Why Reference Sources?
General and specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries provide a concise overview, as well as a bibliography of core works. Reference works will often lead you to the most reliable sources on a topic. This strategy can be more effective than random searches in the catalog because the content in reference works has already been vetted for quality.
Biography
- Biography and genealogy master index This link opens in a new windowIndexes more than 12.7 million biographical sketches in more than 3,400 volumes and editions of current and retrospective reference books, covering both contemporary and historical figures throughout the world.
Print Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia of Contemporary Russian Culture by Call Number: DK510.32 .E53 2007 Watson Library-ReferenceISBN: 9780415320948Publication Date: 2007
Encyclopedia of Russian History by Call Number: Watson Library-Reference, DK14 .E53 2004ISBN: 0028656938Publication Date: 2004Concise encyclopedia in 4 volumes.
The Modern Encyclopedia of Russian and Soviet History (MERSH) by Call Number: Watson Library-Reference, DK14 .M6ISBN: 0875690645Largest English-language encyclopedia of its kind. Commonly referred to as MERSH. An excellent source for building context in Russian and Soviet studies.
The Supplement to the Modern Encyclopedia of Russian, Soviet and Eurasian History by Call Number: Watson Library-Reference, DK14 .M6 Suppl.ISBN: 0875691420Publication Date: 1995-Supplement in 10 volumes.
Great Soviet Encyclopedia (English) by Call Number: AE55 .B62313 (Watson Library - 1 East Stacks)Publication Date: 1973-Includes separate index volume. (Be careful: this encyclopedia is full of Soviet propaganda.)
Online Encyclopedias
- Britannica online This link opens in a new windowThe Britannica Academic Edition incorporates several encyclopedias and Merriam-Webster dictionaries. Provides coverage and integrated searching of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Britannica Student Encyclopedia, Britannica Internet Guide, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus, and World Atlas.
- Encyclopaedia of Saint PetersburgOnline encyclopedia of St. Petersburg, Russia.