Below are tips on how to find dictionaries and encyclopedias relevant to your research. If you would like further help please contact the library. We can give you more detailed advice on how to find the resources you need.

Biography

• Biography.com

Online directory of biographical information for over 25,000 people. Information is stronger for current icons, but some historical figures are also available.

• Notable Names Database

Database of over 35,000 people, providing basic information and some detailed biographies. The NNDB tracks notoriety of people, both living and dead and links them by their connections.

Dictionary

• https://www.merriam-webster.com/
• https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/
• https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/

Encyclopedia

• https://www.britannica.com/
• https://www.si.edu/explore
• https://www.reference.com/

Publicly Available Research Resources

• Google Scholar

Use Google Scholar to search for scholarly literature. Once you have a citation you can request it through Interlibrary Loan at your local library. You can use Google Books to preview books you are interested in before requesting them.

• CIA World Factbook

The Central Intelligence Agency's annual World Factbook provides a reliable resource for information on independent states, dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, uninhabitable regions, and oceans.

• American Factfinder

Provided by the US Census Bureau, American Factfinder features population, housing, economic, and geographic data.