Reference Books: Print & Online
Finding Information from a Reference
Reference materials are compilations; a "reference" connects a researcher to background information in a way that is intended to be found quickly when needed. Reference materials can be dictionaries, encyclopedias, bibliographies, handbooks and guides, catalogs, atlases and maps, directories, almanacs – even the internet.
Using OU Libraries' Catalog
Although the library guide you currently read is considered a reference material, the following lists are not comprehensive. Check the OU Libraries Discover catalog to connect to even more resources. Think about the keywords you would use to search the catalog; for general books containing definitions of terms or overviews of a subject, search for your keywords plus "encyclopedia" or "dictionary." Want reference assistance? Reach out to the STEM Services team at libstem@ou.edu.
Looking for a reference on citation style? Visit the Citations page of the guide.
Finding Books in the Library by Call Number
Books are located in Bizzell Memorial Library in the following call number locations.
Library of Congress Call Numbers for Geography & GIS:
| Call Number Range | Topic |
|---|---|
| G | General, Atlases, Maps |
| GA | Cartography |
| GB | Physical Geography |
| GE | Environmental Sciences |
| GF | Human Geography |
| GN | Anthropology |
| HF 1000s | Economic Geography |
| JC 300s | Political Geography |
| QH 84 | Biogeography |
What's new about the catalog? See if the library has a copy of your class's textbook!
Textbooks on Reserve and course reserve materials are now searchable by course code (ex. HIST 3403), course name (ex. Modern Israel), title (ex. Quiet Street), or author. Some materials are searchable by professor last name (ex. Seidelman). Students can search the catalog or the new Textbook Search Scope (located under the Search Scope drop-down menu).
References in Geography Subdisciplines: Physical Geography resources include physical, biological, and environmental resources. Human Geography resources include anthropology and cultural resources.
Geography
Human Geography
Countries and Their Cultures by Call Number: GN 307 .C68 2001ISBN: 0028658965Publication Date: 2003-11-01This guide provides a reference for anyone seeking information about the predominant and variable cultural forms, mores, and modes of expression in virtually every country.
DiasporasCall Number: JV 6121 .D53 2010ISBN: 9781842779477Publication Date: 2010-10-01Featuring essays by world-renowned scholars, Diasporas charts the various ways in which global population movements and associated social, political and cultural issues have been seen through the lens of diaspora.- CQ Press LibraryCall Number: BL 65 .P7 E53 2007Publication Date: On-line edition 2011"Search or browse resources on American government, current affairs, history, politics, public policy, and data analysis for the social sciences."
Fieldwork for Human Geography by Call Number: GF 51 .P46 2012ISBN: 9780857025869Publication Date: 2012-05-02This book encourages students to critically engage with the reasons for doing fieldwork and what they can get out, explains methods and contexts, and links the fieldwork with wider academic topics.
The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Geography by Call Number: GF 21 .S24 2010ISBN: 9781412919913Publication Date: 2009-12-08Exploring the dynamic growth, change, and complexity of qualitative research in human geography, The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Geography brings together leading scholars in the field to examine its history, assess the current state of the art, and project future directions.
The SAGE Handbook of Social Geographies by Call Number: GF 41 .S14 2010ISBN: 9781412935593Publication Date: 2009-11-25The social relations of difference - from race and class to gender and inequality - is at the heart of the concept of social geography and this Handbook reconsiders and redirects research in the discipline while examining the changing ideas of individuals and their relationship with structures of power.
International Encyclopedia of Human Geography by ISBN: 9780080449111Publication Date: 2009-07-16The International Encyclopedia of Human Geography includes over 1,000 detailed entries on philosophy and theory, key concepts, methods and practices, biographies of notable geographers, and geographical thought and praxis in different parts of the world.
- Black Geographies Specialty Group of AAG"a global platform for: (a) promoting study of the social, political, cultural, economic, and ecological aspects of the race in/and geography, (b) encouraging critical reflection on the issues, processes, intrinsic qualities, and interconnections that shape Black lives and geographies on local, national, continental, and international scales, (c) exchanging research and teaching ideas among scholars of race in/and geography, and (d) building greater ties between geographers and the Black and Africana Studies community."
Physical Geography & GIS
- Essentials of Geographic Information Systems"This book is designed to be accessible, pragmatic, and concise. [...] illustrates how GIS is used to ask questions, inform choices, and guide policy. From the melting of the polar ice caps to privacy issues associated with mapping, this book provides a gentle, yet substantive, introduction to the use and application of digital maps, mapping, and GIS."
The Handbook of Geographic Information Science by Call Number: G 70.2 .H356 2008ISBN: 9781405107952Publication Date: 2007-08-06
Advanced Geoinformation Science by ISBN: 9781439810613Publication Date: 2010"Delineates the problems communities are likely to face and how advanced geoinformation science can be a part of their solution. It introduces different methods in collecting spatial data as the initial feeds to geoinformation science and computing platforms. It discusses systems for data management, data integration and analysis, the geoinformation infrastructure, as well as knowledge capture, formatting, and utilization. The book then explores a variety of geoinformation applications, highlighting environmental, agriculture, and urban planning uses."
Tribal GIS by Call Number: G 70.215 .U6 T75 2012ISBN: 9781589483200Publication Date: 2012"Tribal leaders tell their stories about implementing and using geographic information systems (GIS) to address their unique challenges as sovereign Nations. This book covers applications in natural resources and the environment, transportation, cultural and historical preservation, economic development, health, education, public safety, and agriculture. "
The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Physical Geography by ISBN: 3319714600Publication Date: 2018-04-13**Not available from OU Libraries – Request via Inter-library loan**
Maps, Atlases, and Gazetteers
Maps are primarily located at the Youngblood Energy Library. Search the OU Catalog for more!
Finding Atlases in Bizzell
Atlas, starting with call number G 1000, are located:
- On the Atlas Stand in Reference
- G 1000's in Reference Collection
- G 1000's in Main Stacks
- Oversize area far east end of the Main Floor