Encyclopedias provide factual articles on many subjects. An encyclopedia may be a book, a set of books, or even an electronic resource. The articles are usually arranged alphabetically.

There are two types of encyclopedias -- general and subject. General encyclopedias provide overviews on a wide variety of topics. Subject encyclopedias contain entries focusing on one field of study.

Use an Encyclopedia

• when looking for background information on a topic

• when trying to find key ideas, important dates, or concepts

Examples of Encyclopedias

• Encyclopedia Americana (general encyclopedia - 30 vols)

• World Book Encyclopedia (general encyclopedia - 22 vols)

• Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice (subject encyclopedia - 4 vols)

• Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology (subject encyclopedia - 1 vol)

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