What is an encyclopaedia?

"It is a book, often in various volumes, containing articles on various topics, often arranged in alphabetical order, dealing either with the whole range of human knowledge or with one particular subject."
(Definition source: The Collins English Dictionary 1986:503)

Where to find encyclopaedias?

• Encyclopaedias are reference works and therefore kept in the Reference section.
• General encyclopaedias will be in the REF 030 to 039 classes.
• Subject encyclopaedias will be held at the classification number for the subject, e.g.
  • Encyclopaedia of science = REF 503,
  • Encyclopaedia of mathematics = REF 510.3,
  • Encyclopaedia of physics = REF 530.03,
  • Encyclopaedia of art = REF 703.

Remember that material in the Reference Collection of a Library can only be used inside the Library. Generally you should not remove the material from the Reference Collection without permission. These provisions are made to ensure that anyone can have ready access to the material and will be able to use it immediately.

Use the library catalogue (OPAC) to search for an encyclopaedia that might be appropriate to meet your information need.