This guide compiles many kinds of reference sources, published materials that provide specific, well-established information, arranged systematically. In research, they are often used to find general or background information, and to quickly establish key facts about a topic.
Reference sources may or may not have a disciplinary focus. We recommend also consulting subject-specific research guides for specialized resources in your field of study.
Each section of this guide provides information about the types of resources featured, explanations about when and why you might consult them, and examples from our collections. Materials in our physical reference collection are generally located on the west side of the 9th floor in Bobst Library and cannot be checked out.
