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Dictionaries & Encyclopaedias

Where can I find dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and more?

Reference materials, such as dictionaries and encyclopaedias, can be found online as well as on the library shelves. The majority of sources are electronic and available through library databases, such as Credo Reference Collection and Britannica Online. A selection of subject specific encyclopaedias, dictionaries and more may be provided in your Subject Guide.

You can also easily find definitions and background information on the web but be sure to assess material for scholarly merit.

Finally, you will also find dictionaries and encyclopaedias in print, and these are usually in a section of the library marked Reference. Ask at the desk if you need assistance.

How do I search library resources and beyond?

Click the images below for larger view.

 

Screenshot of reference works in findit

  1. Enter your search terms
  2. Filter by Resource Type. You may need to click Show More to find the relevant filter.
  3. Choose the Reference Entries filter.

As an alternative to searching FiNDit, you can search directly in one of the library's key reference databases. Databases that contain predominately reference materials, such as encyclopaedias and dictionaries, are indicated with the eReference symbol:Screenshot of ereference symbol

Explore the tabs below for detailed instructions on how to search within these databases.

Browse the shelves in the Reference section of your library - Broome, St Benedict's, Fremantle campus libraries. Items may be marked with an R on the spine label. For a more targeted approach, search FiNDit by combining the relevant reference material term with your keyword (see example below).

Note: Reference materials in the library are usually "not for loan" and must be read/copied in house.

 

Click the images below for larger view.

Screenshot of call number for reference materials

  1. Select Advanced Search
  2. Enter your topic in the Title field of the FiNDit Advanced Search form
  3. Enter the reference material type, e.g. encyclopaedia or dictionary, in a separate field
  4. Select Search, then choose your Library Location and note the call number.

Click the images below for larger view.

Screenshot of Google search with reference term

Find reference materials in Google by adding the relevant term to your search, e.g. virtue ethics dictionary, Greece atlas.

You can use quotations marks to search for an exact phrase and enhance your results, e.g. "cultural relativism" AND encyclopaedia. 

How do I search in key databases?

Click the images below for larger view.

  1. Enter your search term
  2. From the results screen you can select options on the left to refine your search to encyclopaedia articles, images etc. 

Click the images below for larger view.

  1. Enter your search term to find relevant images
  2. Click on your preferred image to open it
  3. Chose from the Download options to save the image
  4. Note the citation details so you can correctly reference the image.

Click the images below for larger view.

Enter your search term in the search box. 

 

  • The results list indicates which particular source each result is drawn from, e.g. From Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy.
  • The Mind Map allows you to visually explore related concepts - click on terms to expand the map and connect to further results.
  • Consider filtering your search results using the options to the left of screen, e.g. by date or article length.

Credo Topic Pages are a basic introduction to research and can be used to develop background knowledge and connect to the library's many databases for deeper, subject specific content. Watch the video below to find out more.

Click the images below for larger view.

Enter your search into the Basic Search box. 

Alternatively, click GALE EBOOKS to browse materials by subject, such as Education, History, Religion.

 

  • The results list indicates which particular source each result is drawn from.
  • Click the title to read the selected result or click the book image to read the entire book.
  • Consider refining your results using the filters on the right side of the screen.