Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias contain factual articles on many subjects.

There are two types of encyclopedias—general and subject.

General encyclopedias provide overviews on a wide variety of topics. Usually, general encyclopedias are used only at the beginning of the research process and are not cited as sources.

Subject encyclopedias contain entries focusing on one field of study and may contain more in-depth articles on a research topic.

Use an Encyclopedia

• when looking for background information on a topic
• when trying to find key ideas, important dates or concepts

Examples

• New Encyclopaedia Britannica (general encyclopedia)
• Encyclopedia of 20th Century Photography (subject encyclopedia)
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine (subject encyclopedia)
• Encyclopedia of American Industries (subject encyclopedia)