Encyclopedias
To find encyclopedias in the CLUES catalogue, enter a general subject in the search box below. Retrieval will be a combination of print and online encyclopedias.
Example: Psychology
Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias are useful sources to find background information and key concepts or dates related to your topic. Try searching in a general encyclopedia for a concise overview or a subject specific encyclopedia for a more in-depth article about your topic.
These lists represent a selection of some of the best starting points for doing research. You can find many more encyclopedias, in print
or online, by searching the library catalogue.
General and Multidisciplinary
- Access Science
Search the full-text of the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. Excellent encyclopedia for topics in science, medicine, engineering, math and technology.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica Online
This is a complete online version of the Encyclopedia Britannica that is regularly updated. It can be searched or browsed and includes an English dictionary, a thesaurus, an atlas, a Year in Review section, and multimedia content.
- Gale virtual reference library
Search a full-text collection of major subject encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, and other reference sources covering a broad range of multidisciplinary areas.
- Oxford reference online premium
A cross-searchable database of full-text reference books, which includes works in various subjects published by Oxford University Press.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia Online
An authoritative source of information on all things Canadian, the Canadian Encyclopedia includes illustrations, photographs, artwork, maps, video and audio clips of Canadian history and culture.
- Wikipedia
This web-based encyclopedia allows the public to add or update content. Use other encyclopedias or resources to verify information found in Wikipedia.
Business
- Encyclopedia of Business and Finance
Covering five general areas: finance and banking, accounting, marketing, management, and information systems.
- Encyclopedia of Management
Topics in management theories and applications, written by academics and business professionals.
- International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Covers all areas of the social sciences including anthropology, archaeology, demography, economics, education, gender studies, law, linguistics, media studies, political science, psychology, sociology, urban studies, and many others.
Engineering
- Encyclopedia of Applied Physics
In-depth coverage of all technically pertinent areas of modern-day physics, coupled with technological applications from real life.
- Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
Facts on the properties, manufacturing, and uses of chemicals and materials, processes, and engineering principles. Includes current research, emerging technologies, economic aspects, environmental and health concerns.
- Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry
Nearly 1,000 major articles, written by some 3,000 authors who are experts in their fields and affiliated to leading chemical companies or research institutes.
- Wiley Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Engineering
The latest advances, findings, and important topics in computer science and engineering.
Fine Arts
- Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Online
The first comprehensive online resource devoted to music research of all the world's peoples
- Oxford Art Online
Provides access to: Grove Art Online, The Oxford Companion to Western Art, and The Encyclopedia of Aesthetics
- Oxford Music Online
An integrated music resource, including the full text of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, The New Grove Dictionary of Opera, and The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz.
Humanities
- Blackwell International Encyclopedia of Communication
Spans the breadth of communication studies, including coverage of theories, media and communication phenomena, research methods, problems, concepts, and geographical areas within communication studies.
- Cambridge Companions Complete Collection
Contains the full text of the Cambridge Companions to literature, philosophy, religion, classics and culture.
- Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Wide-ranging philosophical subjects. For general readers, students and educators.
- Encyclopedia of Religion
Presents a cross-cultural approach that emphasizes religion's role within everyday life and as a unique experience from culture to culture.
- Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception
Comprehensively records the current knowledge of the origins and development of the Bible in its Jewish and Christian canonical forms and documents the history of the Bible’s reception in Judaism and Christianity and Islam.
- Literature Resource Center
Provides access to biographies, bibliographies, and critical analyses of authors from every age and literary discipline. Covers novelists, poets, essayists, journalists, and other writers.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia Online
An authoritative source of information on all things Canadian, the Canadian Encyclopedia includes illustrations, photographs, artwork, maps, video and audio clips of Canadian history and culture.
Science and Medicine
- Encyclopedia of Applied Physics
In-depth coverage of all technically pertinent areas of modern-day physics, coupled with technological applications from real life.
- Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry
Examines the six major areas of inorganic chemistry: physical and theoretical methods, organometallic chemistry, main group elements, solid state chemistry, transition metals and bioinorganic chemistry.
- Encyclopedia of Life Sciences
Articles in the fields of biochemistry and physiology, cell biology, developmental biology,ecology, evolution, genetics, immunology, molecular biology, neuroscience, microbiology and virology, plant science, structural biology, and science and society.
- Encyclopedia of Statistical Sciences
Extensive coverage of statistical theory, methods, and applications.
- Historical Encyclopedia of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
This milestone extensive work combines the essentials of history – biography, chronology, political and economic background – with the observations, theories, principles, laws and equations that constitute the specifics of science.
- Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
Facts on the properties, manufacturing, and uses of chemicals and materials, processes, and engineering principles. Includes current research, emerging technologies, economic aspects, environmental and health concerns.
- MedlinePlus
Read about symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention for over 800 diseases, illnesses, health conditions and wellness issues. MedlinePlus health topics are regularly reviewed, and links are updated daily.
- The Gale encyclopedia of medicine
Includes information on more than 1,600 medical disorders and concepts. Each article includes in-depth discussion of causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, procedures, and other related topics. Written for a general audience.
- Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry
Nearly 1,000 major articles, written by some 3,000 authors who are experts in their fields and affiliated to leading chemical companies or research institutes.
- Wiley Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Engineering
The latest advances, findings, and important topics in computer science and engineering.
- World of Sports Science
Theoretical and practical treatment of all aspects of sports science and exercise physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics.
Social Sciences
- Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology
Key concepts, terms and detailed coverage of selected major topics in sociology. Includes introductions to sociological theories and research developed outside of the United States and Western Europe.
- Encyclopedia of Educational Psychology
Includes major topics in the field of educational psychology, such as human learning and development (across the life span), motivation, measurement and statistics, and curriculum and teaching.
- Encyclopedia of political science
The study of politics and the intersections of politics with other disciplines. Western and non-Western, national and international. [e-book]
- Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology
Covers the entire spectrum of psychology, including: notable people, theories and terms; landmark case studies and experiments; applications of psychology in advertising, medicine and sports; and career information.
- International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Covers all areas of the social sciences including anthropology, archaeology, demography, economics, education, gender studies, law, linguistics, media studies, political science, psychology, sociology, urban studies, and many others.
page last updated on: Thursday 16 May 2013