Research by Subject: Controversial topics: Facts &amp; Reference

What is a 'Reference' resource?

A reference book is one you consult when you need factual, authoritative information on a subject. They are a good place to start if you're just beginning your research because they give you foundational information about a topic.

Reference book examples include:

dictionaries
encyclopedias
almanacs or "fact books"
directories

Things to know about Reference books:

they may be physical or digital items
- here are two examples of digital reference sets
they have lots of info!
- in the physical book, look for the Table of Contents or the Index to find the page you need for your subject
they're often in a separate section of the library
- look for the "Reference" section or the "Ready Reference" section near where the librarians sit.

Reference databases

Credo Reference
Collection of electronic reference books, dictionaries, and encyclopedias.
Virtual Reference Library (Gale)
Collection of online reference books published by Gale.
National Survey of State Laws (HeinOnline)
The NSSL covers the changes that have happened in many areas of law since 2015. It provides an overall view of some of the most-asked about and controversial legal topics in the United States: abortion, the right to die, gun control, prayer in public schools, marijuana, marriage, personal income tax, drunk driving, capital punishment, right to work, lemon laws, leases and other agreements, child custody, legal ages, and many other areas. Presented in chart format, NSSL allows users to make basic state-by-state comparisons of current state laws.