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
Still trying to narrow down your research topic? Check out this guide's list of research topics to find more ideas.
Collections of Many Online Reference Books in one place
These databases allow you to search a wide variety of reference sources, and are excellent for getting started on a topic.Pride_Library_Logo.png){kind=logo}
Gale eBooks / Gale Virtual Reference Library
Oxford Reference and Sage Knowledge Reference also have thousands of scholarly, academic articles, but they are a bit more difficult to use. Click here to find instructions on how to use these collections of reference books.
Reference Materials
Or, look in specific reference books, available online and/or physically in the library.
American Countercultures: An Encyclopedia of Nonconformists, Alternative Lifestyles. Reference HM 647 .A 44 2009
The American LGBTQ rights movement : an introduction
Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology. Reference HM 425 .C36 2006
The Complete Encyclopedia of Signs & Symbols : Identification and Analysis of the Visual Vocabulary that Formulates our Thoughts and Dictates our Reactions to the World around Us. Reference AZ 108 .C 65 2011
Defining Documents in American History: LGBTQ (1923 -2018)
Dictionary of Gestures: Expressive Comportments and Movements in Use Around the World. General P 117 .C 713 2018
Drag Dictionary: An Illustrated Glossary of Fierce Queen Slang. Reference HQ 73 .D 43 2021
Encyclopaedia Britannica Online.
Encyclopedia of American Social Movements. Reference HN 57 .E 594 2004
Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance. Ref. BF 697.5 .B 631997 2012
Encyclopedia of Gay and Lesbian Popular Culture. Reference HQ 75.13 .P 76 2008
Encyclopedia of Gender and Society.
Encyclopedia of Gender in Media. Reference P 96.S5 E53 2012
Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History
Encyclopedia of Human Relationships
Encyclopedia of Life Writing: Autobiographical and Biographical Forms
Encyclopedia of Women and Gender: Sex Similarities and Differences and the Impact of Society on Gender. Reference HQ 1115 .E 52 2001
The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Women in Today's World.
Global Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History
Great Events from History : Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Events, 1848-2006
Great Lives from History: LGBTQ
Historical Dictionary of the Lesbian and Gay Liberation Movements
International Encyclopedia of Social Policy Reference ; HN18.3 .I58 2010
Keywords in American Cultural Studies.
LGBTQ America Today: An Encyclopedia. Reference HQ 73.3 .U 6 L 43 2009
LGBTQ Events in History. Reference HQ 73 .L 438 2017
LGBTQ Stats : Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People by the Numbers
The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Social History. Reference HN 57 .O 94 2012
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Intergroup Communication
Principles of Sociology: Group Relationships and Behavior. Reference HM 716 .P 756 2018
Principles of Sociology: Personal Relationships and Behavior. Reference HM 1106 .P 756 2018
Principles of Sociology: Societal Issues and Behavior. Reference HN 18.3 .P 756 2018
The Queen's English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of LIngo and Colloguial Phrases.
Queer Cinema in America: An Encyclopedia
Routledge Encyclopedia of Queer Culture. Reference HQ 76.97 .R 68 2011
Sage Dictionary of Cultural Studies.
Sage Encyclopedia of Intercultural Competence.
Sage Encyclopedia of Psychology and Gender
Violence in American Society: An Encyclopedia of Trends, Problems, and Perspectives
We did What? Offensive and Inappropriate Behavior in American History.
Women in American History: A Social, Political, and Cultural Encyclopedia and Document Collection
