Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.
We'd appreciate your feedback.Tell us what you think! opens in new tab/window
Complete sources for authoritative, foundational knowledge
In the research workflow, researchers and students need an authoritative place to access fundamental knowledge while performing interdisciplinary research and learning about new subject areas.
260+ Major Reference Works
115,000+ chapters written by world-renowned authors who are experts in the field
Around 20 new Major Reference Works publish each year
Each Major Reference Work is reviewed and vetted to rigorous standards by expert Editors-in-Chief and Section Editors
No DRM restrictions on downloads and printing
Unlimited, concurrent access for multiple users
Included in the Reference Collections
Agricultural, Biological, & Food Sciences
Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Science
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Clinical Medicine & Surgery
Earth & Planetary Sciences
Energy
Engineering
Environmental Science
Immunology & Microbiology
Materials Science
Mathematics & Computing
Neuroscience & Psychology
Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmaceutical Science
Social Sciences
Transitional Medicine
A wide range of new Major Reference Works for 2024 covers topics from sustainable technologies to adolescence to mathematical physics.
Download the full list of Major Reference Works opens in new tab/window
Find out more about Major Reference Works publishing in 2024 opens in new tab/window
* Based on Usage Analytics on ScienceDirect, 2023
Provide the most comprehensive overview of a field, covering all the fundamental knowledge in one authoritative resource
Include exclusive access to chapters-in-press for forthcoming Major Reference Works, allowing users to get the most up-to-date information
Offer a fundamental overview for interdisciplinary researchers and students exploring a novel field
Are aligned with other content types on ScienceDirect, ensuring your researchers are making the most of your content and getting the full picture of a subject area
Reference Collections are available in 8 subject areas:
Major Reference Works can be purchased with a one-time fee for perpetual access or as Reference Collections offering all Major Reference Works in a subject. For more details about purchasing options, please visit our ScienceDirect book purchasing options page.
The list of Major Reference Works and their publishing dates is available in the attached PDF opens in new tab/window.
Please use the “Contact us” link below to let us know of your interest. Your request will be forwarded to your Elsevier Account Manager, who will then get in touch with you.
