Finding Background Information

Reference books (encyclopedias, handbooks, chronologies) are valuable sources of information.

Brief overviews
Important concepts, names, and dates
Lists of sources for further reading
Free photocopying at the Research Desk
Do not generally count as required sources

Cambridge Histories Online Under Databases on library website

Complete text of over 350 scholarly books in the Cambridge History Series and published by Cambridge University Press. Each title is also listed individually in the library's online catalog. Dates vary. Some titles are available in print in the library.

Library does not have access to all titles.

Credo Reference Under Databases on library website

Provides background information from many general and subject encyclopedias.