Oxford Reference
Oxford Reference is a web-based service combining Oxford University Press dictionaries, companions, and encyclopedias in one cross-searchable resource.
What Oxford Reference is
Oxford Reference is a web-based service combining Oxford University Press dictionaries, companions, and encyclopedias in one cross-searchable resource. It covers 25 subject areas and contains 2 million digitized entries. Oxford Quick Reference includes more than 135 academic subject, language, and quotation dictionaries plus exclusive online material, with monthly updates. Oxford Reference Library adds more than 200 specialized titles from Oxford encyclopedias, companions, and selected partner publishers. Free material includes historic timelines, essential quotations, and overview pages linking to related entries. Public visitors can search and view abstracts and keywords without subscribing, but complete content requires a subscription or purchase. Quick Reference subscriptions are available to individuals and institutions, while Oxford Reference Premium is an institutional package combining Quick Reference with selected Library works. Pricing is on request, and Oxford University Press invites customers to contact it about a free trial. The service presents text and images and has an accessibility conformance report covering WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA and Section 508.
Good
- 2 million digitized entries
- 25 subject areas
- Monthly Quick Reference updates
- Free timelines and quotations
- Searchable abstracts and keywords without subscription
Watch out
- Complete content requires subscription or purchase
- Pricing is available on request
- Premium is an institutional package
Who it suits
It suits students, researchers, educators, libraries, and institutions needing searchable dictionary, encyclopedia, companion, and quotation content. Individuals can subscribe to Oxford Quick Reference; Premium is offered institutionally.
Verdict
Oxford Reference provides broad Oxford reference coverage with both free discovery material and subscription collections. Access level depends on the package, institution, or purchase selected.
Plans and prices
From Oxford Reference's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford Quick Reference | — | 135+ academic subject, language, and quotation dictionaries · available to individuals and institutions · Annual subscription; price not shown |
| Oxford Reference Premium | Priced on request | Institutional package · Oxford Quick Reference plus selected Oxford Reference Library works · Subscription; price not shown |
The facts
Each one read from Oxford Reference's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accessibility
- Oxford University Press published a 2024 accessibility conformance report evaluating Oxford Reference against WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA criteria and Section 508 standards.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Access restriction
- Complete content requires a subscription or purchase; public users can search and view abstracts and keywords without a subscription.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Audience
- The Oxford Reference collections guide describes institutional subscriptions and individual subscriptions for Oxford Quick Reference, and an institutional subscription package for Premium.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Coverage
- The service spans 25 subject areas and includes 2 million digitized entries.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Quick Reference collection
- Oxford Quick Reference contains 135+ academic subject, language, and quotation dictionaries, along with exclusive online content.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Reference Library collection
- Oxford Reference Library includes 200+ in-depth and specialized titles from Oxford encyclopedias, companions, and selected partner publishers.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Search
- Oxford Reference brings its reference content together in a cross-searchable resource.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Support
- The 2024 accessibility report lists [email protected] as contact information.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Updates
- Oxford Quick Reference is updated monthly.checked 11 Oct 2001
- What it is
- Oxford Reference brings together Oxford University Press dictionaries, companions, and encyclopedias in an online reference service.checked 11 Oct 2001
The company
- Founded
- 2012checked 28 Sep 2001
Money
- Free content
- The site offers freely accessible historic timelines, essential quotations, and overview pages with links to related entries.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Trial
- The institutional guide invites customers to contact Oxford University Press for a free trial or further information.checked 11 Oct 2001
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