Reference sources, particularly specialized encyclopedias, offer many benefits.  Consider the following tips as you review a reference source on your topic to reap all the benefits and make your researching even better.  

 

• get definitions and background – Reference sources assume that you are new to a topic.  Jargon and specialized terminology will be explained and contextualized, which you might not get in more advanced books and journal articles.
• get caught-up on a topic – Research is a conversation, and often it’s been going on for years.  Reference sources will provide a historical background and identify key developments to help you understand how we got to the current understandings and theories.
• identify key people and theories – Who are the most important people and ideas on your topic?  Reference sources will help you identify them so you can explore them more deeply.
• find more sources – Reference sources will provide additional reading, usually in the form of references or background lists.  These are a great next-step in your research process.

 

Please contact the Research Assistance Desk if you need help with your library research.  There are several ways to contact us:

• Visit us in person
• Call us:  (864) 295-2195
• Email us:   libraryreference@furman.edu
• Text us:  (864) 214-7172