EN 104 - Literature of the Fantastic - Professor Cavelos: Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are shelved by call number in a separate area near the Reference Desk on the main level of the library. They may not be checked out, but photocopiers and a scanner are available on the lower level.

Format can either be print or electronic.  Entries in many encyclopedias can be quite specialized, yet manageable in length. Articles in most encyclopedias are signed.

Encyclopedias are a great place to begin your research, since they can help with the following:

• Assist with topic selection
  
• Give you background information on your topic
• Suggest related and synonymous concepts to use for in-depth searching later
• Point you to additional readings (books and journal articles) via "works cited" lists
• Define unfamiliar terms