Reference Collection

The Reference Collection is a print and electronic book collection encompassing all major subject areas and disciplines. Monographs may be assigned by the Head of Acquisitions to the Reference Collection if they are primarily compilations of facts. This non-circulating collection includes, but is not limited to, the following types of books:

Biographical sources
Dictionaries
Directories
Encyclopedia
Fact books
Periodical or newspaper indexes
Yearbooks
Almanacs
Atlases

The Reference Collection is a good place to find background information for a variety of topics. Many different types of materials are available in Reference: subject-specific encyclopedias, literary criticism sources, statistical sources, handbooks, directories, business guides, test preparation books, and more.

Print reference materials can only be used in the Library.

RMU Library also maintains several electronic reference subscriptions, including:

Cabell's Directories
Cabell's Directories are a directory of publishing opportunities providing information about over 4,000 journals, their coverage, scope, and submission guidelines for authors.

CIA World Factbook
The Factbook provides information about the history, people, government, economy, geography, transnational issues, and more for 267 countries.

Gale Virtual Reference Library
Classic Gale Reference titles available through the Gale site in a searchable, browse-able user-friendly format.

Oxford Art Online
Includes Grove Dictionary of Art and Benezit Dictionary of Artists

Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Online
The online edition of the Oxford English Dictionary

Oxford Scholarship Online New!

Sage Reference
The premier social sciences platform for SAGE and CQ Press reference and other book titles.

SAGE Research Method Online (SRMO)

For electronic reference materials, consult the Ongoing Commitment/Subscription-Based Resources and Electronic Books sections of the policy.