When beginning library research, it can be useful to find resources that provide a broad overview of a given topic. The online databases listed below range from encyclopedias to collections of images and analyses that can be helpful when your are selecting a topic or during any time in your research process.


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AccessScience
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Contains the renowned McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, plus information on recent research developments, biographies of scientists, late-breaking science and technology news. Provided by McGraw Hill.
American Heritage Dictionary - Select "Dictionary" from menu at top of page.
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Contains the 4th edition of the popular dictionary. Provided by EBSCOhost.
Biography Reference Bank Select
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Provides comprehensive coverage of people in the news and a full range of history-makers; includes over 236,000 individuals, plus more than 36,000 images. Provided by H. W. Wilson.
Britannica Online
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Provides the Encyclopedia Britannica, the world's most comprehensive reference product; also includes the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and the Britannica Book of the Year. Provided by Britannica.
CQ Researcher
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Provides topical articles, about 15 - 20 pages long, on social issues; articles include an overview, background information, the current situation concerning the issue, an outlook on possible developments, a special focus, chronology of related events, and pro and con section, and an annotated bibliography. Provided by CQ Press.
Credo Reference
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Contains dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, quotations and atlases, plus a wide range or subject-specific titles covering everything from accounting to zoology. Provides access to the full text of hundreds of highly regarded and popular reference sources. Provided by Credo.
Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia
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Provides over 25,000 encyclopedic entries covering a variety of subject areas. Provided by EBSCOhost.
Gale Virtual Reference Library
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Provides the content of 15 subject encyclopedias. Provided by Gale.
Image Collections - Select "Images" from menu at top of page.
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Contains licensed images of photos of people and places, natural science photos, historical photos, maps and flags. Searched via "MasterFILE Premier." Provided by EBSCOhost.
Issues & Controversies
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Provides more than 900 timely, in-depth, and objective articles, exploring controversial issues and topics. Provided by Facts.com.
Opposing Viewpoints: Critical Thinking
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Contains an online library of current event topics; includes viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to web sites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles. Provided by Gale.
World Geography and Culture Online
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Combines detailed, printable, full-color maps of countries, provinces, and states with up-to-date statistical and local information. Provided by FactsOnFile.