Reference resources can be very useful for finding broad overviews on a topic. The four bullets below list collections of searchable eReference titles:

• Blackwell Reference Online

• Credo eReference

• Gale Virtual Reference

• SAGE eReference

Subject dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks typically provide background essays, definitions, broad overviews of various topics, or other pertinent facts.

Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science

Education: A Guide to Reference and Information Sources

Education at a Glance

Educator's Desk Reference

Educator's Guide to Texas School Law

Encyclopedia of American Education

Encyclopedia of Educational Leadership and Administration

Encyclopedia of Educational Psychology

Encyclopedia of Psychology

Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods

Encyclopedia of Special Education

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences

Philosophy of Education: An Encyclopedia Review of Research in Education