Lamson Library: CJ Assignment: Subject Encyclopedia

Can't Find Anything?

On this page you'll find:

Where to find the resource
How to cite the resource in your References
How to cite your source in "in-text citations."

What if you don't find anything?

You will find something. But don't always expect "a direct hit."

For example, if you're looking for information about "police drones," you might use a resource that discusses an important related issue. In this case, you might find articles about invasion of privacy, aerial surveillance, or robotic vehicles, etc.. There will be many issues related to your topic that don't use the specific term you might be using.

Uses for Subject Encyclopedias

Why Use Subject Encyclopedias?

"Encyclopedias attempt to provide comprehensive summaries of knowledge in either a specific field (subject encyclopedias) or "everything" (general encyclopedias). Encyclopedias are typically divided into a collection of articles on discrete topics. Academically oriented encyclopedias will often include short bibliographies, making them a good resource for identifying key books and articles on a topic."

(UCLA Library)

Find a Subject Encyclopedia Article

Where to Find Subject Encyclopedias

Gale eBooks (formerly GVRL Gale Virtual Reference Library)

(Access via the Databases link on the library home page.)

Encyclopedia Citation

How to Cite an Encyclopedia Article

Example of a Citation to an Encyclopedia Article with No Author:

References

Video evidence. (2016). In S. Constantakis (Ed.), World of Forensic Science (2nd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 696-697). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. Retrieved from Gale eBooks database.

In-Text Citation: (Video evidence, 2016)

It's possible that video police drones could be deployed at public events as a deterrent to crime. In the case of the Boston Marathon bombing, it was video cameras that allowed police to quickly identify the Tsarnaev brothers after the explosion. They were wearing backpacks just before the explosion and they were not wearing them in the video that followed (Video evidence, 2016). A video drone might have actually captured them in the act.

Entry with an author:

References

LaFave, W. R. (2000). Search and seizure. In L. W. Levy & K. L. Karst (Eds.), Encyclopedia of the American Constitution (2nd ed., Vol. 5, pp. 2329-2336). Detroit, MI: Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved from Gale eBooks

In-Text Citation

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat (LaFave, 2000).