Find Reference Resources

Common Types of Reference Sources

In each of our libraries, you'll find reference books on a wide variety of topics. The libraries maintain a core collection of print reference works in each library. Librarians and staff will be happy to help you to find what you need.

In addition to our print reference collections, the libraries provide access to online reference tools in all subject areas taught at Atlantic Cape.

Reference Sources for All Topics

On Campus	Off Campus
Britannica Academic Edition This tool combines the highly respected Encyclopaedia Britannica with Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Britannica is a general encyclopedia, containing introductory essays on all areas of knowledge, written by acknowledged experts. This edition also includes a world atlas, with maps and statistics, as well as a selection of articles from current news sources.
Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia This general encyclopedia contains articles that are easy to read, but lack the depth of the Britannica articles.
Referencia Latina A collection of Spanish-language sources, primarily introductory reference books, but also including a variety of popular magazines and a few scholarly journals.
Oxford English Dictionary This classic reference work traces the history and etymology of words and phrases in the English Language.
Credo Reference Collection This collection contains an extensive collection of subject encyclopedias, as well as a selection of handbooks, dictionaries, and other reference tools, including image collections. An excellent place to find background information for starting a research project.
Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) This collection includes a selection of subject encyclopedias and other introductory sources, including some valuable core reference titles.
Salem Press A small but valuable collection of resources. At this time, the collection includes resources for history, health and medicine, and science.

Online Reference Sources on Controversial Issues

On Campus	Off Campus
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center This resource provides a multifaceted collection of opinion essays on many controversial topics. For best results, use the Browse Topics feature. Critical thinking required!
Points of View This tool is very similar to Opposing Viewpoints, but the topic list is slightly different.

Nonprofit Resource Center

The Nonprofit Resource Center, located in the Mullock Family Library, on the Cape May County Campus, provides access to a suite of databases from the Foundation Center. These tools can be used to identify funding sources for nonprofit organizations. Also included is the Grants to Individuals database, which identifies organizations that fund scholarships and creative or entrepreneurial projects. These resources are available on the Cape May County Campus only; no off-campus access.

Authentication for referenceUSA is different from our other databases. It is not necessary to log into Atlantic Cape's proxy server to get access to referenceUSA. The login process is the same, whether you are on campus or off.

To get started, click on the link to referenceUSA. You will be prompted to accept their terms and conditions. You must do this in order to use the database.

referenceUSA uses a GIS program to authenticate users. When you agree to the terms and conditions, you will be asked to allow the program to access your location. If you are located in New Jersey, and do not object, select 'Allow location access.'

If you are outside NJ, or if you prefer not to allow access, select 'Don't allow.' You will be prompted for your library card number. This is the 14-digit barcode printed on the face of your Atlantic Cape ID card. You must register your card with the libraries for this to work.

You can also use the barcode for your NJ public library to log into referenceUSA.

Many additional online reference sources can be found in the Ebsco E-book Collections.