These
resources help a researcher three ways: First, background knowledge sets a topic in context, and gives names, dates, subtopics, etc. Second, a more focused vocabulary (with terms defined) for more
precise computer searches. Third, listing pertinent articles and books to consult.
The lists are examples of online materials available at the William H. Hannon Library that you can use. Use your OneCard name and Library/barcode number to get into online resources with paid subscriptions.
Need help? Send any Reference librarian an e-mail or chat via our Get Help service. Or just drop by the Information Desk on the first floor of the Hannon Library.
Some online resources provide a combination of reference information, articles, suggested reading lists, texts, illustrations and sometimes links to other sources. One of these is the Oxford Islamic Studies Online database. It offers "reference content and commentary in areas such as global Islamic history, concepts, people, practices, politics, and culture. Contains over 3,000 A-Z reference entries, biographical entries, chapters from scholarly and introductory works, Qur'anic materials, primary sources, images, and timelines." A very good starting place, indeed.
Amitabha and Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Amita Gujon)
1300s hanging scroll
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Here are some examples of the Reference tools available to you in the Information Commons Reference shelves. Come to the Information Desk for help finding the information you need. See the box below for some of our electronic Reference works.
Credo Reference is a multidisciplinary collection of hundreds of reference titles, including subject encyclopedias, dictionaries, illustrated guides and biographies. Content is searchable by keyword or topic, and includes hyperlinked cross-references to related articles from other titles in the collection.
Portrait of the Virgin Mary
Pontifical Maronite College, Rome
Photo: T Amodeo 2010