Where do reference resources (encyclopedias) fit into your research?  They are great tools for research tasks like:

1. getting an overview of your topic
2. finding out what research has been done in your area over a long period of time
3. discovering synonyms or keywords that will apply to your topic
4. creating a list of authors to investigate
5. discovering additional resources in the bibliography

Using the Catalyst search box above, you can do a keyword search and narrow down your results to "reference entries" on the left-hand side, after you have run a search. This will allow you to discover reference articles by name and the encyclopedias where those can be found.

A companion book is one that elaborates on another already published book or general topic. The goal of a companion book is to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of concepts, themes, characters, places, and ideas. Similarly, a handbook is a book giving information about a particular subject. Check out the companions and handbooks below.