While you are reading the specialized encyclopedia, you decide you want to learn more about post-traumatic stress disorder, specifically, to see if taking this course qualifies you for the diagnosis. (Now, we are just kidding.) If you are unfamiliar with the term "post-traumatic stress disorder," it would be a good idea to consult subject sources related to the psychological aspect of your query. You can find a good explanation of the concept in three pages in the Encyclopedia of Psychology. You will find a more comprehensive eight page discussion of the disorder in the Encyclopedia of Human Behavior. Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder might lead you to additional research on anxiety disorders in African Americans.
Specialized Encyclopedias/Subject Sources
There are similar subject resources in most disciplines. Generally speaking, specialized encyclopedias are some of the most useful and most overlooked books in any library! Not all are even called encyclopedias. Such terms as "companion," "handbook," "dictionary," or "guide" may indicate an encyclopedia of one to three volumes or more.
There are specialized encyclopedias and subject collections on the Web. Some specialized encyclopedias are the online version of a printed edition. Others are extensive collections of Web sites. Examples of online versions include the Catholic Encyclopedia, which was originally published in 16 volumes, and the Cambridge History of English and American Literature. Examples of specialized collections on the Web include the Internet Guide to Buddhism and Buddhist Studies, a subject research guide for scholars and specialists, and the Encyclopaedia of the Orient, a general overview of North African culture, history and language, produced by an expert on North Africa.
Before using an online encyclopedia, as with any source, review its editorial policy.
Click to review examples of specialized encyclopedias in print as well as on the Internet.
