Have you seen or heard the word reference in the library or online and wondered what that meant exactly? Check out our newest edition of Research Therapy and learn about all the different types of reference.
What is Reference?
Reference Books
- Dictionaries
- Encyclopedias
- Bibliographies
- Almanacs
- Handbooks & Manuals
Where can you find reference resources?
- Print: Learning Commons, 1st Floor
- Online: From the library’s homepage, click on “Databases by Subject” then click on “Reference Sources” or look for e-books in the Library Catalog
Why use a reference source?
- Brief & introductory information on a topic
- Good for background information and overview of topics
- Use for facts and figures
Pro-Tip
- More reliable than Wikipedia
- If the book spine says REF or Learning Commons, it can’t be checked out!
Reference Desk
What is it?
- Have a question? Librarians are waiting to talk to you. No appointment necessary!
Where is it located?
- Learning Commons, 1st Floor, look for the wall that says: “Reference – Ask A Librarian”
Why use this service?
- Research help
- Develop research strategies
- Ask questions
- Find books and articles
Online help at library.csun.edu/AskUs via Email, Chat & Text
Reference Page
What is it?
- Citations of the resources referred to in a paper, article, report, or book
Where is it located?
- Found at the end of an article, chapter, or book.
- Include References (APA) or a Works Cited (MLA) page at the end of your own papers!
Why should you create it?
- Give credit where credit is due!
Pro-Tip: If you find an interesting article or book and want to research the topic further, look up one of the citations!
-Isabelle Ramos and Nina Mamikunian
