What are reference resources?
Answer
The word reference appears often in libraries or research, and can have different meanings depending on the context. Below are three common uses of the word "reference" you may encounter.
Reference resources are books about a topic that provide background information about that topic. Articles in databases may give you some information, but they don't give detailed information on a topic. You want to use a reference resource if you're looking for any of the following:
- history/development of something, or the definition of a word
- a thorough overview of a disease or condition
- biography of a person
- important people/dates
This video will give you more information.
The reference desk at a library is the best place to ask a question. The librarians are ready to help you find whatever information you're looking for.
A reference in APA is the full information for a source you used in your paper. The references are listed at the end of your paper in alphabetical order by the author's last name.
See the APA Style Guide for more information.