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
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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.
What Librarians Can Do for You
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.
- Locate the information you need within our library or elsewhere.
- Help you cite information correctly (e.g. APA style).
- Judge the quality & reliability of information.
- Teach you how to use information ethically (e.g. avoiding plagiarism).
- Determine whether something is peer-reviewed.
Reference Books related to this Course
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.
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Encyclopedia of Asian PhilosophyCall Number: HAT Reference B121 .E53 2001ISBN: 0415172810Publication Date: 2001Pages 272-273, Japanese Philosophy -
Encyclopedia of PsychologyCall Number: HAT Reference BF31 .E54 2000ISBN: 1557986509Publication Date: 2000Volume 2, pages 357-359, Cross-Cultural Communication -
New Dictionary of the History of IdeasCall Number: HAT Reference CB9 .N49 2005ISBN: 0684313774Publication Date: 2004Volume 1, pages 251-253. Bushido -
Berkshire Encyclopedia of World HistoryCall Number: HAT Reference D23 .B45 2005ISBN: 0974309109Publication Date: 2005Volume 4, pages 1701-1705, Shinto -
Modern JapanCall Number: HAT Reference DS805 .M63 1998ISBN: 0815325258Publication Date: 1997Pages 95-96, Internationalization (Kokusaika) -
The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Japanese CultureCall Number: HAT Reference DS822.5 .E516 2009ISBN: 041548152XPublication Date: 2009Page 542, uchi and soto -
Encyclopedia of World CulturesCall Number: HAT Reference GN550 .E53ISBN: 081688840XPublication Date: 1991Volume 5, pages 104-111, Japanese -
International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral SciencesCall Number: HAT Reference H41.I58 2015ISBN: 0080970869Publication Date: 2015Volume 12, pages 794-797, Japan: Sociocultural Aspects -
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Women's Issues WorldwideCall Number: HAT Reference HQ1115 .G74 2003ISBN: 031332087XPublication Date: 2003Volume 1, pages 217-240, Japan -
Dictionary of the Modern Politics of JapanCall Number: HAT Reference JQ1605 .S86 2003ISBN: 0415151708Publication Date: 2003Pages 245-249, United States, relations with -
The New Grove Dictionary of OperaCall Number: HAT Reference ML102.O6 N5ISBN: 0935859926Publication Date: 2002Volume 3, pages 136-139, Madama Butterfly -
International Encyclopedia of LinguisticsCall Number: HAT Reference P29 .I58 2003ISBN: 0195139771Publication Date: 2003Volume 2, pages 330-335, Japanese -
Encyclopedia of Asian TheatreCall Number: HAT Reference PN 2860 .E53 2007ISBN: 031333529XPublication Date: 2006Volume 1, pages 297-301, Kabuki -
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Multiethnic American LiteratureCall Number: HAT Reference PS153.M56 G74 2005ISBN: 031333059XPublication Date: 2005Volume 3, pages 1052-1054, Inada, Lawson Fusao (1938- ) -
Encyclopedia of Medical AnthropologyCall Number: HAT Reference RA418 .E354 2004ISBN: 0306477548Publication Date: 2003Volume 2, pages 765-776. Japanese
Humanities and Fine Arts Librarian
Doreen Simonsen
Contact:
Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-375-5343
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
503-375-5343
Hours During the Academic Year
Library Hours
Mon-Thur 7:45 a.m. -- 2 a.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m. -- 9 p.m.
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Reference Hours
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Friday 1 p.m. -- 4 p.m
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Contact library@willamette.edu for a research consultation.
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Appointments available:
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