Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are collections of factual entries often written by different contributors who are knowledgeable about the topic. There are two types of encyclopedias -- general and subject. General encyclopedias provide concise overviews on a wide variety of topics. Subject encyclopedias contain in-depth entries focusing on one field of study. The best place to find a print encyclopedia is in a library. However, online encyclopedias are available through the Alabama Virtual Library.

Use an encyclopedia

  • when looking for background information on a topic
  • when trying to find key ideas, important dates or concepts

Print encyclopedias

  • World Book Encyclopedia (general encyclopedia) Call no.: AE 5 .W55 2003 REF
  • Encyclopedia of Law Enforcement (subject encyclopedia) Call no.: HV 7921 .E53 2005 REF

Online encyclopedias

  • Britannica Encyclopedia Online
  • Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia (EBSCOhost)
  • The Columbia Encyclopedia (Credo Reference)

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