Why use Reference Sources?
Reference sources are one type of secondary literature, designed to be consulted
for specific information rather than read cover to cover. So if you are supposed to use primary sources, why
should you use reference sources? When you only know a little bit about a topic, reading an encyclopedia article,
textbook chapter, or other reference source can be a very useful starting point. You'll find:
- Background Information - Use a textbook or encyclopedia to provide basic
level information on your topic. Some reference sources will be helpful in giving you keywords to use when searching
for other sources in the library catalog or in an online database.
- Important Authors- Reference sources are often written by an expert or
someone knowledgeable about the topic; look for other articles written by this person later in your research. You
may also find mention of other important authors to look up later.
- Leads on Other Useful Sources - Bibliographies (or reference sections)
in your reference sources may have a list of additional reading materials, chosen for their importance and comprehensiveness.
These may be good places to go for your next level of information.
© 2000 Five Colleges of Ohio
