Background information is general information about a topic that supports the general consensus and recognized facts about the topic. Reference books are often an ideal source for background information because of their authority, synthesis of generally-accepted information, and concise overviews of topics. This page provides links to some of the library's more important reference databases.
Articles on hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Online Encyclopædia Britannica plus Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and other research tools.
Indexes an array of topics updated annually.
Authoritative and comprehensive dictionary of English.
Library of current event topics: Facts as well as the arguments of each topic's proponents and detractors.
Articles and essays on both sides of many major topics.
The library has a large collection of print reference books as well as reference ebooks that can be found by using the Library Discovery Search.
Several of these databases provide a variety of sources in addition to reference books. They are all meant as places to begin research in their respective subjects.
Examines authors, important literary works, memorable characters, and influential movements in world literature.
Comprehensive information on cultures around the world; Editions: World, Kids, States, and Provinces.
U.S. and world history topics including primary source material.
Information on authors and literary disciplines.
Online world music encyclopedia with audio samples.
Evidence-based point-of-care information for nurses.
Gateway to resources including Grove Music Online, The Oxford Companion to Music, The Oxford Dictionary of Music, and the Encyclopedia of Popular Music.
Health reference works including Magill’s Medical Guide.
Literature criticism sources including the Critical Survey of Long Fiction.
Science reference works including the Encyclopedia of Mathematics & Society and Forensic Science.
Reference books and periodicals covering a broad spectrum of science topics.