Encyclopedias and dictionaries provide broad overviews and definitions. In addition, they often provide lists of key concepts, authors, and works within a particular time period or cultural context.
1. Search the Library for the term - search for the term you would like to know more about (ex. the author, title, genre, etc).
a) On the left-hand menu, select "Reference" from under Content Type (you may need to click "more" to see Reference as an option)
b) Search for the term you are looking for. Example: Gay literature, Heroism
2. Search the Library for an encyclopedia or dictionary - search for the subject area you are interested in (ex. time period, genre, etc).
a) Add 'encyclopedia' or 'dictionary' to your search.
b) Limit your results to "Book/eBook" under Content Type on the left-hand menu.
c) Search for the broad literary category, and add 'encyclopedia' or 'dictionary' to your search. Example: Caribbean literature encyclopedia, Women literature dictionary
3. Search a reference database directly - for example:
