New Reference Collection

The Library has begun acquiring additional digital dictionaries and encyclopedias on the Gale database platform. The Gale Virtual Reference Library offers high quality encyclopedias and dictionaries which provide an excellent starting place for your research.

The initial acquistion of titles is below. We will be acquiring more in the coming months as we build this collection. Gale Virtual Reference Library offers more in-depth articles and information than the Credo Reference Library.

Access is via the Gale entry on the Databases page of our website.

Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy 2009
Encyclopedia of Irish History and Culture 2004
Encyclopedia of Language and Education , 2nd ed. 2008
Psychology of Classroom Learning: An Encyclopedia 2009
Special Education: A Reference Book for Policy and Curriculum Development 2009
Terrorism: Essential Primary Sources 2006

Looking for a dictionary ?

One of the most frequently asked questions in any library is 'where can I find a dictionary ?'.

If you are in a library using Dewey Decimal the English language dictionaries should be at the call number R 423

If you are on the web you will find a number of free online dictionaries and these vary in quality but none are comprehensive in their coverage.

Or if you want something of higher quality and greater depth the Library has a subscription to a suite of around 100 online dictionaries and encyclopedias called Credo Reference .

The Macquarie Dictionary, often used as a benchmark in Australia, is available within Credo or by clicking here.

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias are essential research tools when you first approach a new topic. They will assist you to understand the topic at a broad level and the terminology used in the discipline you are studying.

Credo Reference - Online Dictionaries and Encyclopaedias

Did you know that the library has a subscription to a collection of online dictionaries and encyclopaedias called Credo Reference?.


The resources in this collection have been specifically selected to support each of the disciplines taught at the University and provide an excellent resource when you are unsure of what you are looking for.


Some of the key features of this site include:

Concept Maps - much like explosion charts, these maps display related topics and allow you to view the content of these while keeping track of where you've come from.


Find a book, allows you to identify the titles included in each subject area and search these separately. Advanced search and refine search options enable you to limit by subject, publication date and media type. You can also save, email and print articles and export results to Endnote using a choice of citation styles.


A recent enhancement to the site now allows users to find a definition in Credo and then continue that search in the library catalogue to find further resources on that subject.



For further information or support on how to use this resource contact your Library