Online Encyclopedias & Dictionaries



Look up a fast fact or browse subjects of interest with our online encyclopedias and dictionaries. This is the same authoritative content as in our print editions, but it is updated more frequently and you can access it from anywhere.

Live Chat with a Reference Librarian

CALS’s biggest resource is our librarians. If you need help finding something to read, figuring out specific information for a trip, or spelling a certain word, you can Ask-A-Librarian at 918-3000 or use the chat feature. Librarians love answering questions.

Once you have initiated a chat session, DO NOT leave the Ask-a-Librarian tab or this page, as that will close your chat session.

Ask-a-Librarian Hours of Service

Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

If you have a question at another time, please contact us by phone, email, or in person. If you leave a message on the chat service when we are offline, please include contact information so we can respond. This service is best used for quick questions and answers. If you have a more in-depth question, please call or visit us.