OWHL Guides: History 100: A Guide to Research: Finding Reference/Tertiary Sources

Noodle Tools: How to Enter Reference Source

Best Bets for Reference/Background Sources in Ancient History

DID YOU KNOW background, reference, and tertiary sources all mean the same thing? They're sources you use to find out general information about your topic. Examples are encyclopedias, such as Britannica and Wikipedia, and dictionaries. In later History classes and in college, you would not cite these, although in most 100 level classes, your teacher will have you find and cite one or more reference sources.

Find print reference sources in the library (Garver Room)

Reference Universe
Reference Universe searches the indices of reference works in the Garver Room

Find online reference sources through the library

Credo Reference

This database is like an online Garver Room with articles from nearly 1,000 reference sources covering all disciplines.
Britannica Academic

Reference articles from one of the oldest and most trusted reference sources in the world.
American Indian History by Infobase

This source provides reference articles on over 15,000 years of Native American culture and history, and includes biographies, legends, treaties, and more. Some primary sources are included.
Ancient and Medieval History by Infobase

This database presents reference articles on the full scope of world history from prehistory through the 1500s, with special topic centers on key civilizations and regions.
Daily Life Through History by Bloomsbury

This collection of primary and reference sources provides direct insight into the social history of societies ranging from the Australian Aborigines all the way to 21st-century China.