Encyclopedias and and other
reference works provide background
information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates
which can then be used as search terms for finding additional
information. In addition most encyclopedia articles include short
bibliographies that will lead you to the major works on the topic.
This is a very selected list of specialized encyclopedias. To locate others on specific topics, search UW Libraries Search under Find Books and use the word encyclopedia as one of your keywords.