Online Ready Reference Resources
The following are a few great online reference sources and tools for searching for quality vetted information. In addition to these online sources, you should make a good study of the print resources available at your library. While there is a great deal of information available online, in many cases print resources are the more authoritative and convenient for finding information quickly. You should also check out the Enoch Pratt Free Library Subject Guides and How-to Guides.
Online Reference Directories
Nebraska STAR Reference Manual
The STAR Reference Manual has a useful directory of information divided by subject but it also provides basic information on how to conduct a reference interview and on the ethics of reference behavior. This is a good source for librarians and library associates to brush up on their skills.
Rutgers’s University Libraries Electronic Reference Sources
A very complete directory of sites divided by subject.
Enoch Pratt Free Library (EFPL) General Reference in Subject Guides
The ready reference area of the EPFL subject guides includes more links to information on dates, calendars and other general reference material.
Librarian’s Internet Index
Internet Public Library
The Librarian’s Internet Index and the Internet Public Library are searchable indexes that allow searching for sites vetted by librarians.
This resource is similar to the Librarian's Internet Index and the Internet Public Library, but it is oriented towards children and young adults. Information is organized be subject and is also searchable. Results are assigned a reading level.
Directory Information
Government Resources
Washington Post Federal Internet Guide
There are several guides online for information regarding the federal government, and this guide from the Washington Post does a particularly good job of breaking things down into simple and logical categories that are easy to navigate.
The Maryland Manual breaks down the structure of the Maryland government into an accessible format.
Telephone Directories
These two directories provide the most up to date telephone directory information.
Medical Information
The best authority on finding basic medical information. Most topics have pages with links to other quality sources that cover specific aspects of disease, medication, treatment, etc.
Election Information
League of Women Voters, Maryland
One of the best sources for information covering local and national elections. Descriptions of candidates, ballot initiatives, etc., are given in neutral and clear descriptions.
Who are your Elected Officials?
Allows the user to input their address and find out their state and local elected officials with contact information.
Language and Writing
An excellent source for information on how to write a paper and how to cite materials in MLA, APA, etc.