Reference and Research Services

Reference Sources

Reference sources provide facts, a quick overview, or background information. Think about using a reference source when you start researching a new paper or project. Reference sources can be digital or print.

Digital reference collections are available in a variety of sources, including

Oxford Reference Online
Reference Universe
INFOMINE Reference Sources
Librarians' Internet Index Reference & Quick Facts

The Reference Collection is the major collection of humanities and social sciences reference sources on the University of Oregon campus. It comprises resources in literature and languages, education, history, anthropology, ethnic studies, dance, psychology, and the general social sciences and humanities.  

The Reference Collection contains dictionaries and encyclopedias, handbooks, directories, and bibliographies. You can find reference sources in the UO Libraries Catalog by doing a subject search for the broad subject area you are interested in, followed by the word encyclopedias or dictionaries.

Save time - ask the staff at the Reference Desk.