When we talk about reference works or reference material, we are typically referring to a resource, such as a digital or physical book, that is meant to be “referenced” when we need a definition for a word or phrase, biographical or geographical information about a person or place, topic overviews, or background information. Below is a list of the most common types of reference works.
| Dictionary |
A collection or list of words, typically arranged in alphabetical order, providing definitions, pronunciation, etymology, grammatical information, and/or usage examples for each entry. |
| Encyclopedia |
A book or digital resource that provides summaries of in-depth and factual knowledge, usually by presenting a series of articles in either alphabetical order or organized thematically according to the focus of the encyclopedia. Can cover a broad subject area, niche interest, or anything in between. |
| Handbook |
A concise reference work that provides instructions, guidelines, policies, procedures, and/or other essential information about a specific subject. |
| Biography |
An account of a person's life; vital information (birth, death, marriage, etc.), accomplishments, and/or historical context. An autobiography is a biography written by the subject themselves. |
| Bibliography |
A comprehensive list of sources (books, articles, etc.) that are about a specific subject or period, or that are by a particular author or publisher. |
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