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A reference work is a compendium of information, usually of a specific type, compiled in a book for ease of reference. That is, the information is intended to be quickly found when needed. Reference works are usually referred to for particular pieces of information, rather than read cover to cover. The writing style used in these works is informative; the authors avoid use of the first person, and emphasize facts. Indexes are commonly provided in many types of reference work. Updated editions are published as needed, in some cases annually.

In comparison, a reference book or reference-only book in a library is one that may only be used in the library and not borrowed from the library. Many such books are reference works (in the first sense) which are usually used only briefly or photocopied from, and therefore do not need to be borrowed. Keeping them in the library assures that they will always be available for use on demand. Other reference-only books are ones that are too valuable to permit borrowers to take them out. Reference-only items may be shelved in a reference collection located separately from circulating items or individual reference-only items may be shelved among items available for borrowing.

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Contents/Reference: Overview • Lists • Outlines • Portals • Categories • Glossaries • Indexes

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Overview (see for all subject areas)

Reference works

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List of academic disciplines • Archive • Basic English • Book • College • Curriculum • Information • Knowledge • Library • News agency • Periodic table • Quotation • Research • Web search engine • Study skills • Table of contents • University

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Outlines (see for all subject areas)

Books – a book is a set of written, printed, illustrated sheets, made of ink, paper, parchment, or other materials, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. Books are used to convey knowledge and other information.
General subject outlines (outlines of knowledge)
- Academic disciplines
- Figurative system of human knowledge
- Propædia Outline of Knowledge
- Subject classification systems
  - Academic classification systems
    - Fields of doctoral studies (United States)
    - Joint Academic Classification of Subjects
  - Library classification systems
Knowledge – familiarity, awareness or understanding of someone or something, such as facts, information, descriptions, or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning. Knowledge can refer to a theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. It can be implicit (as with practical skill or expertise) or explicit (as with the theoretical understanding of a subject); it can be more or less formal or systematic.
Wikipedia – free-access, free content Internet encyclopedia, supported and hosted by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation. Anyone who can access the site can edit almost any of its articles. Wikipedia is the sixth-most visited website and constitutes the Internet's largest and most popular general reference work.