Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
Bitton, Davis. Historical Dictionary of Mormonism.
London: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1994.
[BX8605.5.B588] Davis Reference and 3rd floor stacks
This dictionary provides a wonderful, concise source
for those beginning to learn about Mormons and their history. Helpful
tools include: a list of acronyms, an introduction providing an initial
orientation, a chronology of Mormon history, cross-referenced encyclopedic
entries, an extensive bibliography, and appendices of church presidents,
temples, and pertinent Mormon quotations. This is truly an excellent source
with which to begin.
Bowker, John, ed. The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions.
New York: Oxford University Press, 1997, pp. 655-656.
[BL31.O946] Davis Reference
This short discussion of Mormonism focuses on the Book
of Mormon, and briefly describes the church's origin. This entry is
valuable in that it provides another viewpoint of Mormon origins, namely
questioning the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. 
Eliade, Mircea, ed. The Encyclopedia of Religion.
New York: MacMillan Publishing Company, 1987, vol. 10, pp. 108-112.
[BL31.E46] Davis Reference
Although this entry is written by Klaus Hansen, a Mormon
historian, and as such does not provide an opposing view, it is a short,
informative place to start. Hansen traces Mormonism from Joseph Smith
and the church's beginnings in New York to the westward migration, up
to the 1980s. Briefly covering unique doctrines, the entry emphasizes
events, culture, and organization. A valuable bibliography is included
as well, with brief descriptions of sources and what information they
contain.
Garr, Arnold K., Donald Q. Cannon, and Richard O. Cowan,
eds. Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History. Salt Lake City,
UT: Deseret Book Co., 2000.
[BX8611.E53] Davis 3rd floor stacks
A one-volume reference source, this encyclopedia includes
1400 entries and features a ten-page chronology. Decidedly pro-Mormon,
the preface includes the beliefs of the editors, and entries do not express
any controversy. As such, the reader must be aware that although this
source includes valuable tools and information, it is written from the
pro-Mormon viewpoint.
Ludlow, Daniel H., ed. Encyclopedia of Mormonism.
New York: MacMillan Publishing Company, 1992.
[BX8605.5.E62] Davis Reference
Because this set consists of five volumes, it is a reference
source, designed for use in a library. The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
contains extensive, informative entries for everything connected to the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the beginning of the first
volume, there is a list of articles, contributors and credentials, and
a helpful synoptic outline. Some articles include bibliographies, and
cross-references are in capital letters.