Free Online Reference Tools
When you hear the term reference, you may just think of books of easily accessible facts such as almanacs and encyclopedias. In today's online world, you don't have to enter the four walls of a library to find reputable reference materials. When doing background research or when you are trying to verify a fact, take advantage of lists of resources recommended by librarians (like the one here). It will save you time in the long run and make you feel more confident about the quality of the material you are using.
American Memory Project
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html
Developed and maintained by the Library of Congress, this is a great resource for original documents, artifacts, and photographs related to American history and popular culture through the decades.
Bartleby.com: Great Books Online
http://www.bartleby.com/reference
This Web site offers the Columbia Encyclopedia (6th edition—2001), the American Heritage® Dictionary (4th edition—2000), Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus, four sources of famous quotations, and a variety of reference sources on multiple subjects.
Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com
Using the search window in the upper right, type in a word to learn its definition, pronunciation, synonyms, and antonyms from multiple dictionaries.
Encyclopedia Mythica
http://www.pantheon.org
Uncover information about folklore and myths from all over the world by using either the search window or selecting an area. Articles under each area appear alphabetically after you click on this link: "Browse through the list of available articles in this area."
Google News Archive
http://news.google.com/archivesearch/
Using the Search Archives button, you can search for people, events, or ideas to see how they have been covered in various news sources over time. If you select the Show Timeline button, the articles are arranged as a timeline. Search results include articles that are freely accessible and some that are available only with a subscription.
HowStuffWorks—Learn How Everything Works!
http://www.howstuffworks.com/
This Web site explains how things—from the human heart to volcanoes to digital cameras—work. The broad topics that are covered include automobiles, computers, electronics, entertainment, health, home, money, people, science, and travel.
Lexical FreeNet
http://www.lexfn.com
This unique thesaurus allows you to type in one or two words, concepts, or famous names to find numerous relationships, such as synonyms, antonyms, words that rhyme, anagrams that can be made from the word, etc.
NatureServe Explorer
http://www.natureserve.org
The NatureServe Explorer database allows users to access information on American and Canadian ecosystems, plants, and animals. InfoNatura presents data on Latin American ecosystems, amphibians, birds, and mammals.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Second Home Edition, Online Version
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/index.html
By searching for a term in the upper left search window or using the alphabetical index, you can access information regarding medical disorders, including risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and prognosis.
Statistical Abstract
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab
This U.S. government site provides statistics on social, political, and economic topics that are reported by federal agencies and private organizations over a period of time. Use the search window in the upper right or subject buttons on the left to find statistical information on topics such as income, population, birth and death rates, agriculture, elections, and natural resources.
Thesaurus.com
http://thesaurus.reference.com
To get an extensive list of a word’s synonyms and antonyms from multiple reference sources, use this Web site.
United Nations Environment Programme
http://na.unep.net/digital_atlas2/google.php
This online atlas illustrates environmental changes by providing both an explanation and satellite images. To access this information, you may click on a UNEP icon on the world map, enter a search term, or select an environment from a variety of lists such as country or environmental theme.
Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary for Computer and Internet Terms and Definitions
http://www.webopedia.com
This frequently updated resource offers definitions and links that explain technology and Internet terms, phrases, and acronyms.
The World Factbook
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Updated every two weeks, this site provides the following information for each of the world’s countries and territories: a map, background, geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues.
WordReference.com
http://www.wordreference.com
This Web site offers translation dictionaries in Spanish, French, and Italian. The language forums allow you to search through previous usage questions or ask your own question.
For More Reference Web Sites
If you need to find fast, factual information but are unsure of where to look, try the links below. They take you to lists of different types of reference Web sites that cover information such as acronyms and abbreviations, codes, health, how-to guides, maps, and so much more!
Internet Public Library: Reference
http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/browse/ref00.00.00
Online Reference Shelf
http://www.library.kent.edu/readyref
An example of the kinds of resources suggested by academic libraries for use by college students. This Web site is produced by Kent State University.
Reference in the Yahoo! Directory
http://dir.yahoo.com/Reference/