How to Use Encyclopedias
Why Use Encyclopedias?
- Get a good overview and history of a topic, term or issue.
- Focus your topic and place it properly within the context of the field of study
- Find alternate keywords to help locate relevant articles and books.
Can I Cite an Encyclopedia in my Paper?
Ask your instructor, but normally, encyclopedias provide insufficient information when researching a topic. Instead, use them as a starting point to understand the scope and terminology associated with your topic, so that you can begin in-depth research.
Opposing Viewpoints: Health Issues
These are great places to get pro/con and overview information about broad topics on community and social issues:
Select Reference Sources
- Encyclopedia of Couple and Family TherapyHistory of family life within cultures and how families have been affected by political and social change.
- MedlinePlusAuthoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine.
- Psychologists and Their Theories for StudentsIn-depth coverage of major psychological theories and the people who developed them.
- Social Work Practice with Children and Families : Working with Adolescents : A Guide for PractitionersCovers human development from conception through adolescence.
- World PovertyCurrent & historical statistics with analysis of world poverty.
Liaison Librarian
Mon-Thu: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone: 800-847-3000, ext. 2222.
or check our knowledgebase or submit a question via online form.
Ask a Librarian is closed during the Spring, Summer and Winter breaks. Academic librarians from Ask Us 24/7 are available to help when we aren't available. Please note:
If you need to request accommodations on the basis of a disability for library content needed for your coursework, please visit the Accessibility Resources and Services website.
![X](https://sunyempire.edu/media/images/home/2019/iconmonstr-twitter-3.png"){kind=small}
