Specialized Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Two of the most important sources of background information are:

• Specialized encyclopedias
• Specialized dictionaries

Specialized encyclopedias:

• Have articles that are on specific topics within a particular area (A general encyclopedia would have an article on Buddhism, a religion encyclopedia would have an article on a specific Buddhist ritual)
• The articles are written by experts in the field
• The articles provide bibliographies that list other sources on the same topic
• The articles typically contain cross-references to other related topics
• Provide an introduction to specialized vocabulary

Specialized dictionaries:

• Provide definitions for specialized vocabulary
• Often provide lengthy explanations associated with the vocabulary, more like a normal encyclopedia article

Locating Background Information:

• Ask a Reference Librarian for a referral