Virtual Reference Shelf | Atlases & Demographics | Citation Guides | Dictionaries & Thesauri | Directories
Encyclopedias | Financial Calculators | Quotations | Translation Aids
Virtual Reference Shelf – sources containing multiple types of reference tools
Gale Virtual Reference Library (Gale)
An excellent collection of general and subject-specific reference sources that can be searched individually or in combination. Available only to current CUNY School of Law students and faculty.
Oxford Reference Online
An outstanding collection of reference resources that can be used individually or searched in combination. Includes general and subject-specific dictionaries, encyclopedias, quotations dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, maps and more. Available only to current CUNY School of Law students and faculty.
Bartleby.com
Great source for free access to current reference sources! Older sources provided as well, so check the dates.
Information Please
Includes an online encyclopedia (Columbia House), dictionary, thesaurus, maps and several almanacs.
The Internet Public Library Reference Collection
Includes a large collection of links to reference sources on the Web.
World Digital Library
Presents “cultural treasures” from around the world, including manuscripts, maps, rare books, musical scores, recordings, films, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings. Developed by the Library of Congress and partner institutions throughout the world, with support from the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Atlases & Demographics
Google Maps
Statistical Atlas of the United States
Uses information from the latest U.S. Census (2010) and 2009-2013 American Community Survey.
U.S. Census Bureau
Citation
Citing Electronic Information
A collection of links to style guides for citing electronic resources, including APA, MLA and more. Maintained by the Internet Public Library.
Dictionaries & Thesauri
Information Please
Merriam-Webster Online (includes thesaurus)
Oxford English Dictionary
This is the online edition of the famous multi-volume print version, with definitions for over 500,000 words. Contains the contents of the current print version, plus updates as they are added that will appear in the new print version when it comes out. The publisher claims over 2.5 million quotations are included to show the usage of words, which is a particular strength of this dictionary. Available only to current CUNY School of Law students and faculty.
ROGET’S Thesaurus (1922 edition from Bartleby.com)
Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus
Directories
United States Postal Service ZIP Code Lookup and Address Information
Encyclopedias
Britannica Online
This site includes the online version of Encyclopedia Britannica and much more.
Information Please
Includes an online encyclopedia (Columbia House), dictionary, maps and several almanacs.
Wikipedia
Written collaboratively by volunteers. Most articles can be edited by anyone. Useful for preliminary info and especially for pop-culture topics, but use with caution.
Financial Calculators
Currency Converter (OANDA)
CNN Money Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
See how far your salary will go in various areas of the U.S.
Salary.com
Choose from over 1,000 job descriptions and compare salaries paid in different U.S. cities.
Quotations
Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 10th ed., pub. 1919
Bartleby
This site lists several other free quotation sources, though most are also quite old.
Translation Aids
Babelfish Translator
Translate text between several languages, including English, Spanish, German, Arabic, and more.
Google Translate
Logos Multi-Lingual E-Translation Portal
Find translations of words in over 100 languages! Includes audio files for many words so you can also hear how they are pronounced.