General reference

A general reference is a source or resource that provides broad, usually factual information on a wide range of topics. It serves as a starting point to understand basic facts, definitions, or overviews. Examples include encyclopedias, dictionaries, and almanacs. Unlike specialized sources that focus on a specific field, general references help users gain a general understanding or find quick facts across many subjects. They are useful for initial research or general knowledge but may not provide in-depth analysis.