Sources That Help You Locate Reference Sources

Online Sources

The following databases can be very helpful in identifying the best sources for finding the information you need.

Reference Universe
Use Reference Universe to search the contents of over 4,500 print reference sources. Reference. There are direct links to the Library Catalog records for all of the titles that Library owns (which will provide you with the call number and location of the item)..

Biography and Genealogy Master Index
If you are looking for a biography of a person, Biography and Genealogy Master Index is a great place to begin. Just conduct a search on the person you are looking for information on, and the he database will provide you with a list of reference sources which include entries about the person. These include common ready-reference sources, such as Who's Who, as well as important retrospective works that cover individuals, both living and deceased, from every field of activity and from all areas of the world.

Print Sources

If you are looking to find reference sources of a particular type or on a particular subject, the following sources can be helpful:

Guide to reference books. Edited by Robert Balay. Chicago : American Library Association, 1996.
View Catalog Record

New Walford guide to reference resources. London : Facet Publishing, 2005-
View Catalog Record

Research Guides by Subject

Many of the Library's Research Guides by Subject provide lists of key print reference sources for a specific field

Ask a Librarian

If you are having trouble locating reference sources, please feel free to ask a reference librarian for assistance. We can help you locate the best sources for your research needs.