What are reference resources?
These are specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries. They are good for finding brief general information, or learning about an unfamiliar concept.
Reference databases
These are collections of encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, and other resources.
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window Gale EBOOKS is a collection of searchable subject encyclopedias and reference books from Gale Publishing and many other publishers.
- Oxford Handbooks Online This link opens in a new window Oxford Handbooks Online contains review essays that evaluate the current thinking on a field or topic. Essays also make an original argument about the future direction of debate in a given field. The Oxford Handbooks are authoritative and highly respected sources, containing in-depth, high-level articles. The collection covers such subjects as archaeology business, classical studies, criminology, literature, and psychology.
- Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new window Searchable and browsable collection of highly trusted reference books. Dictionaries and encyclopedias in Oxford Reference Online include general works, foreign-language works, and specialized subject works in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Individual reference works
Counterterrorism by
An up-to-date analysis of the wave of terrorism in the post-Cold War era and the ways in which states and societies are responding. Counter-Terrorism: A Reference Handbook outlines the threat of terrorism and ways to combat it. Written by two expert insiders in the field, this extensive examination surveys a wide range of diverse terrorist groups from the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) to Al Qaeda. It shows how key trends and patterns in domestic and international terrorism such as suicide bombings require counter strategies and tactics including surveillance and reconnaissance. Case studies of terrorist organizations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Balkans, and the Caucasus, and profiles of terrorists like Khalid Sheikh Mohommad, alias Mokhtar (The Brain), who masterminded the Al Qaeda attack on 9/11, illustrate the growing network of groups and leaders harnessing the forces of globalization. Finally, the authors suggest lthat no single state can act effectively on its own to confront terrorism--instead, a wide range of strategies needs to be adopted by all. Chronology of key events such as the 2001 bombing in Bali, movements such as the globalization of terrorism, and legislation by the United Nations, the United States, and other countries Biographies of significant individuals such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Osama bin Laden, and Ayman Al Zawahiri
Call Number: General Collection HV6431 .S744 2004Publication Date: 2004
Encyclopedia of Terrorism by
A valuable, up-to-date reference tool for understanding the latest developments in national and international terrorism--one of the most pressing security challenges facing the world today. Terrorism has emerged as one of the main foreign and national policy challenges of the 21st century. Encyclopedia of Terrorism provides comprehensive coverage of the events, individuals, groups, incidents, and trends in terrorism in the modern era. This essential work presents accurate, concise, and crucial information on developments since the watershed events of September 11, 2001, providing readers with an invaluable reference tool for understanding major developments that have occurred in domestic and international terrorism. The work is fully cross-referenced to provide a comprehensive research tool for high school students, academics, security analysts, and other readers interested in the study of terrorism. More than 500 entries on topics in modern-day terrorism A chronology of major terrorist attacks since 1946 A bibliography listing major literacy sources on terrorism A list of acronyms related to major terrorist organizations
Call Number: General Collection HV6431 .E534 2013 (two volumes)Publication Date: 2013
Encyclopedia of Terrorism by
`This outstanding work on terrorism accomplishes something what no other book has. The Encyclopedia of Terrorism is not only comprehensive, but accessible and brilliantly organized. It is the most important reference piece available, on the most compelling topic of our times, written by the foremost no-nonsense expert in the business. A must read′ - Professor Brian Levin, Director, Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, California State University, San Bernardino The Encyclopedia of Terrorism presents authoritative coverage of what is currently one of the world′s most important topics. With more than 300 articles, the encyclopedia provides detailed discussions of who, what, where, when, and why of terrorism. Up to date and timely, the articles cover such topics as Al-Qaeda, biological terrorism, extremism, Saddam Hussein, Jihad, Zacarias Moussaoui, and suicide bombers. Written and presented in a concise, readable format with detailed chronology, photographs, maps, and charts, the encyclopedia will be an essential reference for anyone interested in this critical field. Its in-depth articles make the encyclopedia the most comprehensive reference source available in the field. It has an extensive and global coverage of groups (such as the IRA), and key events (including September 11). With details on the people, terms, statistics, and information on the biographical, historical, and geographical information that is concerned with the study of terrorism. It contains cross-references to related entries at the end of each article with suggested further reading lists in each area. An internationally recognised expert on terrorism, Harvey Kushner has studied terrorism for more than three decades. He serves as a consultant on terrorism for an array of US governmental and private agencies. In addition, his commentary appears regularly on the media news networks worldwide. His expertise in this field has ensured that the entries, including contributions by other authorities in the field, are of the highest quality.
Call Number: General Collection HV6431 .K883 2003Publication Date: 2003
Patterns of Global Terrorism 1985-2005: U.S. Department of State Reports with Supplementary Documents and Statistics by
To be successful in finding and defeating terrorist groups and individuals, citizens and their representatives in the United States and around the world need hard facts and accurate, objective analysis of what we know, and suspect, about terrorist threats around the globe. Patterns of Global Terrorism 1985-2004, particularly as reformatted and enhanced by the experts at Berkshire, enables professionals as well as students to gauge threats we face today, gives insight into ways of measuring the effectiveness of efforts to combat terrorism, and provides historical context and data. Statistics on terrorist incidents show who is being killed, where violence is taking place, and who are the most likely perpetrators of global terrorism. In 1985, the U.S. Department of State began publishing extensive annual reports on global terrorism. As the years progressed, these reports became more detailed and incorporated additional information on important issues of public policy, terrorist sanctions, international response and so forth, making this the definitive resource on global terrorism. Following 9/11, the reports became a test of U.S. policy and began to generate controversy. revised. In 2004, the report was changed to eliminate the chronological and statistical detail that had been produced in each previous year. Critics charged that this data was withdrawn because it showed a major increase in terrorist acts, suggesting the U.S. government's War on Terrorism was not succeeding. Berkshire's Patterns of Global Terrorism 1985-2004 is the only print, archival edition of this vital historical document. This set is an essential resource for every college, school, and public library.
Call Number: General Collection HV6431 .P3773 2005Publication Date: 2005
Talking Terrorism: A Dictionary of the Loaded Language of Political Violence by
Anarchist, freedom fighter, fundamentalist, terrorist. These words are thrown about today with seeming abandon. But each of these terms, and hundreds like them, have connotations and denotations charged with meanings which can be used strategically by politicians, journalists, and ordinary citizens. ^ITalking Terrorism^R defines, traces, and explains the loaded, controversial, confusing, and shifting language that surrounds terrorist activity. The dictionary comprises words used to characterize individuals, groups, or countries that commit or support acts of political violence. Also covered is the closely related language that conveys the justifications and agendas of those responding to violence, including these groups' self-characterizations, which might entail the masking of a multitude of sins. In addition, the ways terrorists use language to smear enemies, recruit and inspire group members, and communicate the righteousness of their causes are examined. Following an A-to-Z format, ^ITalking Terrorism^R identifies and defines terms in dictionary style, then explores the charged meanings of the words, and often supplies examples of the words' usage. Cross-references will lead readers to related words and show the complicated web of words used in this verbal warfare. In the words and verbal maneuvers discussed in the dictionary, readers will see how enemies are manufactured through demonization, biased media coverage and government spin in action, and brutality legitimized as virtue, along with the besmirching of its victims. Much of what readers will find may not seem encouraging, yet ^ITalking Terrorism^R will open the eyes and ears of anyone who wants to come to grips with today's tumultuous political world.
Call Number: General Collection HV6431 .H455 2003Publication Date: 2003
Terrorism, 2008-2012 by
This comprehensive chronology provides coverage of every international terrorist attack covered in public literature--including newspapers, news magazines, radio, television, websites, and other media--from 2008 through 2012, plus updates on events that occurred before that period. It notes trends in suicide bombings, violence against Western and local hostages, letter bombs, food tampering, major assassinations, and other attacks by terrorists of all stripes. Changes in security measures around the world are also included, as are the key players in each event, ranging from terrorists to victims to individuals trying to prevent the next attack.
Call Number: General Collection HV6431 .M4995 2013Publication Date: 2013
