Dictionaries can be general or specialized and provide definitions of words in a particular field, word meanings, etymology (origin). Glossaries provide brief explanations of words relating to a specific subject, and are often included the back of a book.
Encyclopedias (general or subject-specific) provide more extensive background information on a topic, and are usually written by a subject specialist.
The following excellent sources are available in print for checkout.
Yearbooks: For a summary of the current status of a year's work in a particular field
More Reference sources are listed in our guide to general reference resources.