Researchers use encyclopedias to acquaint themselves with an unfamiliar topic. Encyclopedia articles include definitions, cross references to other topics, history, discussion, and a bibliography of relevant articles. Dictionaries provide spelling, definitions, usage of words, and often pronunciation and etymology. Encyclopedic dictionaries include a short discussion of the topic. A bibliography identifies all or selected known works on a specific subject.
Bibliographies appear in our books or periodical articles.
They are also published separately. It may be necessary to use biographical dictionaries and directories when checking the credentials of a scientist. Style Manuals Style manuals assist the researcher in producing a research paper. Some cover the entire research process, beginning with the initial literature search and continuing through the organization, formatting, and documentation of the final paper. They may also include proper format for use of chemical symbols, forumlae, and equations.