Oxford Reference Online
Search dozens of Oxford University reference books.
Why Use Reference?
Reading about your topic in a specialized encyclopedia, dictionary, or handbook may be one of the most effective and time saving research tips. These resources can help you define unfamiliar terms, understand the parameters of current debate in a particular area and provide you with a preliminary bibliography on the subject. Listed here are a few sources to get you started.
General Reference
- Encyclopedia of Conflicts Since World War IICall Number: Reference D843 .E46 1999Discusses the roots of war, various alliances and summit meetings meant to forestall conflict, and the background and events connected with numerous specific conflicts in the second half of the twentieth century.
- Encyclopedia of GlobalizationCall Number: Reference JZ1318 .E63 2007Consisting of over 400 entries, coverage includes key cultural, ecological, economic, geographical, historical, political, psychological and social aspects of globalization.
- Encyclopedia of NationalismCall Number: Reference JC311 .E4996 2001
- Encyclopedia of Political EconomyCall Number: Reference HB61 .E554 1999Major themes and concepts associated with the intersection of politics and economy, including trade, currency, finance, and the like.
- Greenwood Encyclopedia of International RelationsCall Number: Reference JZ1160 .N65 2002
- Political Handbook of the WorldCall Number: Reference JF37 .P6Annual guide with facts and analysis on the political make-up of countries and related or disputed territories around the world.
- Statesman's YearbookCall Number: JA51 .S7 (latest issue in Reference)Annual publication that provides political, economic and social information of every country of the world.
- Worldmark Encyclopedia of the NationsCall Number: Reference G63 .W67 2001Information on the physical, historical, social, economic, governmental, and political environments on 193 countries and dependencies. AUnited Nations volume focuses on that organization's purposes, principles, and agencies, including the Security Council and Human Rights Commission.
Country Information
- Background Notes This link opens in a new windowBasic information and statistics on a country's geography, government, economy, history, people, political conditions, and foreign relations. From the U.S. Department of State.
- BBC News Country ProfilesGuide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions. Include audio and video clips from BBC archives.
- Encyclopedia Britannica Online This link opens in a new windowOnline equivalent of the printed Encyclopedia Britannica plus numerous supplementary resources.
- Europa World (Europa World Yearbook Online) This link opens in a new windowIn-depth country profiles (summary of history, current events, government directory, statistics, and more). Choose countries from the drop-down menu at the top.
- Guide to Countries of the WorldEach entry gives a brief history and outlines contemporary social, economic, political and religious issues. In addition, for each country there is a map and a quick-reference fact box containing data and statistics including languages, population, GDP, capital city, life expectancy, and more.
- UN Statistics DivisionProvides a wide range of statistics, with some free databases online, and some by subscription only, plus links to other sources of national and international statistics.
- World Factbook This link opens in a new windowBasic information about communications, defense, economy, flag and map, geography, government, people, and transportation for each country. Also available in a print version.