Getting started with Oxford Reference Online

Quick Search

The Quick Search box is displayed on the top left of the screen. To search the whole database type your keyword(s) in the box and click Go.

You may also search within a subject or a particular book: just click on a subject link from the list in the centre of the Welcome page. This will take you to the home page of that particular subject where the Quick Search box, and other search options, will be displayed.

From a subject home page you can narrow your scope further by clicking on one of the book titles under Search within a book.

Advanced search

To perform a more complex and refined search, click on Advanced Search.



This allows you to search either the full text of the database or just the entry headings. You can find references to people or dates only.

To restrict your search to a particular subject or subjects, use the check boxes next to the subject names. Use the Select All or Clear All options to save you checking each one individually.

The People filter searches the full text for references to peoples’ names. The Dates filter searches for items which have been specifically identified as dates, as opposed to a number which is cited in the text.

You can browse the whole database, a particular subject or specific books. To browse the whole database, click on the Browse button at the top of the Welcome page.



You can similarly select the Browse option from a subject-level or book-level page.