Beyond Black's Law Dictionary

While Black’s Law Dictionary is the most well known dictionary in the library, there are other dictionaries that can provide definitions and more for nearly any word one may encounter. These dictionaries are available in both print and electronic format. In addition, the library’s collection also includes a wide range of foreign language dictionaries.

The Oxford English Dictionary (2d 1991) (OED) The OED is the definitive dictionary of the English language. This twenty volume work traces the usage history of over 290,000 words. The OED is also available in a one volume concise edition and is available online.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11th 2003) While not as in depth as the OED, this single volume dictionary provides concise definitions for over 165,000 words. There is also a CD-ROM version of the dictionary included with the volume.

William Strunk & E.B. White, The Elements of Style (3d 1979). Long regarded as an essential grammar and style guide, this slim volume (only 85 pages!) is the perfect companion for writing papers or briefs.

Can’t find the right word? Try the Roget’s International Thesaurus (6th 2001) or the Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms (1978).

The library collection includes specialized dictionaries on banking, business, education, environmental protection, finance and investment, human rights, insurance, intellectual property, international law, and tax law.

In addition to English language dictionaries, the library also contains Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish dictionaries.

Tom Hemstock