Information Source: Reference Works
The term reference works refers to a type of resource that presents factual information with no analysis. Online and print resources such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, and atlases are considered reference works, and share the following attributes:
- Information is presented as fact with little to no analysis.
- An editor, rather than many authors, is the authority on the work - though authors' names may, in some cases, be reflected (such as at the end of a lengthy encyclopedia entry).
- Content is usually organized alphabetically; in some encyclopedias, content may be done chronologically or thematically.
- There is a quick reference method, such as an index or glossary, included with the resource that allows you to quickly access a term.
In your research, reference works can be helpful if you need to:
- Find and refer to factual information, such as a definition of a word or phrase, or the location of a city in a country
- Gain background knowledge or understanding on a concept or topic
