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Engineering

A guide to engineering resources in UVic Libraries

What are Reference Sources?

How and why to use reference sources or background sources

Reference sources (otherwise known as reference resources, or background sources) are designed to help you find specific types of information quickly. 

Use reference sources to:

  • get keywords and names for more effective advanced searching
  • read a quick overview of a new subject
  • find key facts and background information that will help you assess other resources
  • learn definitions of important words or concepts
  • see suggestions for more sources about your topic (including the best-known sources).

Use reference sources before launching into more detailed sources like journal articles and books -- and check back as you dig more deeply into your topic.

Type of Reference Sources

Not sure where to start? Use this chart to find out.

 

If you want...

 Try...

A starting point for your research

 Multipurpose reference sources

Background information on a topic

 Encyclopedias

The meaning of a word or an idea

 Dictionaries

Practical information on a topic or a  comprehensive overview

 Handbooks, manuals, guides, etc.

Information about a person or group of people

Biographical sources

Information about a place

 Maps, atlases, and gazetteers

Data, numbers, or facts on a topic

 Statistics, almanacs, and yearbooks

Suggestions for further reading or other types of information

 Bibliographies and other reference sources

Adapted from Janis McKenzie's guide, Simon Fraser University

How Do I Find Reference Sources?

Search the UVic libraries catalogue (Books & Media tab). Do a keyword search with one of the following:

encyclopedia
handbook
dictionary
reference
pocket book
introduction

e.g. "engineering dictionary"

 

For more instructions, check out UVIC Libraries FAQ for dictionaries and encyclopedias.

Important Reference Works

Engineering Handbooks, Texts, etc.

Subject specific resources provide more in-depth coverage of a particular topic or academic disciplines.

Very Short Introductions

Creative Commons License
This work by The University of Victoria Libraries is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License unless otherwise indicated when material has been used from other sources.