Here are a couple print reference sources in Howe Library that focus on the Arctic; they are located in the Reference area of the library:

Encyclopedia of the Arctic
G 606 .E49 2005 (3 volumes) (Reference)

Practical Dictionary of Siberia and the North
G 606 .P73 2005 (Reference)

Recommended online subject encyclopedias for background information about your areas/ topics:

Countries and their Cultures  
Excellent starting point for gathering cultural information by country
Encyclopedia of Biodiversity  
Excellent encyclopedia providing background information across a variety of biodiversity concepts that may be pertinent to your projects
Encyclopedia of World Cultures  
This is an excellent resource for ethnographic and cultural background information. Search by cultural group be mindful of alternative spellings/ ethnonyms.
Encyclopedia of World Cultures (Supplement) 
See above. This supplement provides information about additional cultural groups and can be used in conjunction with the Encyclopedia of World Cultures.
​​​​​​​Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life 
Covers cultural groups in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. Each volume is organized by continent, covering cultural background information by cultural group.
Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations 
Provides detailed background information for over 200 countries around the world.