UCLA Center for the Study of Women

The history profession has given some recognition to reference work. The American historical association gives the Waldo G. Leland Prize for the most outstanding reference tool in the field of history, though it is only offered once every five years. As a historian who has written for and edited quite a few reference works over the years, I would argue that reliable reference publications depend on the contributions of scholars. The most useful reference sources are those that are written by recognized experts and edited by more experts with credentials and training in a particular field.