Research Resources

Research is the process by which we discover or create meaning or new knowledge about the world in which we live.  One way that we can come to conclusions about the world around us is to read books and other resources.  

Research resources come in the form of print media such as books, brochures, journals, magazines, and newspapers; and electronic sources found on the Internet. They may also come from interviews and surveys you or someone else conduct. 

Commonly Used Research Resources

Encyclopedias are reliable sources that provide an overview of a topic or background information. Encyclopedias are used to identify concepts, people, and keywords. Encyclopedias are also used to find references for further reading.

Atlases are collections of maps in book form. In addition to purely geographical atlases, there are specialized ones for a variety of subjects: history, religion, art, architecture, commerce, diseases, sports, exploration, ocean, stars, etc. Atlases are located on the atlas cases in the reference print collection section.  Examples are the Atlas of World Geography and Atlas of the Great Plains. The Census Atlas of the United States is available online.

Gazetteers provide a listing of geographical features and locations, complete with longitude and latitudes, and short descriptions. Examples include the Historical Gazetteer of the United States and the Utah Atlas & Gazetteer.

Almanacs are yearly compilations of facts, dates, and statistics. They can be general or subject-specific. Examples include the Library and Book Trade Almanac, World Almanac and Book of Facts 2019, and Old Farmer's Almanac.

Handbooks are works that present concise factual information on a specific subject. Usually, they are one volume. 

Yearbooks are annual documentary, historical, or memorial collections of facts, photographs, statistics, and other information from the preceding year, often limited to a specific country, institution, discipline, or subject. Print resource - Broadcasting & cable yearbook

Newspapers are reliable sources that give you up-to-date historical information on a variety of topics, events, and issues.