Download Finding Background Information

Finding Background Information
When you begin research for a paper or project, you
will usually need background information first. This is
especially important if you are not very familiar with
the subject you are researching or have not decided
which aspect of it you want to emphasize. By
consulting the types of sources described in this guide,
you can find
a brief overview of the topic;
definitions of terms and jargon in the field;
key names, events, and terms related to the topic
that may be used later to find information in the
online catalog, periodical databases, or other
sources;
an introductory, select bibliography (i.e., list of
suggested sources by scholars or experts in the
field).
Reference Sources” page on our website. To find other
specialized encyclopedias, you can
1. Ask a reference librarian for suggestions.
2. Search the Credo Reference or Sage Reference
Online encyclopedia collections or other electronic
encyclopedias available on our “Find Reference
Sources” webpage at
http://www.greenville.edu/campus_resources/librar
y/reference.dot.
3. Scan the shelves around one of the listed
encyclopedias that you thought would be helpful,
but was not. Or, find out what call numbers
correspond to your subject and browse in that area
of the reference collection.
4. Look in the online catalog under your subject or a
broader subject followed by the subdivision
"Encyclopedias," for example, "Bioethics—
Encyclopedias."
WHERE TO BEGIN
Because they contain information on almost every
subject, encyclopedias are often the best place to begin
research when you don’t know much about your topic.
Encyclopedias are excellent for providing the
background information previously mentioned.
TWO TYPES OF ENCYCLOPEDIAS
While general encyclopedias, such as Encyclopedia
Britannica, Encyclopedia Americana, and even
Wikipedia, are sometimes logical places to begin
research, specialized encyclopedias covering your
subject area are usually much more useful and reliable.
A subject-specialized encyclopedia may cover your
topic in more depth than a general encyclopedia and
has been written by authorities on the specific subject.
CHOOSING AN ENCYCLOPEDIA
Determine whether your subject deals with the
humanities, the social sciences, or the sciences.
Often a subject may fit into more than one of these
areas. Abortion, for example, fits into at least three
areas—religion, political science, and biology. Ask a
librarian if you are not sure how to categorize your
subject. When you have decided which areas to look
under, turn to the humanities, social sciences, and
sciences sections of this guide for suggested
specialized encyclopedias or consult the “Find
USING AN ENCYCLOPEDIA
For efficient and effective use of encyclopedias,
keep in mind the following suggestions:
1. Use the index to the encyclopedia. This may be a
separate volume, or it may be at the beginning or
end of the encyclopedia. The index will lead you to
all the references to your subject. Many times your
topic will be included in the encyclopedia as a
subdivision of another broader topic, and therefore
will not be in its own alphabetical order. For
example, "Mafia" may be a subdivision of
"Organized Crime."
2. Try several terms for your topic because the term
you are using may not be the same one used in the
encyclopedia. For example, information about
"endangered species" may be under "extinction."
3. Look for bibliographies listing other sources on
your topic. Often bibliographies are appended to
the end of an encyclopedia article. Other times,
references to other sources are included within an
encyclopedia article or at the end of an
encyclopedia.
4. Follow the cross-reference that will lead you from
the article you are reading to other related articles in
the same encyclopedia. Related articles may
suggest other ideas for defining or focusing your
topic.
2
Finding Background Information
BACKGROUND SOURCES AT GREENVILLE
COLLEGE LIBRARY
Listed on the following pages are examples of print
subject-specialized encyclopedias arranged by subjects
within the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
Their call numbers and brief descriptions are provided.
Because the Library has so many (500+) electronic
subject-specialized encyclopedias available for
research, it isn’t possible to include those in this guide.
R.
704.
948
M96
The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and
Architecture. 1996.
R.
709
G17
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages. 11th ed.
2001.
Provides brief descriptions of art and
architecture that have been influenced by the
Bible and Christianity.
Traces the history of art throughout the world
from the Stone Age to the present.
HUMANITIES
R.
Arts & Humanities through the Eras. 2005.
700.9 5 vols.
Ar795
Each volume focuses on the same topics for a
different period of history: 1) Ancient Egypt,
2) Ancient Greece and Rome, 3) Medieval
Europe, 4) Renaissance Europe, 5) Age of
Baroque and Enlightenment. An index
concludes each volume.
ART
R.
700
D56
R
700
R27
Comprehensive and detailed coverage of
almost all types of visual arts from architecture
and the decorative arts to painting and
sculpture. Essays tend to be longer with
bibliographies.
The Oxford Guide to Classical Mythology in
the Arts, 1300-1990s. 1993. 2 vols.
Encyclopedia of World Art. 1959-68.
15 vols.
Contains long articles on painting, sculpture,
architecture, and artists of all periods and
countries. Bibliographies are appended to
each article. Illustrations (some colored) are
included in the last half of each volume.
R.
704.
948
B81
The Lion Companion to Christian Art. 2008.
Surveys Christian art throughout history.
Includes color photographs.
A Biographical Dictionary of Artists.
Rev. ed. 1995. (also available online at
http://ezproxy.greenville.edu/login?url=
http://www.credoreference.com/vol/92)
Describes the life, work, and artistic
development of over 1,300 artists from
throughout the world.
R.
709.2
C76
Contemporary Artists. 5th ed. 2002. 2 vols.
R
770.3
F68
The Focal Encyclopedia of Photography. 3rd
ed. 1993.
The Dictionary of Art. 1998. 34 vols.
Lists art works from the early Renaissance to
present day that utilize subjects from Greek
and Roman mythology.
R
703
En19
R.
709.2
B52
Profiles over 800 twentieth-century artists,
most of whom have done their best work after
1960.
Includes definitions of all aspects of
photography from the technical to the
historical.
COMMUNICATION
R.
Encyclopedia of Communication and Informa302.2 tion. 2002. 3 vols.
En194
Provides articles on communication and
information from an interdisciplinary
perspective.
R.
302.2
In85
The International Encyclopedia of Communication. 2008. 12 vols.
Attempts to explain the breadth of research
that defines the study and field of
communication with over 1,300 articles
written by a variety of scholars from across the
discipline and around the world. Vol. 12 is an
index.
Finding Background Information
R.
Social Networking Communities and E-Dating
302.23 Services: Concepts and Implications. 2009.
So13
Provides lengthy academic essays on topics
related to both social networking and online
dating.
DRAMA/THEATER
R
Oxford Companion to the Theater. 4th ed.
792.03 1983.
H25a
Emphasizes staged drama rather than literary
drama. Includes brief articles on actors,
producers, theater buildings, the history of
theater in various countries, and terminology.
R.
792.
0973
B64
Ref
792.
0973
C14
R
809.2
M17
R.
The Film Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. 1994.
791.43
K15
Presents short entries on people, studios,
organizations, events, styles, genres, and
terminology associated with films in English.
R.
791.
436
M45
Begins with introductory essays on the film
noir genre followed by alphabetic entries on
actors, directors, and films.
R.
801
En19
Encyclopedia of Contemporary Literary
Theory. 1993.
Provides introductory articles on literary
theory organized into three alphabetical
sections: Approaches, Scholars, and Terms.
Cambridge Guide to American Theatre.
1993.
R.
Encyclopedia of World Literature in the 20th
803
Century. 3rd ed. 1999. 4 vols.
En198
Includes articles on 20th century literary
movements, writers, and nationalities of
literature.
Covers American theatre from its earliest
history to the present including marginalized
as well as mainstream topics.
R
809
B56
Black Literature Criticism. 1992. 3 vols.
R.
809
J62
The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory
& Criticism. 1994.
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of World
Drama. 1984. 5 vols.
Provides biographical information as well as
synopses and critical evaluation of the major
works of individual dramatists from antiquity
to the twentieth century. Entries on terms,
movements, and styles are also included.
Articles include bibliographies of editions of
plays and critical works. A glossary of terms,
play title list, and index complete volume 5.
R.
809.8
Ox25
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children’s
Literature. 2006. 4 vols.
Covers children’s authors, characters, genres,
and works as well as children’s literature in a
variety of countries. Volume 4 includes a
select bibliography, a list of awards, and an
index.
The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film and
Television. 2nd ed. 2008.
Includes an introductory essay on the history
of film and television superheroes, and then
presents a detailed alphabetic list of those
superheroes.
Surveys the criticism of the works of major
black writers throughout the world for the last
200 years.
Includes essays on the key people,
movements, and schools of thought associated
with literary theory and criticism.
FILM
R.
791.4
M89
Encyclopedia of Film Noir. 2007.
LITERATURE
American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy
and Drama, 1869-1914. 1994.
Chronicles American non-musical theatre by
opening date beginning just after the Civil
War. Three additional volumes cover the
periods 1914-1930, 1930-1969, 1969-2000.
3
R.
810.3
Ox25
The Oxford Encyclopedia of American
Literature. 2004. 4 vols.
Provides essays describing the topics and
writers who have shaped American literature
from its beginnings to the present day.
4
Finding Background Information
R
American Writers: A Collection of Literary
810.9 Biographies. 1974- . 4 vols. in original set
Am35 with ongoing supplementary volumes.
R
820.9
B77
Contains information about the lives, careers,
and writings of British writers.
Contains information about the lives, careers,
and writings of American writers.
Ref.
810.9
C72
Columbia Literary History of the United
States.
Divided into five broad time periods, essays
describe the literary figures, movements, and
criticism that shaped the literature of the
United States from prehistoric time through
the 1980's.
R
810.9
L71a
R.
810.9
M72
Modern American Literature. 5th ed. 1999.
3 vols.
Brings together excerpts from a variety of
critical evaluations of the writings of 20th
century American authors.
R.
African American Writers. 2nd ed. 2001.
810.
2 vols.
9896
Af834 Covers African-American writers such as
Baldwin, Brooks, Du Bois, Hurston, and
Wright. A chronology of major historical and
literary events is included at the front.
R.
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Multiethnic
810.992 American Literature. 2005. 5 vols.
G85
Introduces the reader to American ethnic
authors, texts, topics, and traditions ranging
from African American to Turkish to
Vietnamese American.
R.
820.3
Ox25
R.
860.
0998
En19
Encyclopedia of Latin American Literature.
1997.
R
860.9
L34
Latin American Writers. 1989. 3 vols.
R.
860.
998
L71
Literary Cultures of Latin America: A
Comparative History. 2004. 3 vols.
R
880
An22
Ancient Writers: Greece and Rome. 1982.
2 vols.
Literary History of the United States.
1974. 2 vols.
Volume one contains essays surveying the
history of American literature from colonial
times up to the 1970s . A bibliography is
included at the end of this volume. Volume
two consists of bibliographic essays divided
into four main sections: “Guide to Resources,
“Literature and Culture,” “Movements and
influences,” and “Individual authors.”
The Oxford Encyclopedia of British Literature.
2006. 5 vols.
Provides articles on authors, themes,
movements, genres, and institutions covering
the history of British literature.
British Writers. 1979- . 8 vols. in original set
with ongoing supplementary volumes.
Includes essays relating to Latin-American
authors, works, and literary subjects.
Presents articles chronologically on the life,
work, and literary contributions of 176 LatinAmerican writers. Use the index at the end of
volume three to locate a specific author.
Includes in-depth, scholarly essays arranged
into three volumes topically: Vol. 1—
“Configurations of Literary Culture,” Vol. 2—
Institutional Modes and Cultural Modalities,”
Vol. 3—Latin American Literary Culture:
Subject to History.”
Longer articles covering major ancient writers
and literary subjects. Each entry ends with a
bibliography. Arranged chronologically with
an index at the end of volume 2.
Oxford Companions to Literature.
These companions provide brief articles on
authors, critics, literary works, characters,
societies, terms, movements, and historical
events. Check older editions if newest edition
does not provide the information you need.
Examples are the Oxford Companion to
American Literature (R 810.3 H25b), to
English Literature (R 820.3 H26c), to
Canadian History and Literature (R 810.3
St76), to Children's Literature (R 809.8 C22),
to French Literature (R 840.3 H26), to
German Literature (R 830.3 G18), to the
Literature of Wales (R 891.6 Ox2), to
Women’s Writing in the United States (R.
810.99 Ox2), and to African American
Literature (R. 810.9 Ox2).
Finding Background Information
The Penguin Companions to World Literature.
1969-1971. 4 vols.
Provide information on authors and their main
works. The four volumes are The Penguin
Companion to American Literature (R 810.9
P37), to Classical, Oriental, and African
Literature (R 809 P37), to English Literature
(R 820.9 P37), and to European Literature (R
809.894 P37).
MUSIC
R.
780.3
K38
The Oxford Dictionary of Music. 2nd ed.
1994.
Contains short entries on composers,
performers, orchestras, individual works,
musical forms and terms, instruments,
institutions, writers, and scholars.
R
780.3
N42a
New Grove Dictionary of Music and
nd
Musicians. 2 ed. 2001. 29 vols.
Major source for concise definitions as well as
encyclopedic articles on music history, theory,
practice, terms, musicians, and works from
earliest times to the present. Extensive
bibliographies and/or cross-references follow
most entries. Complete lists of works for
some figures are also presented.
R.
780.9
T17
The Oxford History of Western Music. 2004.
6 vols.
Scholarly survey of the history of Western
music from its beginnings through the end of
the millennium. Each volume examines a
different period of history: 1) Earliest
Notations to the Sixteenth Century,
2) Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries,
3) Nineteenth Century, 4) Early Twentieth
Century, 5) Late Twentieth Century. Volume
6 contains a chronology, a bibliography, and a
master index to the whole set.
R.
The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music.
781.64 1995. 6 vols.
G94
Very extensive collection of entries describing
pop music performers, producers, styles,
songs, shows, etc. In addition to an index, vol.
6 contains a bibliography of works about
particular artists and a bibliography by subject.
R
781.7
N42
5
The New Grove Dictionary of American
Music. 1986. 4 vols.
Provides extensive coverage of the various
musical genres from every historical period
along with an in-depth treatment of specific
composers, performers, instruments,
publishers, and dance.
R.
782.
103
N42
The New Grove Dictionary of Opera. 1992.
4 vols.
Contains a comprehensive collection of entries
on all aspects of opera.
R.
The New Kobbé’s Opera Book. 11th ed. 1997.
782.13
N42
Provides act-by-act descriptions of nearly 500
operas. Arranged chronologically by
composer.
PHILOSOPHY
R.
103
C73
Blackwell Companions to Philosophy series.
1991-2010. multiple volumes.
Presents in-depth articles on philosophers,
historical time periods, and types of
philosophy in topical volumes.
R
103
En19
Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 1967.
8 vols. & Supplement (1996).
Contains articles on philosophical terms and
schools as well as individual philosophers.
Bibliographies are appended to all articles.
Supplement updates topics covered in the
original volumes as well as introduces more
recent scholarship.
R.
103
Ox2
The Oxford Companion to Philosophy. 1995.
R.
103
R76
Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 1998.
10 vols.
Includes extended entries on the principal
areas of philosophy and the great philosophers
in addition to short entries on key concepts,
theories, philosophers, and other subjects
related to philosophy.
Provides scholarly essays on philosophers,
philosophical theories, and other subjects as
they relate to philosophy.
6
Finding Background Information
Ref.
170.3
En19
Encyclopedia of Ethics. 1992. 2 vols. (2001,
2nd ed. available online at http://ezproxy.
greenville.edu/login?url= http://www.credo
reference.com/entry.jsp?volid=565)
Includes articles on a wide variety of ethical
topics from perennial moral problems to
ethical theory.
R.
170.9
G28
Historical Dictionary of Ethics. 2008.
R.
179.1
En19
Handbook of Research on Technoethics.
2009. 2 vols.
Examines the field of technoethics as well as a
variety of ethical issues related to technology
such as cyber identify theft and software
piracy in lengthy, academic essays.
Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and
Philosophy. 2009. 2 vols.
Examines a broad range of environmental
issues, events, and people from philosophical
and ethical perspectives.
R
190
H19
R.
210
R76
The Handbook of Western Philosophy. 1988.
Provides a survey of the concepts, theories,
themes, and controversies related to Western
philosophy.
The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of
Religion. 2007.
Introduces the issues, arguments, people,
concepts, and other topics associated with the
philosophy of religion.
R.
501
R76
RELIGION
R.
200
En17
The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of
Science. 2008.
Encyclopedia of African American Religions.
1993.
Covers African America religious leaders,
groups, and issues related to the development
of African American religious life.
Offers a chronology of the history of ethics
followed by a “dictionary” of short entries
defining topics and people related to ethics.
R
Encyclopedia of Bioethics. 1995. 5 vols.
174.2
En19a Contains articles on ethical and social issues in
the life sciences and medicine. Includes
lengthy articles and bibliographies on such
topics as abortion, racism, environmental
ethics, privacy, violence, biomedical science
and war, rationing of medical treatment, gene
therapy, faith healing, and malpractice.
R.
174.
96
H19
Includes scholarly articles on topics in five
broad subject areas related to the philosophy
of science.
R
200
En18
Encyclopedia of Religion. 1987. 16 vols.
R.
200
H23
The HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion.
1995.
Comprehensive and ecumenical reference
work covering all aspects of religion from
ancient and living religions, to religious
beliefs, practices, symbols, and themes.
Provides bibliographical and/or crossreferences with most essays.
Covers a miscellany of religious topics from
Hindu rites for women to relationships
between architecture and religion.
R.
Encyclopedia of Women and World Religion.
200.82 1999. 2 vols.
En19
Includes articles tracing women’s history and
experience with world religions from the
beginning of time through the twentieth
century.
R.
Contemporary American Religion. 2000. 2
200.973 vols.
C76
Examines popular religious culture at the end
of the twentieth century.
R
220.3
An21
The Anchor Bible Dictionary. 1992. 6 vols.
R.
220.3
N422
The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible.
2006-2009. 5 vols.
Identifies and explains all proper names and
significant terms and subjects in the Bible,
including the Apocrypha. Entries are written
by scholars and include bibliographies.
Covers topics, places, and people in the Bible
as well as theological concepts.
Finding Background Information
R
220.7
N418
The New Interpreter's Bible. 1994-2004.
13 vols.
Presents the full texts and critical notes for
both the New Revised Standard Version and
New International Version of the Bible as well
as general and passage-specific commentary.
R.
The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology.
230
2007.
Ox24o
Examines this field of Christian doctrine
through lengthy essays written by scholars in
the field.
R
270.1
En19
Encyclopedia of the Early Church. 1992.
2 vols.
Contains short articles on topics of the early
Church ranging from archaeology to
philosophy and linguistics to geography. The
lists of abbreviations at the front aid in
interpretation of the entries.
R.
270.6
Ox2
Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation.
1996. 4 vols.
Includes longer articles on various aspects of
Judaism. A general index and an index to
Biblical texts conclude the third volume.
R.
297
M97
R
291
En19
Encyclopedia of American Religions. 1993.
Provides descriptions of over 1,700 religious
groups and essays on the development of
religion in the United States and Canada.
R.
Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World.
297.03 2004. 2 vols.
En19
Provides over 500 articles related to the
Islamic world and its history.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
GENERAL
R.
300.3
So13
R
296
En19
The Social Science Encyclopedia. 2nd ed.
1996.
Contains articles on the central disciplines of
the social sciences as well as theories,
historical figures, methods, and schools of
thought.
R
300.3
In8 5
International Encyclopedia of the Social
Sciences. 2nd ed. 2008. 9 vols.
Provides background information on topics in
anthropology, economics, history, law,
political science, psychology, sociology,
statistics, and related fields.
Encyclopedia of the American Religious
Experience. 1988. 3 vols.
Examines various traditions, movements, and
influences related to North American religious
practice. Essays are grouped into chapters by
subject.
The Muslim Almanac: A Reference Work on
the History, Faith, Culture, & Peoples of
Islam. 1996.
Describes Islamic history, faith, culture, and
peoples in topically-arranged articles. A
useful glossary of terms is included near the
back of the volume.
Covers a wide array of events, people, and
ideas of the sixteenth century. Not confined to
the “Protestant Reformation.” A “Synoptic
Outline of Contents” is included in volume 4.
Ref.
280
M49
7
BUSINESS
R.
Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling
395.52 Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60
M83
Countries. 2nd ed. 2006.
Encyclopaedia Judaica. 1971-1972. 16 vols.
Covers all aspects of Jewish life and thought.
Supplementary information included at the end
of volume 16. Bibliography provided with
each entry. Charts, diagrams, chronologies,
tables, and index are in volume one.
R.
The Encyclopedia of Judaism. 1999. 3 vols.
296
En196
Provides overviews of recommended business
etiquette across cultures.
R.
650
En19
Encyclopedia of Business. 1995. 2 vols.
Provides explanations of the global concepts,
issues, and terms associated with both current
and classical business.
8
Finding Background Information
about A.D. 500 to 1500. Covers Western
Europe, the Scandinavian north, the Byzantine
and Slavic east, the Muslim south, and the
world of Judaism.
ECONOMICS/MANAGEMENT
R
330
En19
R.
658
En19
Encyclopedia of Economics. 1982.
Good source of information on such topics as
advertising, consumer theory, inflation,
monetary policy, social security programs, and
the world bank. Name and subject indexes
provided.
R.
932
Ox25
Presents the “prehistoric, predynastic, and
dynastic phases” of the Egyptian civilization
around the Nile Valley .
Encyclopedia of Management. 5th ed. 2006.
Offers scholarly introductions to management
terms and topics.
Ref
Handbook for Professional Managers. 1985.
658.03
En19a Entries cover management functions, business
activities, and environmental resources and
constraints. Excellent bibliographies and
index provided. See also Encyclopedia of
Professional Management (R 658.03 En19).
R.
936
An22
R
Encyclopedia of Educational Research.
370.3 6th ed. 1992. 4 vols.
M757d
This standard source presents a critical
synthesis of research on educational problems
and practices as well as experimental studies.
Extensive bibliographies are included with
each article.
Ancient Europe 8000 B.C.-A.D. 1000:
Encyclopedia of the Barbarian World. 2004.
2 vols.
Arranged topically with volume 1 covering the
Mesolithic to Copper Age (c. 8000-2000 B.C.)
and volume 2 covering the Bronze to Early
Middle Ages (c. 3000 B.C.-A.D. 1000).
R.
939.4
C49
Civilizations of the Ancient Near East. 1995.
4 vols.
Divided into eleven parts by broad subjects.
Focuses on civilizations of the Mediterranean
world from the Bronze Age (3200 B.C.E.) to
the Hellenistic era (325 B.C.E.).
EDUCATION
R
Encyclopedia of Education. 2003. 8 vols.
370.3
En194 Articles cover topics related to learning and
instruction for all levels of education.
Educational history, theory, research, and
philosophy, as well as people, associations,
and institutions are included.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt.
2001. 3 vols.
R.
Encyclopedia of European Social History from
940.03 1350 to 2000. 2001. 6 vols.
En19
Includes articles arranged into topical sections.
Volume one contains a chronology and
volume six provides biographies and an index.
R.
940.2
En19
Encyclopedia of the Renaissance. 1999.
6 vols.
Presents scholarly articles describing the
“cultural movement” and historical period
known as the Renaissance. The time period
covered begins with mid-14th century Italy and
ends throughout Europe in the 17th century.
HISTORY
R.
903
L328
Larousse Dictionary of World History.
1994.
Contains short entries describing the key
figures, groups, and events that shaped world
history.
R
Dictionary of the Middle Ages. 1982-1989.
909.07 13 vols.
D56
Contains approximately 5,000 articles
describing people, places, and events from
R.
Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment. 2003.
940.25 4 vols.
En19
For the purposes of this work, Enlightenment
has been defined as “a set of tendencies and
developments of European culture from the
1670s to the early nineteenth century
(including in the American outposts of that
culture).” Includes articles covering topics
and people related to this culture.
Finding Background Information
R.
947
En19
Encyclopedia of Eastern Europe: From the
Congress of Vienna to the Fall of Communism.
2000.
Provides longer articles on the seven countries
included in the geographic scope of this book
(Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary,
Poland, Romania, Yugoslavia) as well as short
entries on other aspects of life in this area.
R
950
En19
R.
Encyclopedia of Modern Asia. 2002. 6 vols.
950
En196 Focuses on the thirty-three nations that range
from Japan in the east to Turkey in the west
and from Kazakhstan in the north to Indonesia
in the south. Each volume includes an
introductory essay on the historical geography
of the areas covered, several maps, and a
“Reader’s Guide.”
R.
956
En19
Encyclopedia of Africa South of the Sahara.
1997. 4 vols.
Includes hundreds of articles arranged
alphabetically including some “composite”
entries of articles on one subject clustered
together. In addition to an index, the final
volume contains an appendix on research
about Africa by non-Africans, a chronology,
and a list of ethnic names.
R.
970
En19
Encyclopedia of the North American Colonies.
1993. 3 vols.
The Canadian Encyclopedia. 1985. 3 vols.
Includes entries relating to Canadian history
and culture on such diverse topics as the
provinces, cultural and political figures, ice
hockey, and birch bark biting. Some entries
include reading lists and cross-references.
Vol. 3 contains an index for subjects not in the
three-volume alphabetical list.
R.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican
972.01 Cultures: The Civilizations of Mexico and
Ox25 Central America. 2001. 3 vols.
Presents essays on the culture and history of
peoples in the southern two thirds of Mexico
as well as Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and
parts of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
R.
973
C73
A Companion to American Thought. 1995.
R
973
D56a
Dictionary of American History. 3rd ed. 2003.
10 vols.
Provides essays on the key topics and figures
throughout American history that affected our
intellectual development. Covers subjects as
diverse as “abortion,” “feminist jurisprudence,” “privacy,” and “virtue.”
Provides articles on events, places, groups, and
ideas related to American History. Does not
include biographical entries. Volume 9
includes archival maps and primary
documents.
Encyclopedia of Twentieth-Century African
History. 2003.
Explores the history of change in Africa
during the last century in short to mediumlength entries.
R.
967
En19
R
971
C16
Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East.
1996. 4 vols.
Covers the history, politics, religion, economics, literature, and arts of the Middle East
since 1800.
R.
960.3
En19
Contains longer topical and thematic essays
arranged into broad categories such as
“Government and Law” and “Religion.”
Volume one begins with a chronology.
Encyclopedia of Asian History. 1988. 4 vols.
In defining Asia, the editors have included
Iran and Central Asia, South Asia, and East
Asia, but not the majority of the Middle East
(Syria, Israel, Iraq, and Turkey) or the Soviet
Union. Covers all aspects of Asian
civilization from early history through the
1980's.
9
Ref.
973
En19
Encyclopedia of American Social History.
1993. 3 vols.
Includes essays on the major issues that have
dominated historical writing for the last
generation such as periods of social change,
ethnic and racial subcultures, popular culture,
and work and labor.
R.
Encyclopedia of African American History
973.
1619-1895. 2006. 3 vols.
0496
En192 Provides essays on the people, events, eras,
legal cases, places, and areas of cultural
achievement in African American history from
1619 to 1895. Includes a “Chronology of
10 Finding Background Information
African American History, 1619-1895” and a
“Topical Outline of Articles” in volume 5.
R.
Encyclopedia of African American History
973.
1896 to the Present. 2009. 5 vols.
0496
En193 Following the set above, focuses on the
events, people, eras, legal cases, places, and
areas of cultural achievement in African
American history since the end of the
nineteenth century. A “Thematic Outline of
Entries” and a “Chronology of African
American History, 1896 to the Present” are
included in volume 5.
R.
973.5
En19
Encyclopedia of the United States in the
Nineteenth Century. 2001. 3 vols. (also
available online at http://ezproxy.greenville.
edu/login?url=http://www.credoreference.com
/vol/493)
Alphabetically covers the key issues and
events of the nineteenth century. Includes a
chronology of events in volume one.
R.
980
En19
Encyclopedia of Latin American History and
Culture. 1996. 5 vols.
Provides articles on the history and life of
peoples in Latin American countries. Long
articles on specific countries are included. A
list of “Biographies by Category” is included
in volume 5.
POLITICAL SCIENCE/LAW
R.
Encyclopedia of the United States Congress.
328.73 1995. 4 vols.
En19
Offers essays describing all aspects of
Congress from its history and responsibilities
to its unique culture. A “Glossary of
Legislative Terms” and a copy of the U.S.
Constitution are included in the last volume.
R.
363.2
En19
Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment.
2002. 4 vols. (also available online at
http://ezproxy.greenville.edu/login?url=
http://www.sage-ereference.com/crime
punishment/)
Covers various topics relating to criminal
behavior and society’s responses to it.
PSYCHOLOGY
R.
The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology.
150.1
En19
2009. 2 vols.
Focuses on the field of positive psychology,
“the pursuit of optimal human functioning.”
R.
Encyclopedia of Human Behavior. 1994.
150.3 4 vols.
En188
Includes long articles on topics associated with
the study of human behavior. “Glossaries” at
the beginning of each article define key terms
related to the topic.
R.
Encyclopedia of Psychology (APA &
150.3 Oxford). 2000. 8 vols.
En196
Comprehensive and scholarly encyclopedia
covering all aspects of psychology. Articles
include useful bibliographies. Volume eight
includes a synoptic outline of the contents.
R
Encyclopedia of Psychology. (Corsini).
150.32 1994. 4 vols.
En19a
This encyclopedia covers topics and persons
related to the many branches of psychology.
Author and title references follow major
articles. Indexes and a bibliography of books
and articles cited throughout the set are listed
in volume 4.
R.
152.4
En19
Encyclopedia of Law Enforcement. 2005.
3 vols. (also available online at http://ezproxy.
greenville.edu/login?url=http://www.sageereference.com/lawenforcement/)
Includes articles on law enforcement topics
ranging from descriptions of specific agencies
to contemporary theories of police work.
R
364
En19
Encyclopedia of Human Emotions. 1999.
2 vols.
In addition to some biographical entries,
contains articles on specific emotions and
concepts, themes, and theoretical issues related
to emotions.
R.
155.4
H19a
Handbook of Child Psychology. 6th ed. 2006.
4 vols.
Provides detailed and scholarly essays. Each
volume focuses on a different aspect of child
development and psychology: 1) Theoretical
Models of Human Development, 2) Cognition,
Finding Background Information 11
Perception, and Language, 3) Social,
Emotional, and Personality Development,
4) Child Psychology in Practice. Each volume
contains both an author and a subject index.
R.
155.5
H19
Handbook of Adolescent Psychology. 3rd ed.
2009. 2 vols.
Divides scholarly essays in the field of
adolescent psychology into two topical
volumes: 1) Individual Bases of Adolescent
Development, and 2) Contextual Influences on
Adolescent Development.
R.
Encyclopedia of Multicultural Psychology.
155.82 2006. (also available online at http://ezproxy.
En19 greenville.edu/login?url=http://www.sageereference.com/multicultural psychology/
Indexes terms, concepts, and issues related to
using culture to understand differences among
individuals.
R.
302
H19
Discusses terms, events, people, and ideas
related to the history of anti-Jewish
antagonism throughout the world.
R.
306
En19
Lists and describes more than 1,500 world
cultures. Volume 10 includes indexes by
country, culture, and subject.
R.
Macmillan Encyclopedia of World Slavery.
306.362 1998. 2 vols.
M22
Contains articles on the history and impact of
human bondage throughout the world from
early times through the late 20th century.
R.
306.
803
In85
International Encyclopedia of Marriage and
the Family. 2nd ed. 2003 . 4 vols.
R.
323
C49
Civil Rights in the United States. 2000.
2 vols.
Handbook of Social Psychology. 2010.
2 vols.
Arranged topically, covers the field of social
psychology with detailed essays written by the
top scholars in the field.
R.
303.6
V81
Violence in America. 1999. 3 vols.
R.
305.8
En19
Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity, and Society.
2008. 3 vols.
Thirty longer essays, such as the introductory
“Overview of Violence in the United States,”
are complimented by more than 595 entries
describing aspects of violence in America.
Offers essays on racial and ethnic groups,
issues of inequality, and other racial and ethnic
topics that impact society broadly.
R.
Antisemitism: A Historical Encyclopedia of
305.892 Prejudice and Persecution. 2005. 2 vols.
An87
Provides essays and substantial bibliographies
on a variety of topics related to marriage and
family life.
Following an essay on the Bill of Rights,
alphabetical entries explain ways the United
States has struggled with civil rights issues
throughout its history.
SOCIOLOGY
R
Encyclopedia of Sociology. 2nd ed. 2000.
301
5 vols.
En19a
Includes essays on a variety of sociological
topics with lists of "References" at the ends of
articles and an index in volume five.
Encyclopedia of World Cultures. 1991-1996,
2002. 10 vols. and supplement.
R
326
P72c
The Negro Almanac: A Reference Work on the
Afro-American. 5th ed. 1989.
Articles cover the history and culture of
African-Americans. A select bibliography and
index are provided at the end of the volume.
Use the detailed table of contents also.
R.
Poverty in the United States: An Encyclopedia
339.46 of History, Politics, and Policy. 2004. 2 vols.
P86
Begins with five essays describing the history
of poverty in the U. S. These are followed by
an alphabetical listing of articles related to
various aspects of poverty.
R.
361
C73
Comprehensive Handbook of Social Work and
Social Welfare. 2008. 4 vols.
Presents scholarly essays organized topically
by volume. Organized with a separate table of
contents and index for each volume.
12 Finding Background Information
R.
Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol, and Addictive
362.29 Behavior. 2nd ed. 2001. 4 vols.
En19
Contains information on the details and effects
of many types of addictions. Volume 4
includes an index and several appendices.
R.
362.5
En19
Encyclopedia of World Poverty. 2006. 3 vols.
(also available online at http://ezproxy.
greenville.edu/login?url=http://www.sageereference.com/worldpoverty/)
Provides articles on countries and topics
related to poverty throughout the world.
R
796
N42
The New York Times Encyclopedia of Sports.
1979-1980. 15 vols.
Each volume focuses on a different sport or
type of sport (e.g. football, golf, winter sports,
water sports).
R.
Handbook of Sport Psychology. 3rd ed. 2007.
796.01
H19
Examines the field of sport psychology
through in-depth, scholarly essays arranged
topically.
R.
796.
0973
En19
R.
503
V33
2002
Encyclopedia of Sports in America: A History
from Foot Races to Extreme Sports. 2009. 2
vols.
Following the first two chapters which survey
sports from 1607-1860 and 1861-1889, essaylength chapters chronicle the history of sports
in America decade by decade.
SCIENCES
Contains short introductions to topics across
the broad range of the sciences.
Concise Encyclopedia Biology. 1996.
Provides over 7,000 entries in the areas of
biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics,
molecular biology, paleontology, physiology,
and zoology.
R
Cambridge Encyclopedia of Life Sciences.
574.03 1985.
C14
Surveys the current state of knowledge in
biology. Articles, for example, cover the cell,
genetics, ecology, marine environmentalists,
the evolutionary process, and paleontology.
Species and subject indexes provided.
R.
574.5
En19
Encyclopedia of Environmental Biology.
1995. 3 vols.
Includes longer articles on areas of
environmental interest for students,
professionals, and the general public as well as
environmental issues of interest to lawyers.
R.
576.5
K58
A Dictionary of Genetics. 7th ed. 2006.
R.
576.8
En19
Encyclopedia of Evolution. 2002. 2 vols.
R.
610.3
B56
Black’s Medical Dictionary. 41st ed. 2006.
(2010, 42nd ed. available online at
http://ezproxy.greenville.edu/login?url=http://
www.credoreference.com/book/blackmed)
GENERAL
R.
Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and
503
Ethics. 2005. 4 vols.
En197
Brings together many aspects of the emerging
relationships between ethics and the scientific
and technological worlds.
Van Nostrand’s Scientific Encyclopedia. 9th
ed. 2002. 2 vols.
BIOLOGY/MEDICINE
Encyclopedia of Sports Science. 1997. 2 vols.
Includes articles on the history of sport as well
as the scientific and physiological principles
governing motion and performance.
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and
Technology. 1992. 20 vols.
Provides basic factual information in the
physical, natural, and applied sciences.
R.
574
C74
SPORTS
R.
613.7
EN19
R
503
M17
Contains definitions for nearly 7,000 terms
related to the rapidly changing field of
genetics.
Opens with several overview essays; then
scholarly articles follow alphabetically
covering a wide range of topics related to
evolution.
Finding Background Information 13
Classic medical dictionary with more than
5,000 medical definitions and descriptions.
R.
610
Ox2a
R
611
G79b
R.
612.
003
EN19
R.
615.1
M53
R.
540
V33
The Oxford Medical Companion. 1994.
Covers standard medical definitions but also
includes biographies of prominent medical
personages and other related topics such as
“Environment and medicine” and “Ethical
issues in modern health care.”
Concise but detailed classic reference source
on general chemistry.
R.
540
C85
2007
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.
88th (2007-2008) ed. 2008.
Ref.
540.3
D34
Lange's Handbook of Chemistry. 14th ed.
1992.
Gray’s Anatomy. 38th ed. 1995.
Provides a detailed description of the human
anatomy with many illustrations. Organized
into sections by different body system and
function.
The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of
Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 14th ed.
2006.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
R
Encyclopedia of Computer Science. 3rd ed.
004.03 1993. (2003, 4th ed. available online at
En19 http://ezproxy.greenville.edu/login?url= http://
www.credoreference.com/vol/408)
Includes over 10,000 brief descriptions of
chemical substances and small groups of
closely related compounds.
R.
616
H24
For more up to date information, consult the
4th ed. online. This print 3rd edition provides a
broad “snapshot” of the computer science
world as of 1993. Organized into chapters by
topics. A detailed index as well as several
useful appendices appear at the back.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.
14th ed. 1998. 2 vols.
Presents a comprehensive view of the different
facets of the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases and disorders. Arranged by subject
into chapters with an index at the end of the
second volume.
Ref
Encyclopedia of Environmental Science and
628.03 Engineering. 1992. 2 vols.
En19
Provides technical articles on a wide variety of
subjects related to environmental science and
engineering.
EARTH SCIENCES
R.
Energy for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive
333.79 Guide to Conventional and Alternative
N35
Sources. 2007.
Gives an overview of the history and status of
the primary sources of energy in the world
today.
R.
550.3
M11
CHEMISTRY
R.
540
C74
Covers a broad range of topics of interest to
physical scientists. Includes many tables and
diagrams.
Contains factual information related to all
aspects of chemistry. Consult the Contents
page at the front of the book or the Index at the
back.
Encyclopedia of Human Biology. 2nd ed.
1997. 9 vols.
Provides scholarly essays on human biology
ranging from public health to genetics and cell
biology.
Van Nostrand’s Encyclopedia of Chemistry.
5th ed. 2005.
Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences. 2 vols. 1996.
Contains over 350 basic articles on the earth
sciences. Includes illustrations.
Concise Encyclopedia Chemistry. 1993.
PHYSICS
Offers approximately 12,000 entries on topics
related to general, organic, inorganic, physical,
and technical chemistry.
R.
530.3
Encyclopedia of Physics. 2004.
14 Finding Background Information
R72
Includes short definitions with eleven longer
essays scattered throughout the work to
provide an overview of the world of physics.
R.
540
C85
2007
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.
88th (2007-2008) ed. 2008.
Covers a broad range of topics of interest to
physical scientists. Includes many tables and
diagrams.
Remember, the background sources listed above
are only a few examples. Many more sources are
available in print in the Reference Area of the
Library and electronically on the Library website at
http://www.greenville.edu/campus_resources/librar
y/reference.dot.
If you need assistance in finding other background
information sources, remember you can always
CONSULT A REFERENCE LIBRARIAN!
5/13/2010 gks