Style Manual for Political ScienceReference sources refer to books like encyclopedias, dictionaries, or citation manuals that either provide broad overviews of a topic or house little bits of information about a variety of topics. Reference sources like encyclopedias and dictionaries provide background information, definitions, and context that help you understand your topic. They can also point you to other books and articles to check out in bibliographies or "further reading" sections. They're one way to get you started in your research.
In addition to physical reference materials you can browse in the library, you can also access reference materials digitally through the library website. Find a list of searchable digital reference tools on Databases A-Z.