There are different types of reference books that you can look at, for example, encyclopaedias, dictionaries and atlases. Encyclopaedias are particularly useful for doing research because they usually cover a wide range of topics. You can check the spine of the encyclopaedia or its index to make sure you have the correct volume. Many school libraries and all public libraries have encyclopaedias. Some libraries even allow library members to look up an encyclopaedia via the Internet. Many libraries also have CD-ROMs and other reference material that may be of use in your study.