These instructions are designed for use with reference books and the Library catalog.
| "The best way to start many inquiries is to see if someone has already written an overview that outlines the most important facts on the subject and provides a concise list of recommended readings. This is precisely what a good encyclopedia article does." |
| Thomas Mann, The Oxford Guide to Library Research, p. 3.
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In addition to general works such as the Encyclopedia Britannica, the Buswell reference collection contains many specialized encyclopedias.
For example, Buswell owns the Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible, the Milton Encyclopedia, and the Encyclopedia of World Cultures, among many others.
An excellent way to beginning your research, therefore, is to check to see if an encyclopedia exists that is specifically devoted to your subject. One way to do so is to browse in suitable areas of the Buswell reference collection using the 
Dewey Decimal System brochure.
Another way is to search the Library catalog. Before you do so, it is highly recommended that you consult the Guide to Subject Headings to become acquainted with the subject headings used in the catalog.
In the catalog, select the Quick Search tab.
- In the Search for box, enter the subject heading, followed by the word dictionaries or encyclopedias.
- Select Browse subject in the Search by box.
- Click on the Search button.
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 Shelf, 031 R955f)
- Balay's Guide to Reference Books. (Buswell Quick Reference Shelf, 061.3 M884r Ed.11)
- American Reference Books Annual. (Buswell reference collection at RR 011.02 Am35)
*Mann goes on to say, "Unlike most Web sites, encyclopedia articles have usually gone through a process of editorial review by reputable publishers whose continuance in the marketplace depends on their reputation for accuracy; in addition, the selection of encyclopedias by libraries is in itself another hurdle of review. One of the main problems with the Internet, that if often gives researchers so many hits that they can't find good overviews within the welter, is thus often solved quickly and easily by encyclopedias."
For more information, please contact:
Reference Librarian
(630) 752-5169
Reference@wheaton.edu
