Reference works are generally referred to for particular pieces of information, rather than read cover to cover. The style used is informative and emphasize facts.They are useful for quick lookups, general overview, and may lead you to authors, concepts, and materials useful in your research.
Reference works are found in the general book stacks, and more and more frequently you can find them online as well. Online references listed here include a link to the item.
                    
        
            Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Education
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            Leslie R. Williams (Editor); Doris P. Fromberg (Editor)
        
                    
        
                
                            
        
        
                    
                    
        
            Statistical Handbook on the American Family
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            Bruce A. Chadwick; Tim B. Heaton
        
                    
        
                
                            
        
        
                    
                    
        
            Encyclopedia of Family Life
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            Carl L. Bankston (Editor); R. Kent Rasmussen (Editorial Coordinator)
        
                    
        
                
                            
        
        
                    
                    
        
            The Dictionary of Family Psychology and Family Therapy
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            S. Richard Sauber; Luciano L'Abate; Gerald R. Weeks; William L. Buchanan
        
                    
        
                
                            
        
        
                    
                    
        
            Key Words in Aging, Law, and Ethics
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            Marshall B. Kapp
        
                    
        
                
                            
        
        
                    
                    
        
            The Encyclopedia of Aging
        
                    
                by
            
        
        
            George L. Maddox (Editor)