Reference sources are generally used to provide quick, factual information or explanation about a topic. They include encyclopedias or dictionaries that are general or specific to a particular topic. CQ Researcher is a good starting place to find information on current and historical social and political issues.
Publication Dates Covered: 1923 - present Paid for by K-State Libraries
Single-themed reports on current issues from Congressional Quarterly Press dating back to 1923. Topics include social trends, health concerns, the economy, education, and technology. Reports provide overview, background, pro/con arguments, chronologies, current situation, and bibliographies of additional sources.
These are just a few examples of reference sources that you can access in full text online from K-State Libraries' subscriptions.
Here are a few examples of reference sources that deal with a more focused topic.
There are an almost unlimited number of websites where you can find useful reference information, including: statistical information, encyclopedia-type articles, and laws and policies. Below is a sampling of relevant sites.
When you use a website, assess its quality. Who created it? Where is the information from? How old is the information? Whose voices are represented?
Even Wikipedia articles can be a quick place to get a good overview of a topic. Wikipedia is a good starting point because you can follow their links and sources to discover researchers, agencies, and organizations that produce relevant data, reports, and insight.