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Reference Tools

Essential reference information and resources

Looking for More?

Please keep in mind that there are more encyclopedias to be found in our catalog. Once there, type in your interest or field of study followed by the word "encyclopedia."

For instance, if you are looking for psychology encyclopedias, type "psychology encyclopedia" in the search box. You will then see a results list containing many encyclopedias in that discipline.

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are a reference work or compendium providing summaries of knowledge either general or special to a particular field or discipline.

Please refer to this list of encyclopedic resources that are either free to use, or provided via Wayne State University (using your access ID and password) to aid in your coursework, research and personal enrichment.

Databases with Encyclopedic Information (Access ID & Password Required)

General Encyclopedias (Access ID & Password Required)

Specialized Encyclopedias (Access ID & Password Required)

Specialized Encylopedias (Free Online Resources)