Arch-Des 670

Reference books are usually encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, atlases, etc. They are intended to provide quick, reliable information, summaries of complex matters, and, very importantly, bibliographies--suggestions for futher reading.

These reference materials are invariably written by experts in their fields, so they are more trustworthy than Wikipedia--all have gone through a process of editorial review. For an illustrated explanation, see the home page presentation, "What is a referred or scholarly article?"

Note: Many reference sources are available full-text, online.

Grove Dictionary of Art
The best scholarly dictionary for all aspects of fine and applied arts, including design and architecture. Current. Now online!

Artist's & graphic designer's market : where & how to sell your illustration, fine art, graphic design & cartoons N8600.A75

A visual dictionary of architecture NA31 .C44 1995 +

A dictionary of architecture and landscape architecture NA31 .C864 2006

Dictionary of architectural abbreviations, signs, and symbols NA31 .D5

Encyclopedia of 20th century architecture 3v. NA680 .E495 2004

All print reference sources are located on the Main level, Du Bois Library

Gale Virtual Reference Library
A collection of several hundred current subject encyclopedias.

Oxford Reference Online
Entries from over 100 Oxford University Press subject and language dictionaries, guides, and concise companions.