October 20, 2008
Oxford Updates Reference Online and Dictionary of National Biography
Oxford University Press has released the latest updates to its critically acclaimed online resources, Oxford Reference Online Premium and Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Discover the wide array of reference products available to libraries through BCR's partnership with the Oxford family of reference databases.
Oxford Reference Online — What's New
The latest update includes new titles and editions amounting to thousands of new and updated articles. More than 6,000 entries have been updated, including more than 24,000 brand new entries and 1,600-plus illustrations and photos.
Four new scholarly titles covering science, nature and the opera highlight the update.
- Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians
- Grove Book of Operas
- The New Grove Book of Opera Singers
Eleven new editions are featured as well, with up-to-date facts and information. Some of the titles contain entry-level links to other editorially vetted websites, offering starting points for further research. Browse a new edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, the Oxford Dictionary of Statistics, the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology and the second edition of the Oxford Picket Fowler's Modern Usage, to name a few.
Finally, three reference databases, the Grove Book of Operas, The New Grove Book of Opera Singers and A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2008), replace the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Opera which has not been systematically updated for more than 10 years. These new titles ensure that the opera content is up-to-date and completely trustworthy. Users will be redirected from the old home page for a short period of time.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography — New Biographies and EssaysLearn about the first woman who ran for the U.S. presidency (Victoria Woodhull), the man who invented the gas mask (Edward Harrison) and the designer of the infamous poster "Your country needs you!" (Alfred Leete).
With new biographies of 125 men and women active between the 12th and late 20th centuries, this update has a special focus on First World War I lives. Twenty-one reference group essays are included. Request promotional materials such as posters, flyers or user guides to bring the period to life.
BCR's Chris Cook can help you find the best Oxford reference database for your institution. Contact her at ccook@bcr.org or, to see all the Oxford products available, visit the BCR web pages.
