Reference works

A reference work is any database of information that can be accessed for a specific purpose. *Dictionaries, glossaries and some kinds of grammar book are reference works containing linguistic information. Encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, manuals and some kinds of textbook are encyclopedic reference works, containing information about the world rather than about words and language. Timetables, telephone directories and catalogues can also be considered types of reference work, although they are not designed for teaching and learning.