Reference Tools

Here is a collection of pointers to "reference-type" resources on the Internet that have traditionally been found in the reference section of a library. Here you'll find weather forecasts, electronic versions of dictionaries, thesauri and directories, and other useful resources.

 

Local Interest

  • The Weather Channel - Rochester
    Covering the 5-day regional forecast and current Rochester weather conditions.
  • City Hall - Rochester
    The official home page for the City of Rochester offers an excellent guide to the city's government services and its attractions.
  • Rochester Business Alliance (Chamber of Commerce)
    Featuring Rochester's economic statistics, city resources, jobs, businesses and corporate training programs.
  • LIBRAWeb
    The Library Information Bridge for the Rochester area features links to: Directory of Associations, Directory of Clubs in Monroe County, Human Services Directory, Rochester Neighborhood Association lists, Senior Housing City Edition, and the Visiting Artists list.
  • Monroe County Web Site
    The official site for Monroe County devised to put county information and governmental processes at your fingertips.
  • @Rochester
    The WWW guide to Rochester features entertainment, sports, education, community connections and more.
  • The BigGuide/MyRochester
    The definitive guide to dining, film, clubs and events in the Rochester, NY area.
  • Rochester Dines.
    From the Digital Democrat & Chronicle (Rochester's newspaper) comes this searchable database of area eateries along with weekly updated reviews and more.
  • CAROL
    Created by design students here at RIT, this site offers a gateway to Rochester's arts and cultural scene.

 

Internet Directories

 

Almanacs/Guides/Handbooks

 

Biographies

 

Currency & Exchange Rates

 

Dictionaries/Thesauri/Quotations

  • Bartleby
    Internet resource for literature and grammatical information, including encyclopedias, quotations, poetry, and fiction and nonfiction classics.
  • Cambridge International Dictionary of English
    Electronic dictionary with extras such as word games, an ever-changing list of most looked-up words, and links to foreign language dictionaries.
  • Information Please Dictionary
    Quick definition search and includes added features such as spelling help, daily word quiz, crosswords, and a dictionary of phrase and fable.
  • One Look Dictionaries
    Includes wild card/truncation tips and searching, as well as a reverse dictionary which search by definition for a word.
  • Oxford English Dictionary (RIT student, faculty, staff use only)
    Specializes not just in the current meanings of words, but in the history and evolution of words in the English language.
  • Roget's Thesaurus (forms-based - U. of Chicago)
    Search within headwords or full-text for synonyms, antonyms, and related words.
  • Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus
    Maintained by Bartleby.com
  • Wordsmyth
    Grammar and vocabulary tools, including a Wordsmyth toolbar download, which allows you to look up words on Webpages without leaving the site.
  • Your Dictionary
    Links to language, technical and specialty dictionaries.

 

Directories

 

Encyclopedias

  • Information Please Encyclopedia
    The encyclopedia by Information Please Almanac, covering everything from geology to sports.
  • PC Webopaedia
    Provides definitions for Web and Internet technology lingo.
  • Wikipedia
    A vast, publicly edited, and collaboratively written encyclopedia.

 

Maps & Atlases

  • Altapedia
    Maps, facts, and statistical data organized by country.
  • Google Maps
    View a street map of a location, search for maps by business (i.e. hotels by a designated airport), or get directions.
  • MapQuest
    View a street map of a location, search for maps by business (i.e. hotels by a designated airport), or get directions.
  • National Atlas printable maps (US only)
    View and print thematic, satellite, and reference maps of the U.S.
  • National Geographic Map Machine
    View detailed worldwide road, satellite, physical, and theme maps.
  • World Atlas
    Geographic resource including maps, country/state/province information, major bodies of water , times, distances, currency, flags, etc.

 

Miscellaneous

  • Kelley Blue Book
    Used and new car information, including reviews and ratings and fincance information.
  • World Clock
    Table displays current times all over the world, also tools like a converter and meeting planner.
  • iFigure
    Links to online calculators and worksheets.

 

Statistical Sources

 

Telephone Directories

 

Travel Sources

 

Weather