What are Reference books?
Reference books, such as an encyclopedia, atlas, dictionary, handbook, etc., contain authoritative, relatively brief information or facts for consultation. They are not intended to be read cover to cover.
The library has print reference books, eReference books and reference databases.
Reference ebooks include online full text handbooks, specialized encyclopedias, subject dictionaries, atlases, and other sources. They provide objective background information, quick facts, statistics, biographies, and more.
How to Find Reference Books & Ebooks
To find a reference title:
- Go to the ORU opens new window Library catalog. Key in the title and choose Reference Collection in the View Entire Collection drop menu. Scroll the list and click on an ebook. A link to the full text ebook is provided on the record page.
- Search or browse a reference database.
Selected Reference Ebook Databases
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
- Oxford Handbooks Online: Religion This link opens in a new window
- Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new window
Sample eReference Titles
Culture Wars in America: An Encyclopedia of Issues, Viewpoints, and Voices
by The term "culture wars" refers to the political and sociological polarisation that has characterised American society the past several decades. This new edition provides an enlightening and comprehensive A-to-Z ready reference, now with supporting primary documents, on major topics of contemporary importance for students, teachers, and the general reader. It aims to promote understanding and clarification on pertinent topics that too often are not adequately explained or discussed in a balanced context. With approximately 640 entries plus more than 120 primary documents supporting both sides of key issues, this is a unique and defining work, indispensable to informed discussions of the most timely and critical issues facing America today.Publication Date: 2010-08-10
Encyclopedia Judaica
by Providing an exhaustive and organized overview of Jewish life and knowledge from the Second Temple period to the contemporary State of Israel, from Rabbinic to modern Yiddish literature, from Kabbalah to "Americana" and from Zionism to the contribution of Jews to world cultures, Encyclopaedia Judaica, Second Edition is important to scholars, general readers and students. With more than 22,000 signed entries on Jewish life, culture, history and religion, this second edition incorporates more than three decades of changes and the latest scholarship-such as new archaeological sites, theories and analytical methodologies. Featuring original work by top scholars representing all major universities and centres of research in Jewish studies, this invaluable set expands the scope and relevance of the original with some 2,200 brand-new entries.Call Number: DS102.8 .E496 2007Publication Date: 2006-12-12
Encyclopedia of Bioethics
by This new edition is a complete revision of the Dartmouth Medal-winning set last revised in 1995. Covering a wealth of topics on the ethics of health professions, animal research, population control and the environment, the set helps researchers to consider the impact of new scientific knowledge and its potential to harm or benefit present and future generations. All bibliographies have been updated and new entries added--from cloning, to issues of privacy or censorship on the Web, cell-stem research, same-sex marriage, privatization of water access, animal rights and much more.Call Number: QH332 .E52 2004Publication Date: 1905-06-01
The Encyclopedia of Strikes in American History
by Strikes have been part of American labor relations from colonial days to the present, reflecting the widespread class conflict that has run throughout the nation's history. Against employers and their goons, against the police, the National Guard, local, state, and national officials, against racist vigilantes, against their union leaders, and against each other, American workers have walked off the job for higher wages, better benefits, bargaining rights, legislation, job control, and just plain dignity. At times, their actions have motivated groundbreaking legislation, defining new rights for all citizens; at other times they have led to loss of workers' lives. This comprehensive encyclopedia is the first detailed collection of historical research on strikes in America. To provide the analytical tools for understanding strikes, the volume includes two types of essays - those focused on an industry or economic sector, and those focused on a theme. Each industry essay introduces a group of workers and their employers and places them in their economic, political, and community contexts. The essay then describes the industry's various strikes, including the main issues involved and outcomes achieved, and assesses the impact of the strikes on the industry over time. Thematic essays address questions that can only be answered by looking at a variety of strikes across industries, groups of workers, and time, such as, why the number of strikes has declined since the 1970s, or why there was a strike wave in 1946. The contributors include historians, sociologists, anthropologists, and philosophers, as well as current and past activists from unions and other social movement organizations. Photos, a Topic Finder, a bibliography, and name and subject indexes add to the works appeal.Publication Date: 2009-12-01
An Encyclopedia of the History of Technology
by Available for the first time in paperback, this volume includes twenty-two chapters by international experts covering the entire history of technology from humankind's earliest use of stone tools to the exploration of space. Written clearly and without unnecessary jargon, each chapter traces the development of its subject from earliest times to the present day, stressing the social context and its place in scientific thought. * Usefully drawn with over 150 tables, drawings and photographs * Two comprehensive indexes of names and subjects * Essential reading for teachers and students in the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, Industrial History and Archaeology.Publication Date: 1996-08-12
New Catholic Encyclopedia
by The first edition of this reference work, called the Catholic Encyclopedia, was published around the turn of the 20th century, with the last revised edition appear ing in 1967. This new edition includes the best of the previous entries - many completely revised and updated - as well as new entries, written by subject experts, covering the latest topics of interest. Many thousands of articles are biographical profiles of the people who make up the history of the Catholic Church.Call Number: BX841 .N44 2003 LRC-RPublication Date: 2002-09-13
