Reference sources are resources used to locate basic information and secondary literature.

There are many types of reference sources, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases, handbooks, guides, and style manuals. 

They are a fantastic places to begin your research, especially if you are exploring a new topic.

Reference sources can help you to:

• define your topic in general terms
• find background information, including themes and key points
• identify keywords and alternative terms for conceptualising your subject, and for database searching.

Legal encylopaedias are a good starting point to find primary sources on a topic. They will help you to identify the key legal principles, discuss the historical background, refer to relevant cases and legislation, and may provide references to other writings on the subject.