Use dictionaries, encyclopedias and handbooks to
1. get an overview of your topic
2. define terms
3. identify key words and concepts relating to your research topic
Scholarly or academic dictionaries explain concepts and trace the development of terms. The goal of encyclopedias is to bring together the most accepted facts and opinions about a topic, usually with references to key sources. Handbooks try bring together and organize all the research about a topic in a discipline.
All reference books listed below are available online. Click the item title to access the book.
Access to full text is limited to Temple University faculty, students, and staff. If you are off campus, you must prove you are affiliated with TU by entering your AccessNet ID and password.
You must have a Temple AccessNet ID and Password in order to access these resources off-campus.