Sociology

Reference works such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks provide background information on a topic. They are especially useful at the beginning of a research project because they can help you:

• get a broad overview of a topic
• map the field
• gather fast facts
• define terms, theories, and people in an area
• focus your argument
• find further readings written by experts in the field

Here is a selection of sociological dictionaries. For additional dictionaries both in print and online, search our online catalog for the subject heading: Sociology -- Dictionaries.

Here is a selection of general sociological encyclopedias. For additional encyclopedias both in print and online, search our online catalog for the subject heading: Sociology -- Encyclopedias.

For more online encyclopedias, try searching Credo Reference, which is an online collection of dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, etc. covering topics from the arts to the sciences and including a large number of sociology reference sources.