READY REFERENCE     This selection of ready reference Web Sites, picked by the staff of Lakewood Public Library, is far from a complete list of sites for the various subject areas. However, we have tried to select sites which we have found to be useful, accurate and authoritative. Ready Reference uses a subject index based on Dewey Decimal Classification, a numerical classification scheme for breaking down fields of knowledge. We have kept our listing fairly broad by using the primary subdivisions.
       

000 General Works
UFOs, Computers, Encyclopedias/Facts, Directories
100 Philosophy & Psychology
Occult, Astrology
200 Religion
Mythology
300 Social sciences
Economics, Law, Government, True Crime, Education, Costume, Etiquette, Folklore
400 Language
Grammar, English & Foreign Language Dictionaries
500 Natural sciences & Mathematics
Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Botany, Zoology
600 Technology & Applied Sciences
Medicine, Diet & Fitness, Automobiles, Gardening, Cooking, Pets, Business, Home Improvement
700 Arts & Recreation
Architecture, Landscaping, Art, Antiques & Collectibles, Crafts, Photography, Music, Entertainment, Sports
800 Literature
Writing Guides
900 Geography & History
Biography, Genealogy, Baby Names, Travel

 

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The Dewey Decimal Classification is © 1996-2001 OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated.
DDC, Dewey Decimal Classification, and Dewey are registered trademarks of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.
Used with Permission.

Lakewood Public Library
Lakewood, Ohio, USA

       
Bible Gateway
Includes the Bible in other languages (German, Swedish, Latin, French, Spanish, Tagalog). It can be searched by passage, keyword (keyword gives a listing of references mentioning that word). It is also possible to search different versions of the Bible, e.g. King James, New World, etc.
World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts
This site includes the sacred scriptures and prayers of the five major living world religions; Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Chinese (Confucius and Taoism). There are no searching capabilities, just text. It includes an introduction, a purpose and a disclaimer and is arranged via broad general subject categories.
The Internet Sacred Text Archive
Significant electronic primary texts of ancient and modern religion, philosophy, mythology, legend, folklore, and occult topics. Searchable. Maintained by volunteers under the direction of J.B. Hare and seeking to promote religious tolerance and scholarship.
The Catholic Encyclopedia
The more than 11,000 entries in the original 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia (which is in the public domain). It is an authoritative source on religious and secular topics from the Catholic viewpoint, and matters relating to the history, teachings and activities of the Catholic Church from its beginnings.
The Jewish Encyclopedia
The original, unedited contents (15,000 articles and illustrations) of the 12-volume Jewish Encyclopedia, which was originally published between 1901-1906, now in the public domain. Covers history, biography, literature, theology and philosophy and traditions. Searchable
The Ecole Initiative
Hypertext encyclopedia of early church history to the Reformation.
Religions, Faith Groups and Ethical Systems - ReligiousTolerance.org
This is a worthy attempt to provide detailed descriptions of religions, faith groups and ethical systems. All the major world religions are covered, along with neo-pagan religious faiths, small non-christian religions, destructive cults, groups that define themselves as christian, and other ethical groups and spiritual paths. The authors of the site say that they have received much feedback, some positive and some negative. Take a look yourself and see what you think. One thing is certain. This is one of the most fascinating Web sites you will ever visit. This volunteer effort has funds to continue through 1999.
Encyclopedia Mythica
Mythology, mysticism and folklore from around the world can be found at this site. There are headings for Chinese, Etruscan, Greek, Japanese, Latvian, Mayan, Native American, Norse, Persian and Roman mythology. Other mythologies include Celtic, Egyptian, Hindu and  Polynesian . Be aware that this source is a combination of articles contributed by the staff of Encyclopedia Mythica and general users of the Internet who are encouraged to submit materials. NOTE: This page is temporarily unavailable; should be back up spring 2002.
Myths & Legends
Not too many of the sites on our pages lead to lists of links, but this is one of those cases where the list is useful. Myths & Legends contains mythology and folklore from around the world. It includes the mythology of Korea, Japan, Hungary, Russia, Greece and Rome, Ireland, Britain, Australia and many other countries.
Folktexts: A Library of Folktales, Folklore, Fairy Tales and Mythology
Tales from around the world from a number of sources. Translated/edited by retired professor D. L. Ashliman. An index includes countries of origin and categories for browsing.
Bulfinch's Mythology
The Bartleby hypertext version of the renowned source, The Age of Fable: or Beauties of Mythology. Keyword search or, alternatively, go directly to the table of contents.
American Religion Data Archive (ARDA)
 The ARDA collection, funded by the Lilly Endowment, provides quantitative data on churches, church membership (including maps), religious professionals, and religious groups (individuals, congregations and denominations). Browse or search reports.