Oxford Reference

What Oxford Reference is

Oxford Reference is an online service that brings Oxford University Press dictionaries, companions, and encyclopedias into a cross-searchable resource. It covers 25 subject areas and contains 2 million digitized entries. Oxford Quick Reference includes more than 135 academic subject, language, and quotation dictionaries, plus exclusive online content, and is updated monthly. Oxford Reference Library adds more than 200 in-depth and specialized titles from Oxford encyclopedias and companions and selected partner publishers. Some content is freely available, including historic timelines, essential quotations, and overview pages linking to related entries. Public users can search and view abstracts and keywords without a subscription, but complete content requires a subscription or purchase. Quick Reference subscriptions are available to individuals and institutions; the Premium institutional package combines Quick Reference with selected Library works. Oxford University Press invites prospective institutional customers to contact it about a free trial. Pricing is on request. The web service presents text and images, and an accessibility report evaluates it against WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA criteria and Section 508 standards.

Who it suits

Oxford Reference suits individuals and institutions seeking searchable reference materials across academic subject, language, and quotation collections. Institutions can also ask Oxford University Press about the Premium package and a free trial.

Limits

Public searching is limited to abstracts and keywords unless you subscribe or purchase access. Quick Reference and Premium pricing is provided on request.

Getting started

1. Open the Oxford Reference website
2. Search the collection to view abstracts and keywords
3. Use freely accessible timelines, quotations, and overview pages
4. Contact Oxford University Press about a free trial
5. Subscribe to Oxford Quick Reference as an individual or institution
6. Ask about institutional Oxford Reference Premium access

Verdict

Oxford Reference combines a broad reference collection with some free content and monthly Quick Reference updates. Public users can search abstracts and keywords, but full access requires payment.