Research Guides: Literature: OED & Encyclopedias

Oxford English Dictionary

Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
Use the OED to discover the meaning, history, and pronunciation of English words - - past and present - - from across the English-speaking world. The OED is widely regarded as the accepted authority on the English language.

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Use Credo to find background information on your topic, and identify key words to use as you continue your research. Credo is an authoritative alternative to Wikipedia.
Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new window
Use ORO to get an overview of your topic and identify key words to use in your research. ORO is a trustworthy alternative to Wikipedia. Narrow your results by availability: unlocked and free to see only the sources SCCC has access to.
Gale Ebooks This link opens in a new window
This is a collection of online encyclopedias and reference books.

The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English
Biographical and critical articles on a broad range of literary authors and genres.
The Oxford Companion to American Literature
Biographical profiles of important American authors, influential foreign writers and other figures who have been important in the nation's social and cultural history.

Full summaries of important American novels, stories, essays, poems (with verse form noted), plays, biographies and autobiographies, tracts, narratives, and histories.