Reference works offer background information, give you a grounding in a particular topic, provide keywords and often link to additional research. In short, they're a great place to start to get an overview of the conversation happening around your topic.
All reference works are located on the main floor of the library on the Beck Hall side of the building. The following is a representative sample; be sure to browse the shelves nearby each call number to find additional related reference books.
LGBTQ Americans in the U. S. Political System [2 Volumes] by 
Guide to the Presidency and the Executive Branch by 
Guide to Congress by 
Guide to the U. S. Supreme Court SET by 
The International Encyclopedia of Political Communication, 3 Volume Set by 
The SAGE Encyclopedia of Political Behavior by 
Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, and Conflict by 
Encyclopedia of Romantic Nationalism in Europe by 
Border Disputes by 
Historical Dictionary of Human Rights by 
The Oxford Handbook of Political Executives by 
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of International Relations by 
The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Globalization by 
The Oxford Handbook of Global Policy and Transnational Administration by 