Need to select a research topic or find background information?
The Reference Collection includes a variety of different sources, such as: subject-focused encyclopedias, handbooks, almanacs, maps/atlases, statistical compendiums, dictionaries, and more. Look here to find introductory articles on subject-related topics. The broad perspective offered by such articles often proves helpful for narrowing research topics before pursuing more in-depth information.
This guide provides some recommendations for encyclopedias and other reference resources that might provide helpful information relating to your topic.
The following databases provide access to online encyclopedias, handbooks and dictionaries covering multidisciplinary topics. These are great sources of background information on countless topics.
Working from off campus? If so, you will need to log in with your Kean Google username and password.
Working from off campus? If so, you will need to log in with your Kean Google username and password.
The following titles are just a few examples of the subject encyclopedias held by the library. Books with a Call Number beginning with the letters "Ref" are shelved in alphanumeric order by call number in the Reference Collection on the second floor of the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons. Books with the designation "Electronic Resource" are e-books, which are accessible by clicking the hyperlinked title.
Countries and Their Cultures
Customizing the Body: The Art and Culture of Tattooing
Encyclopedia of Community: From the Village to the Virtual World
Encyclopedia of Ethnicity and Sports in the United States
Encyclopedia of Food and Culture
Encyclopedia of Holidays and Celebrations: A Country-by-Country Guide
Encyclopedia of Human-Animal Relationships: A Global Exploration of Our Connections with Animals
Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation
Encyclopedia of Multicultural Psychology
Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity, and Society
Encyclopedia of Recreation and Leisure in America
Encyclopedia of Religious and Spiritual Development
Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender
Encyclopedia of Urban Cultures: Cities and Cultures Around the World
Europa World Year Book
Greenwood Encyclopedia of Clothing Through American History, 1900 to the Present
Handbook of World Families
Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life
Worldmark Encyclopedia of Religious PracticesListed below are options available for you to contact a reference librarian and ask for help with your research.
