Introduction to Chaplaincy

Reference Works

The library has various reference works available, both online and in print. These include dictionaries, encyclopaedias, atlases, concordances and handbooks. Reference books can be used to find quick, specific information about or overviews of a topic, and are particularly helpful for growing an understanding of a new topic.

In an academic context, reference books are usually subject-specific.

• A dictionary can help with understanding words and concepts, and how they are used in a particular discipline.
• An encyclopaedia provides general information on topics.
• An atlas displays data (e.g. geographic, historic, social, or economic) visually through maps.
• A concordance lists where words are used within a book. Bible concordances are quite common, and very helpful for close textual examination. Strong's Concordance is a well-known example of this.
• A handbook is a comprehensive and practical introduction to a field or subject area.

Depending on the assignment, it may be appropriate to use multiple of these resource types, or none.