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.
Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Oxford Companion to Philosophy
Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy
The Oxford Companion to Christian Thought
New Dictionary of the History of Ideas
Brill's New Pauly
Medieval Islamic Civilization
International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Encyclopedia of Political Communication
The Grove Encyclopedia of Classical Art and Architecture
The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature
Encyclopedia of Rhetoric and Composition
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
A Dictionary of Classical Reference in English Poetry
The Encyclopedia of Ancient Natural ScientistsWikipedia 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.