You can use "tertiary" reference sources (e.g., encyclopedias, biographies, almanacs, etc.) to learn about possible topics, and to gather helpful background information on these topics. These sources provide broad overviews, but also often contain bibliographies that point to more relevant sources. The following reference websites allow for keyword searching and subject browsing.
Two million digitized entries from Oxford dictionaries, companions, and encyclopedias in 25 different subject areas.
Links to various reference books including dictionaries and encyclopedias from every major subject including art, science, history, music, foreign language, politics and literature.
Online version of a broad, general-knowledge encyclopedia.
A large, easily searchable collection of reference books.
Specialized reference sources particular to a discipline or area of study can be especially good starting points. The following are available online and are keyword searchable and browsable by topic.
The Writer's Workshop and the Undergraduate Library, in partnership, offer remote research and writing consultations. Get help from experts focusing your research question(s) or developing your argument.
Area | Subject Librarian | |
---|---|---|
Global Studies | Steve Witt | swwitt@illinois.edu |
Government Information | Sanga Sung | ssung@illinois.edu |
Labor & Employment Relations | Nancy O'Brien | npobrien@illinois.edu |
Latin American & Caribbean Studies | Antonio Sotomayor | asotomay@illinois.edu |
Maps & Cartography | Jenny Johnson | jmj@illinois.edu |
Sociology/Geography & Geographic Information Science | Jess Hagman | jhagman@illinois.edu |
(Urban) Planning | Michael Dickinson | mad4@illinois.edu |