Olin Reference Collection

Olin Library Reference Collection

Subject encyclopedias are a GREAT place to start your research!

Full-text Reference Sources

Use these reference databases to find and access articles in a variety of subject encyclopedias and dictionaries.

  • Gale Virtual Reference Library [Restricted to Cornell campus use] Provides the full text of many encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries, and directories.

Subject Encyclopedias

Here's a sampling of subject encyclopedias on American history and literature:

Finding Subject Encyclopedias

Olin Library Reference Reading Room

There are many, many subject encyclopedias housed on the first floor of OLIN Library. First, try using the Gale Virtual Reference Library. If you don't find one that's right for your topic, try Reference Universe. You can also consult the Cornell Library Guide to Encyclopedias Online.