These sources are reference works like encyclopedias, dictionaries, anthologies, and other subject guides to a variety of disciplines relevant to Japanese studies. Aside from anthologies, use these sources as starting points that can help you find other resources that you'd cite in a paper, such as primary or secondary sources. Reference works are sometimes referred to as "tertiary" sources and generally should not be used to base a paper on.
These print reference sources are primarily found in the Reference area of Van Pelt Library, and are specifically related to Asia and Japan. Click on the links to view the Franklin record for each.
In the library, you can find reference books in either the general Reference area (first floor of Van Pelt Library) or the East Asia Seminar Room (fifth floor of Van Pelt Library). If you're not sure what you're looking for, try browsing in the following call numbers to see what we have.
If you need help finding a reference resource, ask at the Info Desk or the Japanese studies librarian, Rebecca Mendelson (527 Van Pelt).
These reference sources are helpful for study in a variety of disciplines. They contain Asia-related content, but do not focus on Asia specifically. These are all Penn subscription resources.
These resources primarily focus on Asia, although they may contain some content from other regions. They are helpful for many disciplines of Asian studies. These are all Penn subscription resources.