: HAT Reference DT14 .A37435 2005
The Oxford Encyclopedia of African ThoughtCall Number: HAT Reference DT14 .I74 2010
Encyclopedia of African HistoryCall Number: HAT Reference DT20 .E53 2005
Notable Natural DisastersCall Number: HAT Reference GB5014 .N373 2007
Indigenous Peoples and Environmental IssuesCall Number: HAT Reference GF50 .J65 2003
The Encyclopedia of World CulturesCall Number: HAT Reference GN550 .E53
Celebrating life customs around the world: from baby showers to funeralsCall Number: HAT Reference GT76 .W54 20173 volumes
Women's Lives Around the World: a Global EncyclopediaCall Number: HAT Reference HQ1115 .W6437 2018
The Europa World Year BookCall Number: HAT Reference JN1 .E85
The Garland Encyclopedia of World MusicCall Number: HAT Reference ML100 .G16 1997 v.1
Dictionary of African FilmmakersCall Number: HAT Reference PN1998.2 .A758 2008
The Companion to African LiteraturesCall Number: HAT Reference PR9340 .C65 2000
Encyclopedia of Global Warming and Climate ChangeCall Number: HAT Reference QC981.8.G56 E47 2012
Encyclopedia of Global HealthCall Number: HAT Reference RA441 .E53 2008
Encyclopedia of Pestilence, Pandemics, and PlaguesCall Number: HAT Reference RA652 .E535 2008
Liaison Librarian
Joni Roberts
she/her
Contact:
Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-370-6741
Website
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-370-6741
What librarians can do for you...
Subject librarians are here to help with your research!
You can set up an individual research consultation with a subject librarian for research help. Here are a few other things that we can do for you:
- Show you the best places to begin your research.
- Help you develop effective search strategies.
- Locate the information you need within our library.
- Obtain books, articles, cds, etc. from other libraries.
- Find additional information from citation lists/bibliographies.
- Judge the quality & reliability of information.
- Use information ethically (e.g. plagiarism).
- Cite information correctly (e.g. APA style).
- Demonstrate how to use citation resources.
- Tell the difference between various literature types.
- Determine whether something is peer-reviewed.
Hours during the Academic Year
Library Hours
Mon-Thur 8 a.m. -- Midnight
Friday 8 a.m. -- 9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. -- 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. -- Midnight
Reference Hours
Mon-Wed 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
6 p.m. -- 9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
Friday 1 p.m. -- 4 p.m
Saturday (Closed)
Sunday (Closed)
Archives Hours
Contact: archives@willamette.edu for an appointment.
Note: The library is open to the general public Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
