Finding Encyclopedias on Specialized Subjects

The Chemeketa Community College library has a list that includes a selection of its encyclopedias. There may be additional encyclopedias and other reference books next to the listed books on the shelf. To find encyclopedias on additional subjects, see below.

Using the Library Catalog To Find Specialized Encyclopedias or Dictionaries

1. Use the default Keyword search in the catalog.
2. Type a word that describes your subject with "AND dictionar*" or "AND encycloped*."

art AND dictionar*

The asterisk (*) is a truncation character that tells the computer to find any word that begins with "dictionar" or "encycloped." That is: dictionary, dictionaries; encyclopedia, encyclopedias, encyclopedic.

In the list of results, click on the title of a book to find its location. The book will probably be in the Reference section, shelved according to the call number.

If the library does not have a subject dictionary or encyclopedia on the specialized subject, try a slightly broader search. For example, if your topic is emeralds, you will find that Chemeketa has encyclopedias of gemstones, but no dictionaries of gemstones. You might try a keyword search for "mineral* AND dictionar*" to help you find a pertinent dictionary.

For further help, ask for assistance at the Reference Desk, or use the contact information below to call or e-mail.