Reference Collections

Sir James Dunn Law Library Reference Collection

The Law Library maintains a collection of print reference tools located in the Learning Commons on the main floor of the library. This collection includes general and specialized legal dictionaries, legal encyclopedias, and directories covering Canadian, Commonwealth, and International Law. There is a small collection of introductory legal texts and guides. Additional key textbooks can be accessed in the open Reserve collection also located in the main floor.

There is a second collection of print finding tools located immediately inside the doors of the Primary Sources Room on the main floor.  This collection includes legislation and case law finding tools such as the Canadian Encyclopedic Digest, Canadian Abridgment Digest, Halsbury's Laws of Canada, and the Index to Canadian Legal Literature.  Reference tools for international and foreign law collections are shelved with their respective collections.

Please consult the Legal Resources page for additional online research tools, indices, and guides.

REFDESK: Reference materials with the call number REFDESK are located on the shelves behind the Killam Service Point.

Reference Collection

The Reference collection is in the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space along the wall to the right immediately as you enter the Legacy Space.

Music Collection

Music Reference Collection of major music encyclopedias, directories, IPA librettos of major operas, repertoire catalogues, thematic catalogues, bibliographies and music research guides is located in the Music Collection between the Music score and book section.

Online Reference tools for the Health Sciences.

The Kellogg Library's print reference collection is located in the Kellogg Library, on the main floor of the Tupper Medical Building. Materials in this collection are to be used in-library only.

MacRae Library Reference Collection

The Reference Collection is located on the main floor of the library immediately to the right upon entering the building. The Reference Collection contains print reference books (REF) and government documents. The most recent editions of commonly used reference books, such as the CRC Handbooks and Merck Index are found here. Materials located in this collection are to be used in-library only.

Sexton Library Reference Collection

The Sexton Library maintains an extensive collection of digital and print reference materials in the fields of engineering, architecture, and planning. These resources include subject bibliographies, dictionaries, general and specialized encyclopedias, directories, industry-specific field manuals, and more.

Print reference materials are located on the main floor of the Sexton Library, and are for in-library use only. Additional reference resources are available online through our specialized reference book databases, such as Knovel, and Access Engineering.

The Archives maintains a reference collection of university archival records, including:

• Yearbooks
• Calendars and convocation programs
• Dalhousie Gazette
  
• Photographs
• University reports and other records that document the history of the university.
  

Most of the major archival collection areas (e.g., theatre, shipping history) also have reference collections of primary sources.