Why Use Encyclopedias?
Background sources like encyclopedias can provide context for your topic, or even help you choose one. They are great places to start because:
- they explain topics in simpler language than scholarly articles
- they are much shorter (often just a just a page or two, instead of the 20 pages or more found in a scholarly article or the hundreds of pages found in a book)
- they highlight important issues, figures, dates, and/or events that you may want to focus on in your paper or project
- they give you suggested sources for further research in the form of bibliographies or works cited
Online Encyclopedias
The following are recommended encyclopedias in your field. You can read them online 24/7.
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Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, and ConflictCall Number: E-BookPublication Date: 2008Provides information about antagonism and reconciliation in all contexts of public and personal life. Covers topics such as arms control, peace movements, child abuse, folklore, terrorism and political assassinations. -
Encyclopedia of Activism and Social JusticeCall Number: E-BookPublication Date: 2007Designed for readers to understand the topics, concepts, and ideas which motivate and shape the fields of activism, civil engagement, and social justice. Included are short biographies of the major thinkers and leaders who have influenced and continue to influence the study of activism.
Print Encyclopedias
These works are housed in the reference area, if you need assistance locating them please ask at the reference desk
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Encyclopedia of Human Rights by Call Number: R 323.403 E56 2009 (Location: Refernce)“This major five-volume encyclopedia covers all aspects of human rights theory, practice, law, and history. Focusing primarily on developments since 1945, it offers an unrivaled reference source for students and researchers; even human rights experts are likely to find much original material and keen insights in many of the entries.” -
The Oxford International Encyclopedia of Peace by Call Number: R 303.66 O984 2010 (Location: Reference)This four volume work examines the interdisciplinary field of Peace Studies. Comprehensive in scope it includes key personalities major events, organizations, and theories. Entry are signed and provides top rate bibliographies and cross-referenced. It uses an A-to-Z format along with a peace chronology and important documents. -
World Encyclopedia of Peace by Call Number: R 327.172 W927 1999 (Location: Reference)This massive eight volume work was published as a comprehensive work. Entries are extensive with some resembling chapters from academic anthologies. Biographies of contemporary and historic personalities are included. Volume eight contains a bibliography and extensive indexing. -
Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, and Conflict, 2nd edition by Call Number: R 303.603 E56 2008 (Location:Reference)Publication Date: 2008-09-26The 2nd edition of Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace and Conflict provides timely and useful information about antagonism and reconciliation in all contexts of public and personal life. More than 200 authoritative multidisciplinary articles in a 3-volume set. Articles arranged alphabetical order written by more than 200 eminent international contributors.
