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 Microbiology:
| Call Number Range | Topic |
|---|---|
| QR 1-500 | Microbiology |
| QR 75-99 | Bacteria |
| QR 100-130 | Microbial Ecology |
| QR 180's | Immunology |
| QR 355-502 | Virology |
| QH 200's | Microscopy |
| QH 300-705 | General Biology |
| QH 540's | Ecology |
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).
Biology and Biodiversity
- Encyclopedia of LifeSubmit trait data for specific organisms
- Encyclopedia of Life SciencesPublication Date: Annual UpdateOnline encyclopedia of the biological sciences. Full text available.
- Biology Simulations"Fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations."
Protocols
- Springer ProtocolsProvides access to full text reproducible laboratory protocols in the life and biomedical sciences.
Microbiology
Bergey's manual of determinative bacteriology; 9th ed.Call Number: QR 81 .A5 1994Publication Date: 1994Location RESERVE DESK
There is NOT an electronic version of this title.
Yes, 1994 is the current edition.- Bergey's Manual of Systematic of Archaea and Bacteria First Edition byPublication Date: 2015This manual replaces and expands upon the second edition of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology.
Bergey's Manual of Systematics of Archaea and Bacteria provides up-to-date descriptions of the taxonomy, systematics, ecology, physiology and other biological properties of all named prokaryotic taxa.
- Bergey's Manual Trust WebsiteLearn about the Bergey's Manual and the latest updates on new titles.
The prokaryotes: a handbook on the biology of bacteria; 3rd ed.Call Number: QR 72.5 .P76 2006Publication Date: 2006Available as physical copies or e-books. The link goes to the editions in the stacks, and you can follow the "other versions" link to find the volume you want online.
Encyclopedia of Virology by ISBN: 0123744105Publication Date: 2008"Covers biological, molecular, and medical topics concerning viruses in animals, plants, bacteria and insects. Now in five volumes, this new edition has been extensively revised and updated to reflect the 50% increase in identified and accepted viruses since the year 2000."
Biomedical Science & Cell Biology
Atlas of Human Anatomy by Call Number: QM 25 .N46 2006ISBN: 1416036997Publication Date: 2006"In over 540 beautifully colored and easily understood illustrations, it teaches the complete human body with unsurpassed clarity and accuracy. [...] includes more imaging and clinical images than ever before. "
- Mind the Gap: A handbook of clinical signs in Black and Brown skin"The aim of this booklet is to educate students and essential allied health care professionals on the importance of recognising that certain clinical signs do not present the same on darker skin. This is something which is not commonly practiced in medical textbooks as there is a ‘white skin bias’. It is important that we as future healthcare professionals are aware of these differences so that we don’t compromise our care for certain groups."
- Nature Encyclopedia of the Human GenomeCall Number: Reference QH 447 .E53 2003Publication Date: 2003
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Cambridge Encyclopedia of Darwin and Evolutionary Thought by Call Number: QH 360.2 .C36ISBN: 9780521195317Publication Date: 2013-02-28An encyclopedia covering the history of evolutionary biology.
Evolution by Call Number: QH 366.2 .F87 2017 TEXTBOOKSISBN: 9781605356051Publication Date: 2017"Suited for an undergraduate audience, the text emphasizes the interplay between theory and empirical tests of hypotheses, helping to familiarize students with the process of science."
Evolution by Call Number: QH 366.2 .Z526 2013 TEXTBOOKSISBN: 9781936221172Publication Date: 2012"Science writer Carl Zimmer and evolutionary biologist Douglas Emlen have teamed up to write a textbook intended for biology majors that will inspire students while delivering a solid foundation in evolutionary biology. "
The Princeton Guide to Evolution by Call Number: QH 367 .P85 2014ISBN: 9780691149776Publication Date: 2013"Edited by a distinguished team of evolutionary biologists, with contributions from leading researchers, the guide contains some 100 clear, accurate, and up-to-date articles on the most important topics in seven major areas: phylogenetics and the history of life; selection and adaptation; evolutionary processes; genes, genomes, and phenotypes; speciation and macroevolution; evolution of behavior, society, and humans; and evolution and modern society. [...] this is an essential volume for undergraduate and graduate students, scientists in related fields, and anyone else with a serious interest in evolution."
Ecology by Call Number: QH 541 .B415 2006ISBN: 1405111178Publication Date: 2006"Easy to use, lucid and up-to-date, and is the essential reference for all students whose degree program includes ecology and for practicing ecologists."
Ecology by Call Number: QH 541 .R53 1990ISBN: 0716720779Publication Date: 1990A classic textbook covering ecological concepts.
Foundations of Ecology by Call Number: QH 541.145 .F68 1991ISBN: 0226705935Publication Date: 1991"Forty classic papers that have laid the foundations of modern ecology. [...] Six original essays by contemporary ecologists and a historian of ecology place the selections in context and discuss their continued relevance to current research." Great for upper-level undergraduates or graduate students.
Arguing for Evolution: An Encyclopedia for Understanding SciencePublication Date: 2011
Encyclopedia of Ecology by Publication Date: 2008Entries by field experts covering a wide range of ecological topics.
