Encyclopedias - Encyclopedias and Reference Sources - Library Guides at Metropolitan State University

Online Encyclopedia Collections

Search online encyclopedias provided by Metropolitan State University Library.

Encyclopedias are a great place to begin your research, gather background information, or explore possible research topics.

Search the Gale Virtual Reference Library

Search Credo Reference

Search Oxford Reference Online

Encyclopedia Britannica Online
The online version of the classic encyclopedia, with graphs, photos and movies. Supplemented with the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus, a world atlas, a timeline, and a year in review feature. Articles include links to relevant websites.

AccessScience
Online encyclopedia of science and technology. Articles with references and links for further study. A good starting place for science research. Dictionary terms, biographies, images, and animations are included as well.
African American Studies Center
Reference works, articles, primary sources, and images related to African American history and culture.
Biography in Context
Biographies of thousands of famous people, with advanced search capabilities to allow you to search by place of origin, profession or ethnicity.
Britannica Online Academic Edition
The online version of the classic encyclopedia. Supplemented with the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus.
Credo Reference Books
Electronic Encyclopedias and dictionaries on a variety of topics.
Gale Virtual Reference Library
Gale Virtual Reference is a collection of reference "e-books" that is searchable just like a database. The collection is made up of authoritative and respected subject encyclopedias and more.
Oxford Reference Online
A collection of electronic reference books published by Oxford, including bilingual dictionaries, English dictionaries and reference tools, subject-specific dictionaries, and quotation books.

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Reference desk:
(651) 793-1614
Information desk:
(651) 793-1616