Reference books (dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, casebooks, etc.) are not intended to be read cover to cover. Consult them for background, context, definition and outline. They're a great place to get quick facts or a concise overview of a subject. Bonus--they often include brief but excellent bibliographies that point you to further research on the subject.
We have many print reference books, but the vast majority in our collection are e-books that you can use from wherever you have internet connections.
NOTE: Most of Bethel's print reference books may be checked out for short periods.
A selected list. Find many more titles in LibSearch.
The Sage Encyclopedia of Research Design by 
