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SUS 220: Getting Started

Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Environmental Studies (GALE in Context)

Environmental Studies (GALE in context; previously GREENR) is an online resource that offers authoritative content on the development of emerging green technologies and discusses issues on the environment, sustainability and more. You can browse by topic or issues in addition to traditional search. Results include reference information, maps, videos, case studies, news, and more.

Environmental
Studies

How to Find & Maximize Reference Sources

Find background sources in the catalog by adding your keyword(s) to this reference-specific search:

Reference Examples

 

References sources, particularly specialized encyclopedias, offer many benefits. Consider the following tips as you review a reference source on your topic to reap all the benefits and make your researching even better.

 

  • Get definitions and background - Reference sources assume that you are new to a topic. Jargon and specialized terminology will be explained and contextualized, which you might not get in more advanced books and journal articles.
  • Get caught-up on a topic - Research is a conversation, and often it's been going on for years. Reference sources will provide a historical background and identify key developments to help you understand how we got to the current understandings and theories.
  • Identify key people and theories - Who are the most important people and ideas on your topic? Reference sources will help you identify them so you can explore them more deeply.
  • Find more sources - Reference sources will provide additional reading, usually in the form of references or background lists. These are a great next-step in your research process.