These instructions are designed for use with reference books and research databases.
To find articles in encyclopedias and other reference books:
- If you know absolutely nothing about the person you are interested in, start with a general encyclopedia such as the Encyclopedia Britannica.
- Find an encyclopedia that covers the particular historical period, country, profession, achievements, etc., of the person. Consult the research guides by discipline for suggestions, or browse in suitable areas of the Buswell reference collection using the
Dewey Decimal System brochure. - If you are unable to find suitable encyclopedias, you may wish to consult one of the following sources which list hundreds of encyclopedias arranged by subject.
- First Stop: the Master Index to Subject Encyclopedias. (Buswell Quick Reference Table, 031 R955f)
- Balay's Guide to Reference Books. (Buswell Quick Reference Table, 061.3 M884r Ed.11)
- American Reference Books Annual. (Buswell reference collection at RR 011.02 Am35)
To find journal articles:
Consult How to Find Journal Articles.
To find full-length books (biographies):
In the Library catalog, select the Advanced Search tab.
- In the Search for box enter the person's name.
- Select Subject words in the Search by box.
- Click on the Search button.
For more options:
Search the I-Share online catalog to see what is available at other Illinois libraries. Items in I-Share may be requested for delivery to Buswell. If you still need more options, search WorldCat to see what is available through interlibrary loan. Requests for interlibrary loan may be placed directly in WorldCat.
For more information, please contact:
Reference Librarian
(630) 752-5169
Reference@wheaton.edu
