Reference tools are a useful way to learn more about a variety of topics fast. From Wikipedia to Wolfram Alpha many are freely available on the WWW. One way to locate them is to add context terms to your queries. For example, adding a search term like tutorial, video, or diagram suggests a certain type of result.

The library provides access to many reference databases that can be used remotely, including:

• Oxford Reference – 100s of dictionaries and reference works in the humanities and social sciences, published by Oxford University Press.
• Credo Reference – An online collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographies and quotations.
   
• AccesEngineering – The current editions of engineering references on a variety of engineering subjects.
   
• AccessScience – Online version of the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology.

To follow up on any of these ideas, please contact me at smarion@nyit.edu.