Reference Databases
Online Reference Resources for Literature Research
Reference sources like dictionaries and encyclopedias can be great sources of background information. The library also has several online reference databases for literature research, a few of which are listed below.
Johns Hopkins Online Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism Examines the development of ideas in disciplines which have influenced literary theory and criticism. International in scope, but emphasizes western critical theory. (also available in print)
Middle English Dictionary (freely available online) is the world's largest searchable database of Middle English lexicon and usage for the period 1100-1500. An invaluable resource for lexicographers, language scholars, and all scholars in medieval studies.
- Gale Literature Resource This link opens in a new window
Contains up-to-date analysis, biographical information, overviews, full-text literary criticism, and reviews on more than 130,000 writers in all disciplines, from all time periods, and from around the world
- Oxford English Dictionary Online This link opens in a new window
Contains the complete text of the OED's 20-volume Second Edition and 3-volume Additions Series. Also includes draft material from the current OED project, representing the latest progress towards a completely revised and updated Third Edition. The OED online can be used to perform simple searches for word definitions, or for full-text searching of all OED's definitions, etymologies and quotations through the Search function. Updated quarterly.
- Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window
This database includes access to subject dictionaries, the World Encyclopedia, English dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries of French, German, Spanish, and Italian, and entries from Oxford Companions and the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. This is a collection more than 134 language and subject dictionaries published by Oxford University Press. Together they cover a wide range of fields including Architecture, Biology, Business, classics, Computing, Environmental Science, Economics, English Language, Food and Nutrition, History, Law, Literature, Mathematics, Medicine, Military Science, Language, Folklore, Performing Arts, Philosophy, Physical Sciences, Political science, Religion, and Social Science.