Subject and Research Guides: Social Sciences: Reference Sources

Reference Sources

Dictionaries and Encyclopaedias are examples of reference sources. You can use them to find definitions and background information. Articles from specialised subject encyclopaedias are authoritative and often substantial.

Berkshire Encyclopedia of Sustainability
Covers environmental law and ethics, green business practices, regional sustainability issues, and resource and ecosystem management.
Gale eBooks
Full text encyclopaedias, almanacs, and specialised reference sources for multidisciplinary research.
International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Provides authoritative, foundational, interdisciplinary knowledge across the wide range of behavioral and social sciences fields. It discusses history, current trends and future directions.
Oxford English Dictionary
The searchable online Oxford English Dictionary is a work in progress, with new entries added every year.
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Provides high quality reference materials in all facets of the study of crime and justice issues.
Sage Reference
Sage eBook and eReference content available on the Sage Knowledge platform, including scholarly monographs, reference works, handbooks, series, professional development titles and more.