Use these resources for background information. They often also provide lists of other resources that will be helpful on a given topic.
Terrorism in the 20th Century: A Narrative Encyclopedia from the Anarchists, through the Weathermen, to the Unabomber
Book Shelves (2nd Floor) HV6431.N366 1998
Discusses terrorism from a historical perspective, from the U.S.’s first exposure to terrorists, up to the year of writing (note that the volume was published in 1998).
International Handbook on Drug Control
Book Shelves (2nd Floor) HV6789.H25 1998
Outlines the problem of illicit drug trading worldwide, then surveys the situation in particular countries and regions.
Standards of Schooling in the United States: An Encyclopedia
Book Shelves (2nd Floor) LB2822.82 .S82 2001
Topics discussed in this work include bilingual education, class and socioeconomics, justice and education, and sexuality and education. Entries are lengthy and include bibliographies.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States
Reference (1st Floor) E184.S75 O97 2005
Entries range from those describing influential individuals and social groups to general discussions of culture, history, and tradition. A works cited follows each entry.
Encyclopedia of Women and Gender
Reference (1st Floor) HQ1115 .E43 2001
Discusses issues relating to women in modern society, including entries on health and reproductive concerns, child care, hate crimes, women and work, and gender and education.
The Idea of Race
Book shelves (3rd Floor) GN269 .I34 2000
Provides lengthy articles on the concept and construction of race in an array of different contexts.