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Chemistry: Reference Sources

Why Would I Use a Reference Book?

Reference books:

  • include helpful introductory information
  • contain citations to other sources
  • list statistics, dates and facts
  • provide reviews, biographies and definitions

A Reference book is just a starting point that provides an overview of a topic. Don't cite these materials. The reason why we don't cite reference books is that they don't provide any original information.  They only give you a condensed summary of what other people have said about a topic. Use these materials to give you ideas for a topic.  Write down the relevant facts and keywords so that you can search in Primo or in the library databases to locate books and articles for your research.

CRC Handbook Online

Focused Reference Titles

Handbooks & Dictionaries

Encyclopedias