Credo Reference helps you start your historical research with timelines, regional and global histories, and introductions to key historical events.
Reference sources noted in the box to the left provide background information, an overview of a topic, specialized vocabulary and terminology, and critical concepts. They're often a great starting point. The Library has reference materials both online and in print.
CQ Researcher (Congressional Quarterly) is both a database and a periodical published 44 times a year that provides in-depth, non-biased coverage of political and social issues. There are regular reports on topics in health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy. It is a good resource to explore a topic in the early stages of research.
The following titles are representative of sources found in the Reference Area. More history books are in the 900-999 call number range on the 3rd Floor of Ryan Library. Books on political science are in the 320-329 call number range on the 2nd Floor.
Encyclopedia of Modern Asia by 
Dictionary of the Middle Ages by 
Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups Around the World by 
The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World by