Subject Specific Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
Explore the reference resources listed here to develop a working knowledge of your topic. These materials will lead you deeper into the research through their summation of the topic, introduction to related concepts and events, and the bibliographies used to create them.
Online
- GVRL - Gale Virtual Reference Library Encyclopedias This link opens in a new window
Get background information to contextualize your topic. Discover keywords to use for searching later. - OED - Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
The best English language dictionary in the world. It provides the history of words including their first recorded use.
Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL)
Gale Virtual Reference Library Encyclopedias (GVRL)
- Cohen, Norm. American Folk Songs: A Regional Encyclopedia. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 2008.
- Slonimsky, Nicolas, Laura D. Kuhn, and Nicolas Slonimsky. Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians. New York: Schirmer Books, 2001.
- Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians Since 1990. New York: Schirmer Reference, 2004.
- Smith, Kerry L. Encyclopedia of Indie Rock. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 2008.
- Cramer, Alfred W. Musicians & Composers of the 20th Century. Pasadena, Calif: Salem Press, 2009.
- Havranek, Carrie. Women Icons of Popular Music: The Rebels, Rockers, and Renegades. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 2009.
Reference Books
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians by Call Number: ML100 .N48 2000ISBN: 9780195170672Publication Date: 2004-01-29The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, second edition (New Grove II), is a monumental work of 29 volumes. It is the largest single-subject encyclopedia in the world and the definitive music reference source.
New Grove Dictionary of American Music by Call Number: ML101.U6 N48 1986ISBN: 9780333378793Publication Date: 1986-01-02
The World's Music by Call Number: ML100 .G16 1998ISBN: 9780815310846Publication Date: 2002-03-01Garland's ambitious 10-volume series takes a cultural approach to its focus on the music of all the world's peoples. Each volume is arranged topically, regionally, or by ethnic group, and complemented by an extensive index
Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians by Call Number: ML105 .B16 2001ISBN: 9780028655710Publication Date: 2000-12-01
The New Harvard Dictionary of Music by Call Number: ML100 .N485 1986ISBN: 9780674615250Publication Date: 1986-10-01
The Harvard Biographical Dictionary of Music by Call Number: ML105 .H38 1996ISBN: 9780674372993Publication Date: 1996-11-01
Subject Guide
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