Reference Materials
Reference and Research assistance are provided at both the upper and lower Reference desks.
Other ways to contact us can be found here 
You do need to log in to use these electronic reference books, using the same credentials that you use to log into your MyAccess account or email.
Why Reference Sources?
Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper? Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?
Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases. Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run. Use reference sources to:
- find a topic
- narrow your topic
- find keywords
- get background information on your topic
The COD Library contains a wide variety of reference materials. The print materials from the Reference Collection and some of the online materials may only be used in the Library.
The various subject / topic research guides will also list more specialized online reference tools.
USEFUL DATABASES:
- Encyclopedia Britannica
The online version of the classic Encyclopedia Britannica which also includes web links, select articles, and access to Webster's Dictionary. Research tools included are the world atlas, country comparison tool, original sources, and The World Factbook.
- Credo Reference
Credo Reference provides access to a broad selection of dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, quotations, and atlases, plus a wide range of subject-specific titles. Includes a built-in mind map to help students brainstorm search terms. Credo is a great place to start your research.
- Gale eBooks
Gale eBooks is a collection of online reference books on a variety of topics including business, history, literature, health & medicine, social science, technology, and more. The inclusion of key word definitions within its concise encyclopedia entries makes this database the perfect starting point for professional and personal research.
Specific Reference Resources
Digital Literacy: Skills and Strategies. Reference QA 76.9 .C 64 D 5558 2022
Parenting: Skills and Strategies. Reference HQ 755.8 .P 27468 2022