Call Number: Ref AY67.N5 W7 2001
Genre: Almanac
Scope: Information in all fields
of study, using brief essays, statistical charts, graphs, and maps
Arrangement: Categories include
General Index, Feature Section, The Year in Review, Flags and Maps, 2000 in
Pictures, and a quick reference index. Subcategories under The Year in Review
include a chronology of the year’s events, major actions of Congress, notable
Supreme Court decisions, Nobel prizes, notable quotes, offbeat news stories,
obituaries, historical anniversaries, presidential elections, Congress, state
and local government, economics, agriculture, employment, energy, United States
government, cabinets of the U.S., U.S Supreme Court, and postal information.
Special Features: Includes flags
of the world and current maps.
Coverage: Covers information on
people, places, and events during the year.
Latest edition: 2001
Limitations: Cannot be updated
until the end of the preceding year.
Other Formats: Also available
online and in a simpler version entitled, The World Almanac for Kids.
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annually
Dictionary of
National Biography
Title: The Dictionary of National Biography
Call Number: Ref DA28.D56
Genre: Biographical Sources
Scope: Biographical information
about over 40,000 deceased British subjects or people greatly involved in
British life. It also includes early American citizens.
Arrangement: alphabetical
Special Features: Divided into
volumes. Includes two columns per page for easy reading. Articles are signed
and include cross references. There is also a prefatory note giving interesting
features of a particular volume. Each volume includes a cumulative index for
that century with death dates highlighted for easy reference to volume.
Coverage: The original
publication was 1885 to 1901. It was followed by a supplement including all who
had been left out of the original edition. Ten supplements have followed,
including a Missing Persons volume. Additionally, the Concise Dictionary of
National Biography includes an index to the original set and supplements.
Latest edition: 1986-1990
(published in 1996)
Limitations: is only indexed by
person
Other Formats: CD-ROM
Frequency of Publication/Update:
American Library
Directory
Title: American
Library Directory
Call Number: Ref Z731.A53
Genre: Directory
Scope: Listing of public,
academic, government, and special libraries, including armed forces, college
and university, government, junior college, law, medical, public, religious,
and special (industry, company, clubs, foundations, etc.).
Arrangement: by city within state
in alphabetical order. Volume I – United States; Volume II – parts of Mexico
and Canada
Special Features: Includes
abbreviated notation for type of library, address, telephone and fax numbers,
key personnel, founding date, population served and size and type of holdings.
Also includes a sample entry, a count of each type of library, and the Library
Award recipients for a particular year.
Coverage: Published since 1923
and includes approximately 37,500 entries
Latest edition: 2002-2003
Limitations: only updated
annually – much is out of date; CD is only 1998 to date; no index in print
version
Other Formats: DIALOG, CD-ROM in
conjunction with American Book Trade Directory
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual
Current
Biography
Title: Current Biography
Call Number: Ref CT100 .C8
Genre: Biographical Sources
Scope: Provides current
biographies of living leaders in all fields.
Arrangement: Two-column articles
in alphabetical order by year.
Special Features: Includes
photos, an appendix of professional classification for each entry, a cumulative
index by decade in each volume. Also available is a cumulated index for the
years 1940-2000.
Coverage: 1940 to present
Latest edition: 2001 (2002 to be
published in January 2003)
Limitations: limited to living
personalities
Other Formats: Electronic
versions are available through Silver Platter
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Monthly; bound annually
Historical
Statistics of the United States
Title: Historical Statistics of the United States Colonial Times to 1970
Call Number: Ref HA202.A385 1976
v.1-2
Genre: Yearbook
Scope: 1790-1970
Arrangement: This book is divided
into two parts and includes comparative statistics for population; vital
statistics and health and medical care; migration; labor; prices and price
indexes; national income and wealth; consumer income and expenditures; social
statistics; land, water, and climate; agriculture, forestry and fisheries;
minerals; construction and housing; manufactures; transportation;
communications; energy; distribution and services; international transactions
and foreign commerce; business enterprise; productivity and technological development;
financial markets and institutions; government; colonial and pre-federal
statistics.
Special Features: Statistics are
placed in convenient and easy-to-read tables. Also included in each part are
time period indexes (cross-referencing topics with decades), and subject
indexes.
Coverage: Includes statistical
information on all facets of life in the United States between 1790 and 1970.
Latest edition: 1976; however, a
supplement was published in 1949 that includes the years 1789-1945.
Limitations: information is not
available for the decades following 1970.
Other Formats: A CD-ROM version
was published in 1997, but it does not include any additional data.
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Not updated
Statesman's
Yearbook
The Statesman’s Yearbook
Call Number R320STA
Genre: Almanacs, Yearbooks and
Fact Books
Scope: World facts and events.
Arrangement: Two Parts: (I)
International Organizations and (II) Countries of the World, A-Z. Geographic
and International Organizations Indexes.
Special Features: Data on largest
companies in each country, child poverty in industrialized nations. Each topic
includes bibliographies for further reading.
Coverage: International
Organization data includes the origin, membership, aims & achievements,
structure, and contact information. Country entries include historical
background, information on constitution and government, defense, international
relations, economy and social institutions.
Latest Edition: 2002: 138th ed.
Limitations: The historical background
essays difficult to read (comprehend). World Almanac seems to flow better.
Other Formats: None.
Frequency of Publication /Update:
Annually.
Whitaker's
Almanack
Whitaker’s Almanack: 2002
Call Number QR032.02
Genre: Almanacs, Yearbooks and Fact
Books
Scope: United Kingdom current
facts, figures, articles, directory listings, and statistics.2001 World events,
Country facts, Weights & Measures, Calendars, Astronomical &
geographical data.
Arrangement: By subject,
including· List of UK members of Parliament· Government departments and public
offices· Law courts of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland· Crime statistics·
Legal Notes· International organizationsIndexed.
Special Features: Weights &
Measures section includes information about nautical measures, paper measures
and sizes, and bound books. UK information includes Queen’s Awards, Royal
Family & Peerage, and Precedence.
Coverage: A useful source for
current information about the United Kingdom. Lists historic landmarks,
museums, and monuments, giving where appropriate a brief history, hours open,
and admission charge. (Bopp & Smith, 2000, p. 364)
Latest Edition: 134th ed., 2002.
Limitations: No country flag
pictures; few illustrations.
Other Formats: None at this time
Frequency of Publication /Update:
Annually
American
Reference Books Annual
Title American Reference Books Annual
Call Number: REF Z 1035.1
Genre Annually, reviews Reference
Books for acquisitions in the English language.
Scope 1971 to present. A complete
guide for acquisitions for libraries, with total reviews numbering 53, 319
Arrangement This books I broken
down into 4 parts: General Reference, Social Science, Humanities, and Science
and Technology. It is further broken down from the parts into 37 specific chapters
Special Features also review CD
ROMs, and a newer chapter 11 on acquisitions and purchasing for librarians
Coverage Reference
Books-Bibliography
Latest Edition 2001
Limitations Only reviews books
pertaining to the English language
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online)
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
Bartlett's
Quotations
Title Bartlett
Familiar Quotations
Call Number: Ref PN6081 .B27
Genre: Quotations English
Scope: Spanning from biblical
times to the present
Arrangement This book is arranged
so that the authors appear chronologically with allowances made during each
historical period for Anonymous. The book is also arranged with an index of
Authors.
Special Features Cross
reference& footnotes
Coverage Familiar quotations
Latest Edition 2000
Limitations Not all quotes are
familiar or inside
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) NO
Frequency of Publication/Update
Irregular/random
Emily Post
Title Emily Post’s Etiquette
Call Number Ref: BJ1853.P6
Genre Etiquette&Manners
Scope 1873 to present. This book
is considered a gauge for etiquette and manners in all areas of personal and
professional life into the digital age.
Arrangement This book is divided
into 9 tabbed sections plus an index tab. (similar to a dictionary) then each
tabbed section is further divided into chapters. The tabbed sections are:
communications, business life, personal life, formal life, entertainment, gifts
and weddings.
Special Features This books
features many forms of correspondence, for example “how tow write a condolence
card” “Thank-You Notes”
Coverage Emily Post’s Etiquette
covers all forms of modern and traditional etiquette: from sending a Thank you
note, to proper cell phone etiquette.
Latest Edition 16th ed/ Peggy
Post
Limitations
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online)
Please Say Please
Emily Post on Weddings, Revised Edition
Emily Post on Second Weddings
Emily Post on Invitations &Letters
Emily Post on Guests& Hosts
Emily Post on Business Etiquette
www.emilypost.com
Frequency of Publication Random
World Book
Encyclopedia
Title: World Book
Encyclopedia
Call Number: Ref : AE5 .W55
Genre: Encyclopedia of General
information
Scope: World Book is an
encyclopedia series with knowledge and facts on everything from A to Z.
Arrangement: Index is designed to
help find information within the World Book Encyclopedic series. It tells the
reader what articles have
information of the subject sought, the index refers the reader to the volume
and the specific page to make location easier.
Special Features: Info on
"How to" read the book (index) an Index to Reading and Study Guides,
a Speaking, Writing and Research Skills section
(29 pages) alphabetized article listings.
Coverage: There are guides for
all subjects listed on page 5 of the Index Volume. The Reading and Study guides
provide topics for study that encourage independent study, giving example
questions to help further direct. Some are direct questions, others suggest
projects. This leads to drawing together facts from sources other than World
Book: building critical thinking skills.
Latest Edition: 2001
Limitations: No visuals in the
Index Volume
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online): online at www.worldbookonline.com $49.95/year, available on CD; new
version to come out for Mac
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annually
Gale Directory
of Databases
Title: Gale Directory of Databases Call Number: www.library.dialogue.com
Genre: Provides detailed
information on publicly available databases and database products
Scope: Covers more than 15, 300
databases and database products of all types, in all subjects, in English and
other languages by more than 3,600 producers.
Arrangement: Records are offered
in three types:
1) Databases
2) Producers
3) Vendors
Subcategories:
*Print counterparts
*Dialogue file data
*Related Search Aids
*Database Content
*Document Type Content
*Geographic Coverage
*Special Features
*Articles, briefs, books
Special Features: Table of contents (PDF) To Top links at every heading and sub
heading. Available on CD
Coverage: All subjects in all
geographic locations in English and other languages
Latest Edition: June 11, 2002
Limitations: Must be purchased or
leased through license
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online): Available in print in 84 libraries Nationwide
Frequency of Publication/Update
daily
Modern
Language Association International Bibliography
Title Modern Language Association International Bibliography
Call Number Z7003.m61
Genre Encyclopedia of World
Cultures and Literature
Scope Contains listings of all
literature and periodicals of all known languages of the world.
Arrangement Information is divided into 5 volumes:
Volume 1: British Literature Commonwealth Literature
English Carribean Literature
Volume 2: American Literature
Latin American Literature w/ subcategories (subcat)-Domincan-Venezuelan
East Asian Literature w/ subcat
Austronesian Literature w/ subcat-Fiji-Samoan
African Literature w/ subcat-North, South, East and Western Africa
Volume 3:
History of Languages Theory of Languages Comparitive Languages
Dianchronic Language Interaction Mathematical Linguistics
Para Linguistics Pro topics Linguistics Pyschological Linguistics
Sociological Linguistics Dialectology Grammar
Lexicology Morphology Onomastics
Phonetics Phonology Pragmatics
Prosody Semantics Stylistics Syntax
Translation Writing Systems Indo European languages
Volume 4: General Literature and
related topics (all cultures)
Volume 5: Folklore (all cultures)
Special Features large print index
Coverage MLA covers all literature and periodicals of all known languages
and cultures, including online sources
Latest Edition 1998
Limitations weighs over 4 pounds,
very tiny print, no text breaks
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) online at UMB (Maryland)
restricted and at www.soton.ac.uk
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
Ulrich's
International Periodicals Directory
Title: Ulrich's
International Periodicals Directory
Call Number: Ref Z6941.U5 1997
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: Serials (including newspapers)
Arrangement: alphabetical in 5
volumes
Special Features: Explanation of
ISSN; money symbols; country of publication codes; document suppliers with
address, phone, FAX, URL; list of abstracting and index services and subject
guide for abstracting and indexing; cross-indexing; rights and permissions
contact names. Indexes include cessations, ISSN, title, and title change,
refereed serials, serials available on CD-ROM, and newspapers.
Coverage: a guide to all serials
published in the United States and in over 200 countries
Latest edition: Began in 1932.
Most recent - 2001
Limitations: Small print --
almost too much information
Other Formats: online
(www.ulrichesweb.com); CD
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual
Books in Print
(print)
Title: Books in Print (print)
Call Number: Ref Z1215.P972
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: Began in 1948. Each volume
includes one year
Arrangement: 3 divisions --
Authors (A-D, E-K, L-R, S-Z), Titles (A-D, E-K, L-Q, R-Z), Publishers
Special Features: How to section;
publishers includes email and website information; List of Abbreviations;
Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List of hardcover nonfiction, mass market, and
trade paperbacks; thumb-nail indexing; cross indexing (see also). Includes
author, co-author, editor, price, publisher, year of publication, number of
volumes, Library of Congress card number, ISBN.
Coverage: All types of books on
all topics. Books excluded are as follows: books not distributed in the United
States; books not available to the trade or general public for single or
multiple copy purchase; free books not included with a title for sale; unbound
material, pamphlets and booklets; periodicals and serials; books available only
to members of an organization; subscription-only material; books sold only to
schools; music manuscripts, sheet music, and librettos; certain sacred works,
such as the Bhagavad Gita, Koran and Torah.
Latest edition: 2000-2001
Limitations: Print is small; only
one year can be searched per volume.
Other Formats: online
(www.booksinprint.com); CD
Also available are Paperbound Books in Print, Forthcoming Books, Books out of
Print
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual
Reader's Guide
to Periodical Literature
Title: Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature
Call Number: Ref AI3.R48
Genre: Periodical Index
Scope: Indexes and abstracts 240
of the most popular magazines in the United States and Canada beginning in
1900.
Arrangement: by authors and
subjects, alphabetically. Titles are then arranged under authors or subjects
alphabetically by first word. For personal names, titles by the author appear
before those about him/her. Subdivisions appear alphabetically under division.
Special Features: Entries include
author, subject, article title, magazine citation, date of magazine, paging,
volume number, and see also references.
Coverage: Current year
Latest edition: 2001 with
quarterly updates for 2002
Limitations: Small print; limited
to one year per volume
Other Formats: online; CD-ROM;
other editions -- The Readers' Guide Abstracts Full Text, Readers' Guide for
Young People
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annually (with quarterly updates)
Books in Print
(online)
Title: Books in Print
Call Number: (online version) http://www.booksinprint.com/bip
Genre
Bibliographies—trade bibliography
Scope
Online version available 1999-present; original BIP (Publisher Trade List
Annual) began in 1873. BIP’s primary purpose is to collect, verify, and
distribute accurate data to the library, bookstore, and publishing industries.
Arrangement
The site offers a database arranged by general subject and various other
alphabetical indices (author, title, publisher, awards, series). Also available
are status indices (in-print, out-of-print, forthcoming) and format indices
(book, audio, video).
Special Features
Data can be searched using many different modes (keyword, title, author, etc.),
and results can be organized in a variety of ways (relevancy, author, etc.).
Site supports Boolean operators. List feature creates customized bibliographies
for patrons. Forthcoming Book Room gives dates for new releases. Browse
features allow users to search among 17 different index categories. Record
descriptions offer hypertext links to subjects, publishers, authors.
Coverage
This database of U.S. titles includes Books In Print, Books Out of Print,
Children’s BIP, Forthcoming Books, Bowker’s Publisher Authority Database,
Bowker’s Complete Video Directory, and Words on Cassette. There are over 3.5
million title records, with 500,000 full-text reviews, links to library
holdings, links to wholesalers’ inventory data, and options for title downloads
(USMARC, ASCII, CSV). Each title record provides full description, publisher’s
information, stock availability, and lists of other formats.
Latest Edition
updated 2002
Limitations
Users must have an account to access full capabilities, but there are some
limited free access areas (industry information, publishing information,
library resource guides, etc.).
Other Formats
Print version, CD-ROM
Frequency of Publication/Update
Updated nightly
Occupational
Outlook Handbook
Title: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Call Number: L2.3/4—non-circulating
Genre
Government Publications
Scope
1940-present. Published by the Department of Labor, this handbook’s purpose is
to provide American workers with comprehensive, accessible, reliable
information and career guidance about job trends and the skills needed to fill
those jobs.
Arrangement
There are 11 major divisions, with occupations listed alphabetically within the
divisions. Major occupation categories include (in this order): management,
business, finance; professional; service; sales; office, administrative
support; farming, fishing, forestry; construction; installation, maintenance,
repair; production; transportation; armed forces.
Special Features
The book includes several special articles with information on pertinent topics
(e.g., evaluating a job offer, data for occupations not studied in detail, other
sources of career information). Each occupation section ends with a listing of
website sources for additional information related to the job. Reprints of the
individual job bulletins from any of the specific fields are available from the
website (for a fee): http://www.bls.gov/emp/
.
Coverage
The handbook describes 250 occupations which cover ~107 million jobs for the
American workforce. The descriptions include job duties, working conditions,
training, education requirements, earning potential, and job prospects. There
is a supplement to the handbook (published quarterly since 2000) that includes
occupational projection updates and training data.
Latest Edition
2002/2003
Limitations
Table of Contents divisions are difficult to follow because the font size and
style is not different enough among the divisional hierarchy.
Other Formats
CD-ROM; latest edition also available via the Internet website from the US
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS4235
.
Frequency of Publication/Update
Revised in 2 year intervals
Standard and
Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives
Title: Standard and Poor’s Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives
Call Number: HG4057.P82
Genre
Directories—business and industry
Scope
1928-present. This is a guide “to the business community and those executives
who run it” (preface). The purpose is to provide information necessary for
business people worldwide to reach the individuals who make buying decisions.
Arrangement
It is issued in 3 volumes: volume 1 is an alphabetical listing of corporation
names; volume 2 is an alphabetical listing of directors and executives; volume
3 is a collection of 7 color-coded indices (see Special Features section below
for descriptions).
Special Features
Listings include comprehensive biographical information for directors and
executives. Indices in volume 3 are extensive: green—NAICS numbers by groups
then alphabetically, pink—NAICS numbers in numeric order, yellow—geographical
location alphabetically by states then cities then companies, blue—corporate
families in alphabetical sequence, green—yearly executive obituaries, buff—new individuals,
buff—new companies.
Coverage
The Register includes more than 75,000 public and private corporations in the
United States and Canada, as well as the major international corporations, and
names and titles of 350,000 executives, and 71,000 biographical sketches of
top-level managers. The corporate listings include address, phone number, web
address, officers, directors, accounting firms, banks, products and services,
stock exchange listing, etc. The personnel listings includes business and home
and email addresses, birth information, education information, fraternal
memberships, etc.
Latest Edition
2002
Limitations
In the corporate world, 75,000 companies might be considered by some as a
limited scope.
Other Formats
Online, CD-ROM
Frequency of Publication/Update
annually
Historical
Abstracts
Title: Historical Abstracts
Call Number: Ref D299.H5
Genre: Subject Specific Index
(history)
Scope: index and abstracts from
2100 journals published worldwide in history, social sciences, related humanities;
does not include United States and Canada; 50+ languages with abstracts in
English; also includes abstracts from book reviews (13 major historical and
bibliographic journals), dissertations (from Dissertation Abstracts), reports.
United States information is included in America: History and Life
Arrangement: 2 parts – A. Modern
History 1450 to 1914 ; B. Twentieth century from 1914 to the Present
Special Features: Boolean logic
in electronic version; includes political, diplomatic, military, economic,
social, cultural, religious, intellectual information as well as history of
science and technology and medicine; subject/author indexes
Coverage: 1450-present
Latest edition: 2002
Limitations: does not include
pre-1450; does not include United States and Canada
Other Formats: CD; online (http://abc.clio.com)
Frequency of Publication/Update:
three per year (print); monthly (online); monthly (CD)
Whitaker's
Books in Print
Title: Whitaker’s Books in Print
Call Number: Ref Z2001.R33
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: most comprehensive list of
British books in print in 5 volumes; includes 1,045,000 titles from 45,508
publishers
Arrangement: alphabetical by
author and title
Special Features: main entry in
bold, list of books available in the United Kingdom weekly, monthly, bimonthly,
quarterly, annually; entries include author, editor, illustrator, translator,
revision, year of publication, number of edition, size, number of pages,
illustrations, series, ISSN, binding, price, publication name, ISBN
Coverage: Began in 1874 by Joseph
Whitaker; books currently in print
Latest edition: 2002
Limitations: books under £0.15
not included
Other Formats: microform,
BookBank, CD-ROM online monthly
Frequency of Publication/Update:
weekly
Handbook of
American Women's History
Title: Handbook of American Women’s History
Call Number: Ref HQ1410.H36
Genre: Handbook (encyclopedic)
Scope: Women’s issues, events,
and personages in the United States – designed as a supplement to other
reference and bibliographic sources
Arrangement: Alphabetical
Special Features:
Interdisciplinary; summary definitions; extensive bibliography on each topic;
foreword includes general surveys and anthologies, reference works, and collections
of documents in bibliographic form; multicultural; includes an index and bios
of contributors
Coverage: 1960s-1990s
Latest edition: 2000
Limitations: Needs to be updated
more frequently; terms are intermixed with personages – might have better use
by students if divided
Other Formats: didn’t find any
others
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Every 10 years
Books for
College Libraries
Title: Books for College Libraries: A Core Collection of 50,000 Titles
Call Number: Ref Z1039.C65 B67
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: Covers books in all
subject areas
Arrangement: By Library of
Congress classification within subject area.
Vol. I – Humanities (General Works, Philosophy, Religion, Mythology, Music,
Fine Arts)
Vol. II – Language and Literature (Language and Literature: General; Classical
Languages and Literatures; Modern /European Languages; Slavic Languages and
Literatures; Oriental Languages and Literatures; Literature: General and
Comparative; Romance Literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese; English
Literature; American Literature; German, Dutch, and Scandinavian Literatures
Vol. II – History (Auxiliary Sciences of History; History of Civilization and
Culture; Archaeology, Minor Historical Sciences; Heraldry, Genealogy, General
Biography; History: General, Historigraphy; Europe; Asia; Africa; Australia,
New Zealand, Oceania; The Americas
Vol. 4 – Social Sciences (Geography, Oceanography, Human Ecology; Anthropology,
Ethnology, Archaeology; Folklore, Customs, Costume; Recreation, Physical Training,
Sports, Dance; Social Sciences: General, Statistics; Economics, Population;
Sociology, Social History, Social Pathology; Socialism, Communism, Anarchism;
Political Science; Law; Education
Vol. V – Psychology, Science, Technology, Bibliography (Psychology, Science,
Mathematics, Computer Science; Physical Sciences; Astronomy, Physics,
Meteorology, Chemistry, Geology; Natural Sciences: Biology, Botany, Zoology,
Anatomy, Physiology, Bacteriology; Medicine, Psychiatry, Nursing; Agriculture,
Conservation; Technology, Engineering; Photography; Manufactures, Crafts, Home
Economics; Military Science, Naval Science; Book Industries, Bibliography,
Library Science
Vol. VI – Indexes (Author, title, subject.)
Special Features: Entries include
full cataloging information; based on standards by the Association of College
and Research Libraries (American Library Association) for undergraduate
colleges; indexes include the “tracings” found in cataloging records related to
author, title, and subject
Coverage: books in print
Latest edition: 1987
Limitations: for small libraries
Other Formats: didn’t find any
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Bibliographic
Index
Title: Bibliographic Index
Call Number: REF Z1002.B595 V41
Genre: Bibliography of
bibliographies
Scope: subjects, persons, places
found in published books and pamphlets, bibliographies that are parts of book,
separately published bibliographies – 3,000 entries (from English and foreign
language sources)
Arrangement: alphabetized by
subject
Special Features: Subject
headings conform to Library of Congress subheadings and there is an
abbreviations page.
Coverage: Began in 1938
Latest edition: 2002 to be
available this summer
Limitations: published six months
after bibliographies are published; does not include any periodical
bibliographies; a bibliography has to have a minimum of 50 entries to be
included
Other Formats: WilsonWeb
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual
Statistical
Abstracts of the World
Title: Statistical Abstract of the World
Call Number: Ref HA155.S7
Genre: Yearbook (statistical)
Scope: Statistical information
for 185 United Nations members and Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Taiwan
Arrangement: Alphabetical;
includes information on geography, education, demographics, healthcare,
organization of government and law, science and technology, labor force, and
trade (production, manufacturing, finance, economics) through “panels” of
information; annotated source index and keyword index
Special Features: maps and 42
panels of information; information is consistent throughout with unavailable or
non-applicable information being shaded in gray; information is easy to read
and compare in this format; footnotes refer to source materials
Coverage: current year
Latest edition: 1997
Limitations: information is
continually out of date; only includes United Nations countries
Other Formats: didn’t find any
others
Frequency of Publication/Update:
approximately every 2 years; 4th ed. to be published in November 2002
The New Grove
Dictionary of Music & Musicians
Title: The New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians
Call Number: Ref ML100.N48
Genre: Encyclopedia (dictionary)
Scope: music terms and composers
since the beginning of music history
Arrangement: alphabetical
Special Features: includes
illustrations, bibliographical references, and lists of works by individual
composers; cross-indexed using full caps within articles; signed articles
Coverage: began in 1870s and
1880s by Sir George Sadie; covers all areas of music ancient to present
Latest edition: 2000
Limitations: becomes outdated
almost immediately; not updated often enough
Other Formats: online
Frequency of Publication/Update:
last edition printed 20 years before
Physician's
Desk Reference
Title: Physician’s Desk Reference
Call Number: Ref RS75.P5
Genre: Ready Reference Resource
(health and medicine)
Scope: information on
approximately 4000 drugs by generic and product name; includes side effects,
dosage, and contraindications
Arrangement: alphabetical within
the following categories: Manufacturers’ Index, Product Name Index, Product
Category Index, Product Identification Section, Product Information, Diagnostic
Product Information
Special Features: pictures of
over 1000 tablets and capsules; added U.S. Food and Drug Administration
directory, poison control centers, and other FDA-related items
Coverage: medications currently
on the market, updated annually to include most recent additions
Latest edition: 2002
Limitations: information supplied
by manufacturers
Other Formats: CD-ROM, online
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual
Guide to
Reference Books - Balay/Sheely
Title: Guide to Reference Books (Balay); 9th and 10th editions edited by Sheehy
Call Number: Ref Z1035.1 G89
(Balay); Ref Z1035.1.S43 (Sheehy)
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: lists and annotates
approximately 16,000 suggested titles for large libraries. Includes General
Reference Works; Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; History and Area
Studies; Science, Technology, and Medicine. Intended for North American
libraries and English texts. Also includes electronic resources; evaluations;
subject, and author & title indexes.
Arrangement: by Library of
Congress classification number within sections
Special Features: main entries in
bold print; bibliographic notes
Coverage: 18th century to present
(though it states that it is from the beginning of printing)
Latest edition: 2001; next
edition due in 2004; first edition published in 1907
Limitations: must know call
number; limited to English language books
Other Formats: didn’t find any
Frequency of Publication/Update:
approximately every 3 years
Library
Journal
Title: Library Journal
Call Number: Periodical
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: includes features, news,
infotech, reviews, commentary, and departmental information related to library
science
Arrangement: articles within
categories; book reviews are alphabetical by author within sections such as
prepub alert, prepub best sellers, as well as under Reference, etc.
Special Features: includes ISBN
numbers; signed articles
Coverage: current information
Latest edition: June 15, 2002
Limitations: limited by persons
willing to do reviews (personal biases); much of journal is advertising
Other Formats: electronic
Frequency of Publication/Update:
twice a month
Index to Black
Periodicals
Title: Index to Black Periodicals
Call Number: Ref AI3.04
Genre: Index (minorities)
Scope: includes 37 popular and
scholarly titles – About Time, African American Pulpit, African American
Review, African Americans in New York Life and History, American Legacy,
American Visions, Black Enterprise, Black Issues in Higher Education, Black
Renaissance/Renaissance Noir, Black Scholar, Callaloo, CLA Journal, Crisis,
Ebony, Emerge, Equity and Excellence in Education, Essence, Heart and Soul,
Howard Journal of Communications, International Review of African-American Art,
Jet, Journal of Black Psychology, Journal of Black Studies, Journal of Blues in
Higher Education, Journal of Negro Education, Multicultural Review, Muslim
Journal, National Black Law Journal, Obsidian III, Public Culture, Race and
Class, Research in African Literatures, Review of Black Political Economy,
Transition, Upscale, Vital Issues, Western Journal of Black Studies.
Arrangement: alphabetical by
author and subject
Special Features: indexed to
1950; includes addresses of periodicals
Coverage: current year
Latest edition: 2000 (published
in 2001); 2001 to be published in August 2002
Limitations: always late in publication
Other Formats: www.umi.com
(international) – 150 periodicals from 1998 (30 full text), some from Africa
and Latin America
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual
Value Line
Title: Value Line: Investment Survey
Call Number: Ref HG4530.V3
Genre: Database (investment
service)
Scope: “independent, weekly
investment advisory service registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission” – 3 volumes – Part 1 – Summary and index, includes 1700 stocks with
most recent price and current ranking; Part 2 – Selection and Opinion –
articles about stocks and Federal Reserve, gives Value Line’s opinion of
prospect, stock market outlook, and advisable investment strategy; Part 3 –
Ratings and Reports, full-page reports on 1700 stocks in 91 industry groups in
sequential order of prediction over a 13-week period.
Arrangement: alphabetical by
industry type
Special Features: charts of stock
performance, tables with stocks over 7-year time, history of companies,
forecasts of year-end results, includes such features as best stocks in last 13
weeks, worst performing stocks, highest yields over 3-5 years, growth stocks,
etc.; Glossary of Investment Terms
Coverage: 13 weeks
Latest edition: last week
Limitations: the information
comes out so frequently that it is hard for the librarian to keep the most
current issues filed
Other Formats: online -
www.valueline.com
Frequency of Publication/Update:
weekly
Biography and
Genealogy Master Index
Title: Biography and Genealogy Master Index: A Consolidated index to more than
3,2000,000 biographical sketches in over 350 current and retrospective
biographical dictionaries
Call Number: Ref CT214.B56
Genre: Index (biographical)
Scope: 11 million entries,
450,000 added each year; over 4 million people from 900 biographical
dictionaries and directories; mostly United States with some Canada, Britain,
Socialist countries, Africa, Far East, and Australia
Arrangement: Alphabetical by
person – short essays
Special Features: List of
resources in cover and first few pages, full citations of original sources
given; dates of biographical entries given
Coverage: Current information
from biographical dictionaries, subject encyclopedias, and volumes of literary
criticism.
Latest edition: 2001 (publ.
2000); began 1980 (8 volumes); cumulated in 1918-1985 (5 volumes); 1986-1990 (3
volumes); 1991-1995 (3 volumes)
Limitations: cannot be kept
current enough being only annual; does not cover enough of the world
Other Formats: CD-ROM
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual; cumulated every 5 years
Contemporary
Authors
Title: Contemporary Authors
Genre: Biographical Sources;
Bibliographic Sources
Scope: 1962-present. The intended
audience is general: librarians, researchers and students needing information
about authors and their works.
Arrangement: The biographical
sketches in each volume are organized in alphabetical order by the author's
last name.
Special Features: The preface
includes a user's guide; also included is a guide to the CA numbering system
and volume update chart
Coverage: According to the
preface, Contemporary Authors provides information on approximately 100,000
writers in a wide range of media, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and
drama. Prominent print and broadcast journalists, editors, photojournalists,
syndicated cartoonists, graphic novelists, screenwriters, television
scriptwriters, and other media people are also included. CA also provides
information on authors who write in languages other than English, provided
their works have been published in the United States or translated into
English. Finally, CA also covers prominent writers from the early twentieth
century whose works still receive critical and popular acclaim. Each
biographical sketch includes the following information: author's full name
(including any pseudonyms or name variations), personal information (author's
date and place of birth, hobbies/interests, political/religious/educational
background, etc.), addresses, career summary, membership information, awards
and honors, writings (bibliography of the author's works), adaptations (i.e.,
list of media adapted from the author's work), work(s) in progress, sidelights
(various insights into the author's life and career), and biographical and
critical sources which provide additional information about the author.
Obituary notices are also included.
Latest Edition: Volume 201 (2002)
Limitations: In recent years,
Gale publishing has greatly increased the number of volumes that it adds to the
series each year. The increase in volumes, which entails an increase in cost,
makes it expensive for smaller libraries. Also, although Gale makes every
effort to verify their information, some biographical sketches included in CA
have been compiled from secondary sources, and the information has not been
verified with the author.
Other Formats: Available online
through GaleNet. Details can be found at:
www.gale.com/servlet/ItemDetailServlet?region=9&imprint=000&titleCode=GAL2&type=4&id=110195.
Also available through other online vendors. Also available on CD-ROM and
magnetic tape.
Frequency of Publication Date: about 8
times per year. Cumulative indexes are published two times per year.
Thomas
Register of American Manufacturers
Title Call
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers Number T12.T612
Genre: Directory
Scope
A directory to American manufacturers and pertinent information on Products and
company profiles.
Arrangement
Alphabetical arrangement:
Vol 1-24: products and services, product index in vol 24, trademark index, vol
25-27 Company profiles with address, email etc., asset rating and company
officials, vol 28-31 catalog by company name, Crossreference in vol 27.
Special Features
Separately paged supplements called "Important addenda," accompany
some vols.
Coverage
31 vols
Latest Edition
2001
Limitations
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online)
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
Foundation
Directory
Title: Foundation Directory
Call Number: R061. FOU
Genre:
Directory
Scope:
10,000 of the USA’s largest grant making foundations. Intended audience is
fundseekers, foundation and government officials, scholars, journalists, and
others interested in foundation giving in the USA.
Arrangement:
Alphabetically arranged by state and then by foundation name.
Special Features:
Indices by donors, officers, and trustees, geographic location, International
giving, types of support, subject, Foundations new to the edition, and
Foundation name.
Coverage:
Private or community foundations that were among the top 10,000 annual givers
in the US in the latest year of record.
Latest Edition:
24th (2002)
Limitations:
Does not include organizations that restrict giving to one or more specified
organizations or those that functions as endowments for special purposes.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online):
Online via Dialog
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annual
Emily Post
Title Emily
Post's Etiquette, 16th Edition Call Number Ref: BJ1853.P6
Genre : Manual for Etiquette
Scope : 1873 to present. This
book is considered a standard for etiquette and manners in all areas of
personal and professional life into the digital age.
Arrangement : This book is
divided into 9 tabbed sections plus an index sections plus an index section
(similar to a dictionary) then each tabbed section is further divided into
chapters. The tabbed sections are: communications, business life, formal life,
entertainment, gifts and weddings. Further separated into 45 chapters that
caver every aspect of etiquette from weddings to international travel.
Special Features This edition
covers information on conducting business at home and in the global
marketplace, addressing same-sex couples, etiquette for in-line skating and
snowboarding, cyberspace courtesies
Coverage The standards remain
though: greetings, introductions, table manners, children's manners, how to
plan a formal dinner, writing thank you notes and condolences, travel and
tipping.
Latest Edition : 16th edition, Harper Reference 1997, newest edition expected
September 2003
Limitations :
Other Formats: www.emilypost.com
http://www.bartleby.com/people/Post-Emi.html
-- contains 1922--
Also there are additional books on Etiquette by Emily Post & family
Everyday Etiquette ( Emily Post Essential's )
Peggy Post
Emily Post's Teens Etiquette
By Elizabeth Post& Joan M. Coles
Emily Post on Second Weddings
Elizabeth L. Post
The Etiquette Advantage in Business
By: Peggy Post & Peter Post
Emily Post's Entertaining
Peggy Post
Emily Post's Wedding Planner
Peggy Post
Title: Literary Market Place
Call Number: R 029
Genre: A directory of the book
publishing industry
Scope: 1940
Audience: Publishers, conference
organizers, libraries and information gathering fields.
Arrangement: Name, address,
telephone numbers, key personnel, company reportage, branch offices, brief
statistics and descriptive annotations.
Special Features: A companion to
the single volume "International Literary Market Place", this volume
includes a global listing. Literary Market Place will not include publishers or
agents who require up front fees from authors, an unethical practice in the
publishing industry.
Coverage: Over 13,000 entries
specifically focusing on American and Canadian book publishing industries,
literary agents, manufactures and shipping services.
Latest Edition: 2001
Limitations: NONE
Other Formats:
Online, http://www.literarymarketplace.com
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Updating is on a continuous basis, but publication is produced annually.
Bowker Annual
Library and Book Trade Almanac
Title: Bowker Annual Library and Book Trade Almanac (I only had access to the
2000 manual)
Call number: 010.58 Bow
Genre: Almanac
Scope: Essays and reports on
library and book trade data.
"To stay on top of the developments that affect libraries, booksellers and
publishers alike -- and to find answers to countless on-the-job questions you
encounter."
Keeps librarians "informed on the latest trends in networking, the
Internet, and other advances."
Helps "locate information on industry events and organizations."
Finds "lists of best books, literary prizes, winners, and
bestsellers."
Aids in preparation of budgets and justification of requests.
Reviews "recent legislation and regulations affecting your (library)
industry."
Helps to "learn about emerging trends, needs, problems and
opportunities."
Arrangement: No particular order
or reason. Book is divided into six parts:
Part 1 -- Reports from the Field; Part 2 -- Legislation, Funding and Grants;
Part 3 -- Library/Information Science Education, Placement and Salaries; Part 4
-- Research and Statistics; Part 5 -- Reference Information; Part 6 --
Directory of Organizations
Special features: Librarian's
Bookshelf -- books of importance to librarians; good information on job sources
and educational scholarships for librarians; directory of book trade and
related organizations; ready reference of publishers' toll-free phone numbers;
lots of charts and graphics.
Coverage: Since 1955
Latest edition: May 2002 (47th
edition)
Limitations: none (I did think
the print was much too small in some charts and graphics. No real sequence in
parts, but the index clearly indicates what is included in each part.
Other formats: none
Frequency of publication/update: annual
World Authors
Title World Authors
Call Number R 920
Genre Biographical Directories
Scope This is a rewrite of 20th
Century Authors. It is written for students, scholars, and the common reader.
This work includes authors from all over the world.
Arrangement
4 Volumes 1900-1950 Martin Seymour-Smith & Andrew C. Kimmens
1950-1970 John Wakeman
1970-1975 John Wakeman
1975-1980 John Wakeman
1980-1985 John Wakeman - includes Key to Pronunciation and List by Nationality
1985-1990 Vineta Colby -- includes Contributors
1990-1995 Clifford Thompson
Special Features It seems like a
nice usable source for everyone. This can not be said about all reference
sources.
Coverage Includes a List of
Authors, Biographical Sketches, selected readings & related works, and
acknowledgements. The purpose is to provide information, summary, criticism,
biography, and illumination.
Latest Edition 1990-1995
Limitations The updates could be
done closer together. It is only for authors of the 20th century.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) CD-Rom Version as of 1997, there is an Internet version also which
seems to include more coverage of authors.
Frequency of Publication/Update It is
yearly for the Internet edition. The last book was done in 1996.
PAIS
International In Print
Title: PAIS International In Print
Call number: Reference-Indexes
Genre: Index to public and social
policy literature from more than 120 countries.
Scope: To chronicle world affairs,
social issues and public policies, put together by the OCLC Public Affairs
Information Service. There are 88 annual compilations since 1915.
Arrangement: Citations are
compiled and indexed annually in two volumes, the Author Index and the Subject
Index, with 8,300 standardized PAIS subject headings.
Special Features: Impressive
international scope, including hard to find resources like conference reports,
and the opportunity for "Direct database leasing."
Coverage: Includes citations for
journal articles, books, government documents, statistical directories,
research reports, conference reports, gray literature, and internet documents
that have been published in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and
Portuguese. Database of over 500,000 records.
Latest Edition: Most recent bound
annual compilation: January-December 2001. Most recent monthly edition: July
2002.
Limitations: Does not use LC
subject headings, but a list of headings agreed upon within PAIS. Topics
involving mainly pre-WWII and "highly technical" literature are
excluded from current monthly consideration.
Other Formats: Available on
CD-ROM; online at http://www.pais.org; and by
direct database leasing.
Frequency of Update: monthly, bound and
compiled annually.
New York Times
Index
Title: The New York Times Index
Call number: 016 New
Genre: Newspaper index
Scope: Wide scope; relative
completeness; covers all major news events, both national and internation; The
New York Times is close to being a "national newspaper."
Arrangement: brief abstract of
story; dictionary form with cross references to names and related topics;
events under main headings are arranged chronologically; book and theater
reviews listed under those headings
Special features: cumulative
volume; serves as index to other newspapers; maps, charts; serves as guide to
activities of the previous year; answers to questions can often be found in
abstracts without having to refer to the NYT or other paper
Coverage: print - 1851 to
present; microfiche - 1972 to present
Latest edition: June 1-15, 2002
(biweekly index)
Limitations: cumulations don't appear until four or five weeks after the first
of the following year; twice a month cumulations sometimes run a few weeks
behind as well
Other formats: microfiche; NYT
archives available for a fee through NYT Web site
Frequency of publication: twice a month
Who's Who in
America
Title: Who's Who in America
Genre: Biographical Sources
Scope: 1899-present. Who's Who in
America is useful to librarians and other researches looking for information
regarding prominent contemporary Americans who either hold significant
positions of responsibility or have made significant contributions to their
profession or field of study.
Arrangement: Biographical entries
are arranged by the last name of the biographical subject (person). In the
event that subjects have the same last name, they are alphabetized by their
first names. Volume 3 also includes a geographic index and a professional index.
Also included in volume three is a retiree index, providing a list of names of
people who have been included in the last three editions of Who's Who, but have
since retired from their profession (and thus no longer meet the admission
criteria for inclusion in the latest edition of Who's Who). Finally, volume
three also provides a necrology, providing a list of names of people who have
died who were included in the previous volume of Who's Who.
Special Features: The preface of
volume 1 provides a succinct statement of standards of admission, a "key
to information" that provides a sample biographical entry, and a list of
abbreviations used in Who's Who.
Coverage: Who's Who seeks to
provide information on Americans who have obtained a significant level of responsibility
or have made a contribution to their field. For each biographical sketch, some
or all of the following types of information are included (depending upon the
biographical subject): full name, occupation, vital statistics, parents,
marital status, children, education, professional certifications, career,
career-related writings and creative works, civic and political activities,
military duty, awards and fellowships, memberships, political affiliation,
religion, avocations, home address and office address.
Latest Edition: 56th edition.
(2002)
Limitations:. Biographical
entries are difficult to read. In an effort to conserve space, Who's Who uses a
small font, and information included in the sketch is "packed
together" as tightly as possible.
Other Formats: Information from
Who's Who in America, as well as other Who's Who publications, can be accessed
via CD-ROM or online. Details about these formats can be found at:
www.marquiswhoswho.com/productlist.htm.
Frequency of Publication Date:
Annually
A World
Bibliography of Bibliographies
Title: A World Bibliography of Bibliographies and of Bibliographic Catalogues,
Calendars, Abstracts, Indexes and the like
Call Number: Ref Z1002.B5685
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: international; includes bibliographies
through 1963; a bibliography is considered to be a “list of books arranged
according to some permanent principle.”
Arrangement: by subject with
author index
Special Features: footnotes;
includes special collections catalogs; entry gives author and title, location
and date, and page number; in edition 4 (1965), there are four volumes plus an
index
Coverage: all separately
published bibliographies found in books, journals, and some library catalogs
throughout the world.
Latest edition: 4th (1965); began
in 1939 and was republished in 1947 and 1955.
Limitations: there is no example
given in the introduction so one has to read the introduction in order to know
what the symbols mean; has not been published in almost 40 years so it does not
include current books
Other Formats: none but has been
followed by the supplement, A World Bibliography of Bibliographies, 1964-1974:
A List of Works Represented by Library of Congress Printed Cards, a Decennial
Supplement to Theodore Besterman, A World Bibliography of Bibliographies
(compiled by Alice F. Toomey, 1977).
Frequency of Publication/Update:
formerly every 8-10 years
Oxford
Dictionary of Quotations
Title: Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
Call Number: R808.882 OXF
Genre:
Dictionary
Scope:
17,500 quotes by 2,500 authors.
Arrangement:
Alphabetically arranged by author, usually by surname except in cases of royal
titles, or where the author is know by pseudonyms, or nicknames. Quotes are
alphabetical by title of work they are from within the author entry.
Special Features:
Full bibliographic references
Coverage:
Quotes from American and non-American authors, thinkers and public figures, and
from hymns and songs,
Latest Edition:
5th (1999)
Limitations:
Based on contemporary tastes, and expectations
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online):
CD-ROM, Concise version online via Oxford Reference Online
Frequency of Publication/Update:
periodically
American
Reference Books Annual (ARBA)
Title American
Reference Books Annual 2002
Call Number REF Z 1035.1
Genre : Bibliography Handbook
Scope 1971 to present. A complete
guide to reference publications published or distributed within the United
States or Canada within a single calendar year. ARBA is an all-inclusive guide
that covers more than 350 subjects critically ,
Arrangement 4 parts: General
Reference, Social Science, Humanities, and Science & Technology. It is
further broken down into 37 chapters. All of the annotations are written by
subject experts in their given field. It is well planned and well indexed which
makes it easier to use.
Special Features CD Rom reviews
and now internet sites. New to the 2001 edition chapter (11) on acquisitions
and purchasing for librarians..
Coverage 1619 books and Internet
sites for this edition. Since 1970 , 56, 499 titles have been reviewed
Latest Edition 33rd edition
Limitations only works by people
of the United States and Canada will be reviewed
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) none
Frequency of Publication/Update
annually
The Columbia
Granger's Index to Poetry Anthologies
Title The Columbia Granger's Index to Poetry Anthologies
Call Number R 808.8
Genre Collections Indices
Scope The book has a history back
to 1909. It would be good for school, public, or academic libraries.
Arrangement All of the indexes
are done alphabetically with the subject index listed alphabetically by the
author's last name.
Special Features The book
includes title, first line, last line, author, and subject indexes which is
helpful when looking for poems with little information.
Coverage The book covers
approximately many anthologies including several new ones since the last
publication. The book includes the Norton anthologies, and the new Oxford,
Penguin, and Faber anthologies. It also covers the new Columbia anthologies.
Furthermore there are important new collections of Russian, Japanese, Italian,
Latin American, African poetry, Native American, African American, and Asian
American poetry.
Latest Edition 12th Ed. 2002
Limitations The anthology could
be updated more often. This edition has made strides at becoming more
comprehensive.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) It is part of the "World of Poetry" collection on CD-ROM and
on the Internet.
Frequency of Publication/Update The last
edition was published five years ago.
Granger's
Index to Poetry
Title: Granger's Index to Poetry, 12th edition (also, The Columbia Granger's
Index to Poetry)
Call number: Ref 808.81 Gra
Genre: Index
Scope: Source for locating a poem
in anthologies; an index to 80,000 by 15,000 authors in approximately 400
anthologies. "Granger's performs a valuable service for librarians by
helping people locate poems when they have limited information about them, and
by helping them locate poems by authors or on subjects they are interested in.
Detailed indexes by subject, author, title, first line and last line.
Arrangement: Three indexes: title, first line and last line index is
alphabetical; author index is alphabetical; subject index -- 4,000 headings listed
alphabetically by author.
Special features: 150 new
anthologies indexed in this edition; listings include African- American,
children's, women's and gay and lesbian poetry; poetry translated into English
from Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean,
Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese; English-language poetry from Canada and
Australia; poems on high-interest subjects such as love, war and the
supernatural
Coverage: First published in
1904; beginning in 1990, Columbia expanded the Granger's line
Latest edition: 12th edition,
2002; 11th edition, 1997
Limitations: The index does not
include all the poetry books and journals. Many libraries do not have the
anthologies listed in Granger's, although ILL is always an option if the material
isn't needed immediately.
Other formats: CD-ROM, third
release 1999 -- 12,000 poems in full-text, 250,000 poetry citations; Granger's
Online
Frequency of publication/update: random;
usually every 5 years in print form
Facts on File
Title: Facts on File Call Number: D410.F3 Ref
Genre: Index/Abstract
Scope:
A detailed, objective weekly distillation of news and current information as
reported in over 70 major newspapers. Covering politics, foreign affairs,
business, economy, art and entertainment.
Arrangement:
World news digest of world events and an index to the news. Major stories from
the US, Europe and other world news in each weekly issue precede the categories
of miscellaneous, people, obituaries, awards sports and other topics.
Special Features:
Cumulative index, explanation of listings and how to use Facts on File.
Cross-references to other articles.
Coverage:
World news
Latest Edition:
June, 2002
Limitations:
Actual sources not cited
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online):
Facts.com
Frequency of Publication/Update
weekly
Bowkers Annual
of Library & Book Trade Information
Title Bowkers Annual of Library & Book Trade Information
Call Number Z731.A47 V46 2001
Genre rade Book Almanac
Scope Contains facts, figures and
reports published in 2001, mix of expert analysis and practical information to
keep the information
Arrangement Arranged in the
following sequence:
Part 1-Reports from the Field:
1. News of the Year
2. Federal Agency and Library Reports
3. National Association and Organization reports
4. International Reports
5. Special Reports
Part 2-Legislation and Funding
Grants
1. Legislation
2. Funding programs and Grant making agencies
Part 3-Library Information
1. Education, placement and
salaries
Part 4-Research and Stats
1. Library Research and
Statisitics
2. Book Trade Research and Statistics
Part 5-Reference Information
1. Bibliographies
2. Ready Reference
3. Distinguished Books
Part 6-Directory of Organizations
1. Director of Libraries and related
Organizations
2. Directory of Trade Books and related Organizations
Special Features Part 3 contains
professional information for the Librarian-including help in finding
employment, placements and salaries.
Coverage Bowkers offers expert
articles on developments in public libraries, school libraries and in
publishing. Includes reports from Federal agencies, libraries and National and
International organizations.
Latest Edition Latest available
2001
Limitations Cramped text
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online) Not available
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
Essay and
General Literature Index
Title: Essay and General Literature Index:
Call Number: Z5872.E7
Genre: Cumulative Literary
Reference
Scope: 1900- 1984 (print) online
- 1985 - present - with subscription - bibliographic,
Online number of records 58,650+
Arrangement: Author and Subject
Index to collection of essays 19876 essays 1520 collections. Includes a list of
books indexed. Under a person: 1. Person’s own work. 2. Work’s about the
person’s life or overall discussion of “his” work. 3. Criticism of an
individual work under subdivision under ‘about individual works’.
Special Features: CD-ROM and
online (subscription)
Coverage: Emphasizing the
humanities and social studies. Essay and General literature index provides easy
access to nearly 45,000 English-language essays in 3,500 collections and
anthologies. Published by the H.W. Wilson Company, the database provides an
accurate guide to essay collections not found in any other source. Subjects
covered include history, economics, psychology, religion, political science,
folklore, film, music, drama, and literature.
Latest Edition: in print 1984
online- current
Limitations: no longer in print
format
Other Formats: online only
available through a subscription
Frequency of Publication: 650+
records added annually
American
National Biography
Title: American National Biography
Genre: Biographical Sources
Scope: 1999. American National
Biography is the successor to Dictionary of American Biography, which was
originally published between 1926 and 1937. The biographical entries cover
Americans from pre-colonial times to those who died prior to 1996. ANB defines
"American" as "someone whose significant actions occurred during
his or her residence within what is now the United States or whose life or
career directly influenced the course of American history" (from the
preface, p. xvii). ANB is for librarians, scholars and other researchers who
need biographical information on those who are included within the scope of
ANB.
Arrangement: The biographical
entries are arranged in alphabetical order by the subject's last name. The last
volume in the set also contains a subject index, an index by contributors, an
index by place of birth in the United States, an index by place of birth
outside the United States, and an index by occupations and realms of renown
Special Features: The preface and
the editorial note in volume 1 provide helpful information about the set,
including the criteria for inclusion.
Coverage: ANB provides
biographical information for several thousand persons from a wide variety of
backgrounds. Each article provides the birth and death dates for the subject
(if known), and a biographical article that covers the subject's life
chronologically. Each article is signed, and also includes a bibliography of
both primary and secondary sources for studying the life of the subject.
Latest Edition: 1999. American
National Biography Supplement 1 was published in 2002 and contains over 400
additional articles covering the lives of individuals who died prior to the end
of 1999.
Limitations: The indexes do not
provide volume numbers and page numbers for locating the subjects. Also,
because of the broad definition of "American," the inclusion or
exclusion of certain individuals may appear arbitrary.
Other Formats: Available online
through Oxford University Press. Details can be found at: www.anb.org/.
Frequency of Publication Date:
Infrequent
Bartlett's
Quotations
Title Bartlett Familiar Quotations
Call Number: Ref PN6081 .B27
Genre: Quotations English
Language and Literature Handbook- Considered the Standard in quotations
Scope: Spanning from biblical
times to the present
Arrangement This book is arranged
so that the authors appear chronologically with allowances made during each
historical period for Anonymous. The book is also arranged with an index of
Authors.
Special Features Cross
reference& footnotes, includes 340 new authors increasing the collection to
over 2,550 sources and 20,000 quotations
Coverage Familiar quotations
Latest Edition 1992
Limitations Not all quotes are
familiar or inside
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) available at http:// Bartleby.com in the form of
the 10th edition, http://www.learntech.com
produces a multimedia edition, Bartlett's Quotations can also be included as
part of the Columbia Encyclopedia bookshelf
Frequency of Publication/Update
Irregular/random
The Reader's
Advisor
Title The Reader's Advisor
Call Number R 016.028
Genre Guides
Scope This set of books is
written for the average reader that wishes to read more in a particular area.
The source covers many different topics, and it would be good for public and
some academic libraries.
Arrangement Split into sections
& subsections with some background information. Each volume includes a
Name, Title, and Subject Index.
Special Features The fact that
this source was written with the average reader in mind and the large scope of
coverage seem to be two special features of this material.
Coverage
Volume 1:
Reference Works--Books About Books, Bibliography, General Literature
British Literature--Medieval Literature, Renaissance Literature, Shakespeare,
Restoration, the Romantic Period, the Victorian Period, Modern to 18th Century,
Irish, and Popular.
American Literature--Early American Literature -- to the 19th Century, Early
19th Century, mid to late 19th Century, Early 20th Century, mid-late 20th
Century Drama, some new directions and popular modes
Volume 2:
World Literature--Hebrew, Yiddish, Middle Eastern, African, Life of the Indian
Continent, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian, Greek, Latin, Italian,
French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Netherlandic, Scandinavian, Russian, East
European, Latin American, Canadian, Literature of the Carribean, Australian,
New Zealand, and Comparative
Volume 3:
Social Sciences--Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science,
Psychology, Sociology, and Education
History--World History Ancient History, European History, African History,
Middle Eastern History, History of Asia & the Pacific, United States,
Canada & Latin America
The Arts--Music & Dance, Art & Architecture, The Mass Media,Folklore, Humor
& Popular Culture, Travel & Exploration
Volume 4:
Philosophy--General, Greek & Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Modern Western,
Twentieth Century, Asian & African, Contemporary Issues
Religion--Ancient, Eastern, Islam, Judaism, Early & Medieval Christianity,
late 1500's Christianity, The Bible, Minority Religions, Contemporary Issues
Volume 5:
Science--Philosophy, Ethics, Special Issues
Technology--Engineering & Technology, Agriculture & Food Tech Energy
Corn Technology
Medicine--Medicine & Health, Illness & Disease, Clinical Psych &
Psychiatry, Math, Stats & Probability, Astronomy & Space , Earth
Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Science, Ecology & Environment
Volume 6:
Indexes--Directory of Publishers, Name Index, Title Index, Subject Index
Latest Edition 14th Ed.
Limitations The frequency of
publication is a problem.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) It is also available on CD-ROM, which is updated monthly.
Frequency of Publication/Update
The previous edition was done in 1986.
Statistical
Abstract of the United States
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Call Number 317.31STA
Genre
Government Publication
Scope
This "National Data Book" is a collection of statistics on social and
economic conditions in the United States, with some international data also
included (U.S. Census Bureau).
Arrangement
30 sections of data (by subject heading) plus 6 Appendices; Index; Guides to
Tabular Presentation; Telephone & Internet Contacts; Index to tables having
historical statistics (colonial times to 1970 series); List of previous year
statistical abstract tables omitted from the current edition.
Subjects cover wide variety of social and economic topics such as Population;
Health & Nutrition; Elections; Federal Government Finances & Employment;
Income, Expenditures & Wealth; Science & Technology; Agriculture;
Energy; Construction & Housing; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation;
Accommodation, Food Services & Other Services; Foreign Commerce & Aid;
Comparative International Statistics.
Each section begins with a definition and explanation of its contents. Sources
are provided for all tables.
Special Features
Comparative International Statistics shows population, births & deaths,
social & industrial indicators, finances, agriculture, communication, and
military affairs data for the world and by country for comparison to U.S.
statistics. Appendix I, "Guide to Sources", describes other data from
the Census Bureau, other Federal agencies, and private organizations. Appendix
III, "Limitations of the data", offers brief descriptions of
thirty-six of the sample surveys and censuses that provide a substantial
portion of the data contained in the Abstract.
Covers 1980-1999 with some
projections to 2050. Some tables include historical statistics; there is an
index to these.
Latest Edition
2001, 120th ed.
Limitations
Small font; some tables are difficult to read and interpret.
Other Formats
CD-ROM, online at http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/01statab/stat-ab01.html
(pdf files)
Frequency of Publication /Update
Annually
Cambridge
Biographical Encyclopedia
TITLE
Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia
CALL NUMBER
REF CT103.C26
Note: Cambridge is the successor to Chambers Biographical Dictionary, 1997- see
title review 1(b))
Genre: Biographical
Sources-Retrospective & Current Biographical Dictionary-Universal
Scope: The intended audience is
young adults, adults, and reference librarians in school, academic, and public
library settings.
Arrangement: Alphabetical by
subject's last name; fully cross-referenced with other relevant figures
Special Features: Emphasizes
minority groups; e.g. women, African-Americans, etc.; Ready Reference of lists
of political leaders, rulers, etc.
Coverage: The Cambridge
Biographical Encyclopedia is an authoritative single-volume reference work on
over 26,000 people, both living and dead. In addition to its thousand or more
pages of A-Z entries, the book offers a Ready Reference section with lists of
political leaders and rulers, Nobel Prizewinners, patron saints, sports
champions and many more. The Encyclopedia provides international coverage and
devotion to important figures - both historical and contemporary - in science
and the arts as well as sports and popular personalities. The Second Edition
has been comprehensively updated and supplemented with over 650 new entries,
each of which contains important biographical facts in one-paragraph
entities.Latest Edition: 2nd ed., 1998, but out-of-print as of November
2000Limitations: Some entries may seem obscure, while obvious ones are not
included.
Other Formats: N/A
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Irregular and under different titles (e.g. Cambridge Biographical Dictionary,
1990; Larousse Biographical Dictionary, 1994; Chambers Biographical Dictionary,
1997).
Chambers
Biographical Dictionary
TITLE
Chambers Biographical Dictionary
CALL NUMBER
920 CHAMBERS (Note: The successor to Chambers is Cambridge Biographical
Encyclopedia, 2nd ed., 1998- see title review 1(a))
Genre: Biographical Sources-Retrospective Biographical Dictionary-Universal
Scope: The intended audience is
young adults, adults, and reference librarians in school, academic, and public
library settings.
Arrangement: The clear and easy
to read entries are listed alphabetically, by last name of subject, and feature
the nationality and occupation, in italics, of each person, year of birth (and
death, when appropriate), brief career highlights, historical and social
context, some limited bibliographic information, and discography and/or film
credits when applicable. Entry length varies from a few lines in one column to
two-thirds of a page. There are no indexes of any kind. Valuable information
about the spelling of subjects' names as well as information about the
treatment of foreign names and titles is given in the introductory "Note
on the Text" at the beginning of the volume.
Special Features: New to this
edition are 250 sidebars devoted to those people judged to be of particular
influence, importance, or interest. Some examples are Dante Alighieri, Ingrid
Bergman, Thomas Edison, and Henry Purcell. Bibliographic information and
quotations are included in these sidebars.
Coverage: The 1997 volume
contains some 17,500 entries, more than 3,000 of which are entirely new. Using
a historical as well as a global perspective, this single volume attempts to
bring together in one place biographical data about important as well as
not-so-important figures, past and present. Addressing all periods of history
from B.C.E. to the present, the work includes significant numbers of women and
small minority groups. A broad spectrum of achievement is covered, including
the areas of science, technology, the arts and humanities, education, sports,
popular culture, academia, politics, the military, and even those involved in
illegal careers, such as John Dillinger and Al Capone.
Latest Edition: 1997 Limitations:
Biographical information in the entries is limited; people of questionable
importance like David Koresh are included; inclusion of important people is
sometimes spotty; British bias.
Other Formats: N/AFrequency of
Publication/Update: Irregular, but generally every 3-5 years.
Library
Literature and Information Science Index
TITLE
Library Literature and Information Science Index
CALL NUMBER
R 020.5
Genre: Indices and Abstracts
Scope: 1932-present. The intended
audience is anyone new to the field of Library and Information Science as well
as librarians and library administrators.
Arrangement: Alphabetical
subject-author arrangement
Special Features: Almost
one-third of the entries represent publications outside the United States.
Coverage: Since 1932, Library
Literature & Information Science Index has been providing indexing of
library publications from the United States and elsewhere reaching back to
1921. LibLit indexes conference proceedings, selected journals, library school
theses, book reviews, and even individual book chapters. Topics include
censorship, public relations, preservation, copyright legislation, automation,
cataloging and classification, and electronic searching.
Latest Edition: June
2002Limitations: None apparent
Other Formats: Online full-text
database by subscription/CD ROM from H.W. Wilson
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Bimonthly
Reference
& User Services Quarterly
TITLE
Reference & User Services Quarterly
CALL NUMBER
Periodical(1960- Summer 1997 known as Reference Quarterly)
Genre: Reviews of Reference
Sources
Scope: Fall 1997, Vol. 37 (1)-
present. The intended audience is reference librarians, administrators, public
services librarians, interlibrary loan librarians, business information
specialists, bibliographers, and other professionals involved in user-oriented
library services.
Arrangement: The information is
organized into the following sections: RUSA Guidelines; The Alert Collector;
Community Building; Off the Shelf and Onto the Web; Readers' Advisory; From
Committees of RUSA; award-winning Articles; Sources (which includes Databases,
Reference Books, Professional Materials, Sources Received but Not Reviewed),
and Advertiser Links.
Special Features: List of books
received but not reviewed; American Library Association Notable Books 2002;
Outstanding Reference Sources: The 2002 Selection of Recent Titles
Coverage: Critical reviews of
reference books and databases
Latest Edition: Spring 2002, Vol.
41 (3)
Limitations: None are apparent
Other Formats: Articles, Sources,
and Index to Advertisers are available online free at <a href="http://www.ala.org/rusa/rusq/rusq";>http://www.ala.org/rusa/rusq/rusq<;/a>_toc.html
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Quarterly; new volumes begin with fall issue
Biography Index
TITLE
Biography Index
CALL NUMBERB
Z5301.B615
Genre: Indirect Biographical
Source- Index
Scope: 1949-present. The intended
audience is reference librarians and end users in public, high school, or
academic libraries who need biographical information in general scholarly and
popular literature.
Arrangement: Arrangement is
alphabetical by surname of the individual. Each entry gives name and
occupation, and many give birth date and if applicable, death date. This
information helps to distinguish the individual from others with the same or a
similar name. Citations provide standard bibliographical information, such as
author, title, and publication data, including year of publication and (for
periodical articles) volume and page numbers.
Special Features: There is also a
professional/occupational index.
Coverage: Biography Index
database cites biographical material appearing in more than 3,000 periodicals
indexed in other H.W. Wilson databases and additional selected periodicals,
some 2,500 current books (annually) of individual and collective biography, and
incidental biographical material in otherwise non-biographical books.
Periodicals indexed are selected from all subject areas represented by other
H.W. Wilson databases. Biographical subjects indexed range from antiquity to
the present and represent all fields and nationalities.
Latest Edition: May 2002, Vol.
56, no. 3
Limitations: None apparentOther
Formats: CD-ROM, magnetic tape, and on WilsonWeb.
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Quarterly with annual and biennial cumulations
Reference
Sources for Small and Medium Libraries
Reference sources for small and medium libraries.
R011.02 REF
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: A list of reference titles
any public or academic library would want to consider,
Arrangement: Chapters:
bibliographies; encyclopedia; philosophy, religion, ethics; business and
careers; social sciences; etc.
Special Features:
Coverage: This is published by
the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) of the ALA. Its purpose is
to present a descriptive guide of standard, time-tested reference sources that
can be used to build or augment a basic reference collection. It also
highlights the very best of reference sources that have appeared over the past
five years.
Includes a one-paragraph
description of the latest edition: author/editor, number of pages, publication
date, price, ISBN, Dewey and LC numbers. Includes whether available also on CD
or the Internet -- no URL given.
Latest Edition: 1999 6th edition
Limitations: No reference of
purely local scope, highly specialized works, publications in foreign languages
or works created specifically for children and young adults. No Internet sites
-- lists only items that can be acquired and retained. It identifies only items
that are stable over time.
Some of the categories are not
intuitive. For example Gardening -- the A to Z encyclopedia of garden plants is
included under Science and Technology.
Other Formats: No Internet based
version of the book, but the ALA RUSA website has an annual list of Outstanding
Reference Sources for Small and Medium-sized Libraries http://www.ala.org/rusa/bestref.html
Frequency of Publication Date:
Every five years
Note: The editor stated that if a
librarian were searching for a single good reference -- 10 years ago the
Encyclopedia Britannica would be the first choice; 5 years ago, LEXIS NEXIS;
and now the Internet.
Standard
Periodical Directory
Standard Periodical Directory
REF Z6951.578 2001
Genre: Directory.
Arrangement: Main order is by
subject, for example railroads, real estate, tobacco. Under the tobacco heading
are listed publications like Pipe Smokers' Ephemeris, Tobacco Life, published
by Farm Progress in North Carolina and Tobacco on Trial. For each publication
the telephone, fax, and email address are provided, along with the circulation
of the publication, size of advertising that the publication accepts and
whether the ads are black and white or color. Listed too is whether the
publication rents their mailing list. There is also an index by publication and
an index called an online index, though why is it named this unclear.
Special Features:
Coverage: They claim to be the
largest authoritative guide to US and Canadian periodicals with info on more
than 75,000 publications. It contains "key industry contacts" with
Internet addresses for each organization and includes newspapers from the
Newfoundland Globe to the Los Angeles Times.
Latest Edition: 2002. I looked at
the 24th edition published in 2001.
Limitations: Not much cross
referencing, so topics that are discreet are easy to find, but subjects that
can be found in many publications can be more difficult to trace.
Other Formats: Online at
www.mediafinder.com (Annual subscription $995). Subscribers can search by
title, circulation, category, city, state, zip, publication type and target
audience. There is also a CD available with an annual subscription of $1295.
Frequency of Publication Date:
Annual.
Publisher also produces the National
Directory of Magazines, the National Directory of Catalogs and the Oxbridge
Directory of Newsletters.
Short Story
Index
Short Story Index
R808.83
Genre:
Arrangement: The book provides
access points via author, title and subject for stories from collections;
author and title access for stories from periodicals Indexing of some 3,610
collections and 155 periodicals. It encompasses some 76,500 short stories. So
Abortion; Abrams, Tom; and The absence of Emily. Ritchie J. appear one after
another in the list. It includes a list of collections indexed and a directory
of publishers and distributors.
Special Features:
Coverage: Since 1900.
Latest Edition: 1994-1998, with
annual supplements. I read the 2000 supplement.
Limitations: The editor thanked
the publishers who sent in copies of their books for indexing. I wondered if
only publishers who did this were included. The stories are those written or
translated into English, but the vast majority of publishers are American.
The stories found in periodicals
were those indexed in the Readers Guide to Periodical Literature and the
Humanities Index (also owned by H.W.Wilson), which meant again that not all
short stories were included.
Other Formats: Internet http://www.hwwilson.com/Databases/storeindec.htm
(price available only on request) and CD. The Internet version allows for much
greater searching. Subject access in Short Story Index includes theme, locale,
narrative technique or device (such as surprise endings, dialect stories,
parodies, story within a story) and genre. This database indexes approximately
76,500 stories from approx. 3,610 collections and 155 periodicals. There are
1,350 stories with full text through WilsonWeb.
The blurb says:
Key in "surprise endings," for instance, and you retrieve a
cornucopia of titles back to 1984. Whether for the reader seeking short fiction
by a favorite author, the teacher looking for the quintessential example of a
particular genre, or the student researching the body of work of a literary
figure, this will be a practical resource.
Frequency of Publication Date: Initial
volume was 1900-49, which included 60,000 stories in 4320 collections. Annually
since 1974 with a 5 year accumulation in print since 1955.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica
Genre: Encyclopedia
Scope: All knowledge -- has been
described as "venerable and scholarly"
Arrangement: 3 parts and a
supplement:
Propaedia, a one-volume outline of recorded knowledge.
Micropaedia, a 12-volume ready-reference set.
Macropaedia, a 17-volume compilation of longer, scholarly, signed articles with
bibliographies.
Book of the Year gives the major events of the previous year.
Special Features:
Coverage: The 2002 edition has 32
volumes; over 65,000 articles, and is over 21% revised from the previous
edition. There are 24,000 illustrations, maps, and photos and over 4,000
contributors including such renowned individuals as Milton Friedman, Carl Sagan,
and Michael DeBakey.
Latest Edition: 2002. I looked at
the 1995 edition.
Limitations: Size! It is
enormous.
Other Formats: CD and online at http://www.britannica.com. The CD-rom
contains 1000 articles not included in the print version. The web version
includes 8,500 articles that are not found in the print set, plus 7,000
articles from the Britannica Books of the Year. It links to over 300,000
related sites on the Internet, selected for content by Britannica editors, has
over 17,000 illustrations, maps, and graphics and thousands of sounds,
animations, and video clips covering topics ranging from rainforests to the
Holocaust. It is updated daily.
Pricing for the web based version
for a library is available on request, based on size of institution etc.
Individuals can pay $9.95 per month or $69.95 per year.
Frequency of Publication Date:
Since 1768. I looked at the 15th edition so the frequency is unclear. There
seem to be rewrites and updates often.
Sociological
Abstracts
Title Sociological Abstracts (online)
Genre: academic
Scope: 1963 to the present
Arrangement: Holds over 611,000
records as of January 2002 and covers many topics within the social sciences.
Special Features: Abstracts
Available from 1974 forward and Online Thesaurus. The online version has
conference papers and dissertations indexed. Allow you to search through
subject heading as well as description.
Coverage: Covers international
literature in sociology and related disciplines. (Approximately 3,300 records,
including book reviews and book abstracts, per update). Includes Book reviews.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online): online
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Bi-monthly
Dictionary of
American Biography
Title: Dictionary of American Biography
Genre: Biographical sources
Scope: The original volumes were
published between 1926 and 1937. 10 supplements have been published since then,
the latest having been published in 1995. According to the introduction in
volume 1, Dictionary of American Biography includes biographical sketches for
Americans who were deceased prior to the publication of the individual volumes
as they were published. Moreover, all subjects included must have lived in the
territory now known as the United States. Finally, all subjects must "have
made some significant contribution to American life in its manifold
aspects." With the latest supplement, biographical entries are included
for those who have died up through the end of 1980.
Arrangement: Biographical entries
are arranged in alphabetical order by the subject's last name. The index volume
provides several indexes: an index of biographical subjects, an index of
contributors with a list of the entries each contributor provided, an index of
birthplaces, an index of schools and colleges, an index of occupations, and an
index of topics.
Special Features: Volume 1
includes a brief account of how the Dictionary of American Biography came to be
written and published. It also includes a memoir of Adolph Simon Ochs, who made
significant financial contributions to the production of the dictionary. In the
reprint edition, there is also a list of errata, providing a list of
corrections to known errors since the original publication of DAB.
Coverage: DAB provides biographical
information concerning the lives of prominent Americans from the pre-colonial
period through the modern era. With the publication of Supplement 10, the
coverage now includes sketches for those who died prior to the end of 1980.
Biographical information for the sketches has been drawn as much as possible
from original sources. For each entry, birth and death dates are included,
along with the subject's full name, and a biographical sketch covering the
subject's life more or less chronologically. A bibliography of primary and
secondary sources is included at the end of each article.
Latest Edition: The last volume
of the Dictionary was published in 1937. Several supplements have been
published since then. Supplement 10, the latest update, was published in 1995.
Limitations: Since the last
supplement to DAB was published in 1995, its coverage is now somewhat dated
(coverage is limited to those who died before the end of 1980). Those seeking
biographical sketches for those subjects who have died recently should now
consult American National Biography.
Other Formats: A one-volume
concise edition has also been published. The latest volume of the concise
edition is the fifth, which was published in 1997. DAB is also available on
CD-ROM.
Frequency of Publication Date: Supplements to DAB were
published with irregular frequency throughout the twentieth century.
Gale Directory
of Publications and Broadcast Media
Title: Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media (Group 4)
Call number: REF 071.302 Gal
Genre: media directory
Scope: supersedes Ayer's
directories of publications, 1880-1982. Covers 25,000 newspapers, magazines,
journals and periodicals in the United States and Canada, and 11,000 radio, TV
and cable stations and systems in the United States and Canada.
Arrangement: Issued in parts;
geographic with a thumbnail description of each local market. Indexes are
classified by format and subject matter and alphabetically by name and keyword.
Print media entries include address, phone, fax, e-mail addresses, key
personnel. Broadcasting media entries include address, phone, fax, e-mail
addresses, key personnel, owner information, hours of operation, networks
carried.
Special features: Kept up-to-date
between additions by supplements (update); advertising rates; availability in
different formats.
Coverage: "An annual guide
to publications and broadcasting stations." Identifies specific print and
broadcast sources of news and advertising for trade, business, labor and
professionals.
Latest edition: 137th edition,
2002
Limitations: extremely small
print; advertising rate and contact information is outdated in many cases well
before publication of supplements.
Other formats: online database,
www.galenet.gale.com
Also, access database.
Frequency of publication/update:
annual
American
Libraries Directory
Title American Libraries Directory
Call Number Z731.A53 2003
Genre Directory of Libraries in
US
Scope The major section of the
directory is a listing of public, academic, government and special libraries.
Arrangement Arranged
geographically, the entries are alphabatized by state, region or province; then
by city and lastly by the insititution or library name.
Special Features Contains
additional sections on:
Library Award Recipients
Networks, Consortia and other Cooperating Library Organizations
Library Schools and Training Courses
Library Systems
Listings for Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Listings for Libraries serving Deaf and Hearing Impaired Patrons
Point of contact listings for the state agencies responsible for public
libraries and the same information provided for elementary and secondary school
libraries.
Coverage In addition to
locations, listings provide names of key personnel, library holdings, income
expenditures, salaries, e-mail addresses, special collections, automation and
publication figures.
Latest Edition 2002-2003
Limitations Exceptionally small
print, few text breaks
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) n/a
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
General
Science Index
Title: General Science Index
Call Number: Internet File
(Wilson Web)
Genre: Index
Scope: 1984-present. Audience is
students and researchers looking for information on scientific topics.
Arrangement: Search by keyword,
subject, author, or title
Special Features: Links to online
full text are provided when available.
Coverage: Covers over 239 science
journals from the US and UK. Includes biographical sketches, symposia,
conferences, review articles, selected letters to the editor, special issues of
journals published as supplementary issues, review issues, laboratory guides,
and book reviews
Latest Edition:
Limitations: Does not contain as
many journals as the print version.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online):
Print
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Monthly
Encyclopedia
Britannica
Title: Encyclopedia Britannica
Call Number: R031 BRI
Genre: Encyclopedia
Scope: Intended Audience is
Adults
Arrangement: 12 Volume
Micropedia, 17 volume Macropeida, 2 volume index and 1 volume Paropedia. All
volumes are alphabetically arranged except for the Paropeidia which is arranged
by topical headings.
Special Features: Cross
references, many illustrations
Coverage: Over 65,000 articles on
historic and contemporary world culture topics.
Latest Edition: 15th (2002)
Limitations: The division of the
encyclopedia into two different parts is confusing.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online): CD-ROM, Online
Frequency of Publication/Update: Annual
Biography
Index
Title: Biography Index
Genre: Biographical
Sources--Indexes
Scope: 1946-present. According to
the preface, Biography Index serves both general and scholarly reference needs.
Provides access to biographical and autobiographical information on a wide
range of persons.
Arrangement: Each volume of
Biography Index is arranged in three parts: 1) a checklist of composite books
analyzed, which provides information on the works indexed in BI, 2) the main
index, which arranges entries in alphabetical order by the last name of the
biographical subject, and 3) an index to professions and occupations of the
biographical subjects.
Special Features: A "sample
entries" page, a list of abbreviations used in the index, and a key to
periodical abbreviations.
Coverage: Biographical Index
indexes biographical material appearing in selected periodicals, current books
of individual and collective biography, and incidental biographical material in
otherwise non-biographical books. Biographies are indexed, as well as autobiographies,
interviews, obituaries, collections of letters, diaries, memoirs, juvenile
literature, book reviews, and bibliographies. Biographical subjects are
American unless otherwise indicated. For each entry under the subject,
bibliographical information is included for the source.
Latest Edition: Bound volume:
volume 55 (September 2000-August 2001). Unbound: volume 56, issue 3 (May 2002).
Limitations: Periodical coverage
is limited mostly to periodicals that H. W. Wilson indexes in its other publications.
Other Formats: Available on
CD-ROM from H. W. Wilson (see:
www.hwwilson.com/Documentation/windows/wdwin.htm). Also available online from
H. W. Wilson (see: http://www.hwwilson.com/Databases/d_avail_wweb.htm).
Frequency of Publication Date:
Published quarterly (Nov., Feb., May, and Aug.). A cumulative bound volume is
published annually.
Robert's Rules
of Order
Title: Robert’s Rules of Order: Newly Revised.
Call Number: 060.42R 2000
Genre: Parliamentary Procedure
(law)
Scope: The intended audience is
any adult who is interested in the “codification of the present-day, general
parliamentary law.” It is also intended for organizations or assemblies that
wish to adopt it as a manual on parliamentary authority.
Arrangement: The tenth edition is
divided into 20 separate headings: The Conduct of Business in a Deliberative
Assembly, Meetings and Motions, Nominations and Elections, Voting, Bylaws, and
Disciplinary Procedures. This information is preceded by a Preface,
Introduction, and Principals Underlying Parliamentary Law. Following the 20
chapters are charts, tables, lists and an exhaustive index.
Special Features: The tenth
edition supplies a preface to the work which addresses several new revisions,
additions, clarifications and omitions.
Coverage: Robert’s Rules of Order
covers every aspect of Parliamentary Law. Beginning in 1874, Henry Martyn
Robert slowly began publishing the manual. Since this time, many changes and
revisions have been made. The millennium edition covers the broad, revised
version of Parliamentary order.
Latest Edition: Tenth edition
(2000) (First edition = Feb. 1876)
Limitations: Requires superb, fundamental
knowledge of Parliamentary law. Could become “limiting” if patrons require
interpretation of such laws and/or procedures.
Literary
Market Place
Title: Literary Market Place
Call #: 070.6L 2002
Genre: Directory
Scope: Contains over 12,000
entries intended for those looking for information book publishers, literary
agents, manufacturers, shipping services or for prospective authors seeking
publisher or literary representation.
Coverage: Volume I covers core
publishing industry information: Book publishers; Editorial Services and
Agents; Associations, Events, Courses and Awards; and Books and Magazines for
the Trade.
Volume II contains information on
Service Providers and Suppliers to the Publishing Industry; Advertising,
Marketing and Publicity; Book Manufacturing; Sales and Distribution; and
Services and Suppliers.
Arrangement: Information is
arranged in two volumes. Volume I contains a Table of contents, a book
publishers section as well as an industry yellow pages – company index.
Volume II is primarily arranged with w Table of Contents, Book Manufacturing,
Artists and Art Services, as well as industry yellow pages – company index.
Entries contain name, address, phone, email, key personnel, company reportage,
branch offices, brief statistics and descriptive annotations. Standard address
numbers (SAN) have been included. Publishers’ entries also contain their
assigned ISBN prefixes.
Special Features: In addition to
the numerous “section-specific” indexes appearing throughout, each volume of
LMP contains 4 indexes that reference listings appearing in that volume. There
is also a Book Trade, Acquisitions and Merger section plus Abbreviations and
Acronyms section.
Latest Edition: 2002
Limitations: limited reliability
factor. With changes occurring in the MP for literature, the written version
could easily become obsolete upon first printing.
Other formats: http://www.literarymarketplace.com
Frequency of Publications: Annually for
the past 62 years.
National Union
Catalog
Title National
Union Catalog
Call Number online version
Genre: academic
Scope: Pre-1956 to 1994 available
in print, online version available 1995 to present
Arrangement: is organized by main
entry, author, or title for items with a title main entry, with
cross-references provided. Added entries are included under joint author,
compiler, editor, translation 1994 was the last year the National Union catalog
was published in print and on microfiche. Access from 1995+ is available only
through, Worldcat.
Special Features:
Coverage: is a catalogue of the
collections of the major research libraries in the United States and Canada. It
is on microfiche.
Latest Edition:
Limitations: not available in
print
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online): online,
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Fairchild's
Dictionary of Fashion
Title Fairchild’s Dictionary of Fashion
Call Number Ref TT503.C334
Genre : Fashion Dictionary from
one of the most authoritative voices in Fashion. From Fairchild publications
who produces WWD the most read newspaper in the fashion industry. This is an
illustrated dictionary – one stop for the fashion student or someone who has
worked in the trade.
Scope
Arrangement This book is arranged
like a regular dictionary with an index by category
Special Features This book includes 749 illustrations , 25 are in color
Coverage
Latest Edition 2nd edition
Limitations That it is not yet
available in other formats
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) Not yet
Frequency of Publication/Update
Irregular
Barron's Profiles
of American Colleges
Title: Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges
Genre: Sketches of American (and
some Canadian and Mexican) undergraduate colleges
Scope: Very useful for students
and guidance counselors to evaluate schools to which they might be accepted for
certain programs of study.
Arrangement: Profiles are
arranged by State in the main section of the book.
Special Features: Besides the
profiles, there are useful sections on “choosing a college”, “advice for
foreign students”, “colleges with special programs” and a section of college
locator maps (one for each state which maps the towns where the colleges are
located). Also has a listing of all the colleges based on how competitive they
are from “most competitive” through “not competitive”.
Coverage: Includes data on
enrollment, academic calendar, application deadlines, size and salary of
faculty, tuition and fees, room and board costs, numbers of students who apply,
are accepted, and attend, median SAT/ACT scores, college admissions selector
ratings, environment, student life, programs of study, admissions contacts,
financial aid, computeravailability on campus.
Latest Edition: 2002
Limitations: Teeny little print,
suited to very young eyes. Libraries in our area prefer Fiske’s or Peterson’s
guides instead, I don’t know why.
Other Formats: Not listed
Frequency of Update: annually
Collier's
Encyclopedia 46th edition 1996
Title: Collier's Encyclopedia 46th edition 1996
Call number: AE5.C683
Genre: World encyclopedia
Scope: "The essential
contents to support the curriculum of secondary schools and colleges"
Arrangement: Arranged
alphabetically, indexed analytically. Each entry has an immediate definition,
and then a simple explanation, followed by a more in-depth article.
Special Features: Illustrated,
with an 11,500 title bibliography
Coverage: Worldwide content of
the following subject areas: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences,
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Career Guidance, since 1950.
Latest Edition: The library had
1996 but the 2001 edition is available.
Limitations: Pretty shallow
coverage.
Other Formats: online
Frequency of Update: annually
Directories in
Print
Title: Directories in Print 13th edition 1996 from Gale Research Group
Call number:
Genre: Bibliography/List of
Directories
Scope: Descriptions, contact
information and prices for 14,870 directories and lists in 26 topic areas. It
has been cited as an "outstanding reference source" by ALA.
Arrangement: Volume One:
Descriptive Listings (by topic--see below). Volume Two: Indexes arranged by
alternative format; subject; title; keyword.
Special Features: The topical
arrangement makes it very easy to start your search, and allows for
"browsing" through related sources. An index of listings available in
"alternative formats" which include computer files, microfiche,
braille, mailing lists, listings by fax.
Coverage: "Descriptive guide
to print and non-print directories, buyer's guides, rosters and other address
lists of all kinds." 14,870 entries, including US state, city, local,
national and international listings.
26 Topics in which the Descriptive Listings in Volume One are arranged:
General Business
Manufacturing, Industry and Commercial Services
Construction Industry and Real Estate
Retail Wholesale and Consumer Services
Banking Insurance and Financial Services
Agricultural and Veterinary
Transportation, Utility and Municipal
Management Employment and Labor
Advertising Marketing and Public Relations
Library and Information Science
Publishing and Broadcast
Telecommunications and Computer Science
Medicine
Healthcare Services
Science and Technology
Natural Resources, Energy and Environment
Social Sciences and Humanities
Education
Law Military and Government
Community Services and Social Concerns
Associations, Philanthropy, Ethnic Groups and Religion
Biography and Geneology
Arts and Entertainment
Travel and Restaurants
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Other Formats: diskette, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, and online.
Bowker's Words on Cassette
Title: Bowker's Words on Cassette 17th edition 2002
Call number: 011.38
Genre: Index to non-musical
recorded materials on cassette, CD, that are currently in print.
Scope: "comprehensive look
at contemporary marketplace of audiocassettes and C ROMs up to date for
research, acquisition, and reference".
Arrangement: Section 1:
Bestsellers and Award Winners, by genre. Section 2: alphabetical by Title.
Section 3: alphabetical by author. Section 4: alphabetical by reader/performer.
Followed by a Subject index, Producer index, Wholesaler/Distributor index.
Special Features: The bestseller and award winners lists are pretty useful for
acquisitions purposes. Well indexed in a variety of ways.
Coverage: Includes 98,000 titles.
Data includes publisher, title, edition, author, performer, running times,
series info, audience and grade levels, price, contact info, etc...
Latest Edition: 2002
Other Formats: http://library.booksontape.com
Frequency of Update: annually
Library
Journal Book Reviews
Title: Library Journal Book Reviews
Genre: Cumulated book reviews
from Library Journal monthly editions.
Scope: Capsule synopses of books
reviewed in Library Journal over the course of the year.
Arrangement: Under subjects,
listed alphabetically by author (title for compilations).
Special Features: Short summaries
and one sentence reviews of a wide variety of books in every field.
Coverage: Includes subject
categories: Reference, Art, Biography, Business and Economics, Communications,
Education, History, Home Economics, Humor, Language Arts, Literature, Music,
Philosophy, Poetry, Political Science, Psychology and Psychiatry, Religion,
Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Sports and Recreation, Theater, Fiction,
Collections and Anthologies, Library Science, and an author/title Index in the
back.
Latest Edition: 2002
Limitations: Coverage can be
spotty, lots of books every year must not get reviewed.
Frequency of Update: Complied and bound annually.
Guiness World
Records 2000
Title: Guinness World Records 2000
Call Number: AG243.G87 (latest volume in ready-reference)
Genre
Almanacs, Yearbooks, and Factbooks
Scope
1955-present. This book is intended to document records, feats, and statistics
of interest to all people.
Arrangement
The book is divided into broad themed chapter sections, each format is a bit
different with every new edition. The 2000 edition includes the categories of
(arranged in this order): courage, knowledge, achievement, wealth, fame,
media/pop culture, the body, technology, danger/disaster, sports.
Special Features
The Table of Contents lists the topics for each chapter; chapters are
color-coded. Many pictures are included in this glossy, coffee-table-type
edition. The alphabetical index is very comprehensive, and the separate sports
reference index is beneficial to users. The last page includes information on
the history of the book itself, and the “Stop Press” page records the very
latest information received just before press date.
Coverage
This fact book covers curiosities, wonders, trivia, record-breakers, final
scores, winners, oddities and more. The topics include science, sports, nature,
business, politics, entertainment, and everyday life.
Latest Edition
2002—2000 edition is the special Millennium edition.
Limitations
Much of the information is trivia (but lots of people are interested in
triviaJ). The pictures in this edition take up much of the room in this 288
page edition.
Other Formats
CD-ROM and online at http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
Walford's
Guide to Reference Material
Walford’s Guide to Reference Material R011.02
Genre
Guides
Scope
International, but with an emphasis on English-language material. “Includes
most major reference tools, whenever originally published, provided they remain
useful” (Introduction). Tries to include as many of most recent publications as
possible prior to publication of guide.
Arrangement
Three Volumes: (1) Science & Technology; (2) Social and Historical
Sciences, Philosophy and Religion; (3) Generalia, Language and Literature, The
Arts. Each volume is arranged by subject, based on the Universal Decimal
(Dewey) Classification (UDC) system. Each subject is further subdivided by
format; each format is subdivided by geographic place and time period. Subject
access can be gained either by checking the contents page or subject index.
Includes author/title index as well. A running serial number is allocated to
each entry for easy cross-reference. Entries include full bibliographical
detail, ISBN and price (if available).
Special Features
Online and Database Services Index; English language material in an
international context
Coverage
Brief critical annotations provide summary of publishing history, outline of
contents, comparison with other works, notable features and brief review.
Reviews are partially based on outside citations and reviews.
Latest Edition
Review is of 7th revised edition (1996); 8th edition (2000) now available.
Limitations
No publisher index; no Internet titles
Other Formats
None
Frequency of Publication /Update
Irregular.
Encyclopedia Americana
Title: Encyclopedia Americana
Call Number: Online (Groliers)
Genre: General Reference
Scope: Searchable database of
newsworthy current events compiled weekly by Americana staff and illustrated
with Associated Press photographs.
Arrangement: Number of words:
25,000,000, Number of Articles, 45,000, Contributors, 6,500, Bibliographies,
6,100, Article-to-Article 150,000, Internet Links: Over 155,000 from
approximately 30,000 articles, Tables Over 1,000 , Fact boxes: 680, Maps: 984,
Flags: 270, Images: over 3,000 black-and-white line art and color images,
including EA journal photos.
Special Features: stand-alone
source
Coverage: Long a standard in
school, academic, and public library collection the EA is not available on the
WWW, blending the depth and accuracy of the print edition with the currency
expected of an online reference work. Its 45,000 articles and more than 25
million words have been contributed by over 6,500 specialists in their
respective disciplines and cover all academic fields and curriculum topics.
Updated quarterly, the Americana Online can now be used either as a stand-along
source of current information on almost any topic or as a guide to the
resources of the World Wide Web.
Latest Edition: Updated quarterly
Limitations:
Other formats: Print Version
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Quarterly
Standard and
Poor's Industry Surveys
Title: Standard and Poor's Industry Surveys
Call Number: 332.67STA
Genre:
Business and Financial Data
Scope: More than 1,200 companies
listed in 52 different industries.
Arrangement: By industry name, including:
· Sub-Industry
· Price Scorecard
· Valuation Scorecards
· Monthly Investment Review
Special Features: Index to
Companies lists the titles of all 52 industries covered, comparative company
analysis, including recent developments, industry basics, and company data.
Coverage: A standard
ready-reference resource for industrial financial performance.
Latest Edition: July, 2002
Limitations: Does not contain illustrations.
Other Formats: None
Frequency of
Publicaton/Update: Published weekly.
International
Who's Who
Title: The International Who’s Who (2002)
Call Number: CT120.I5
Genre: Biographical Information
of the most famous and talented people in the world today.
Scope: Since 1935 - Brings
together the most gifted and influential contemporaries from around the world.
Entries selected by merit and for their continuing interest and importance.
Arrangement: International
spectrum which represents in 1 volume a library of information from all
countries that is not found elsewhere and is unrivalled in its balance and
coverage.
Special Features: Each year new
entrants are sent questionnaires which a request to supply biographical
details.
Coverage: 20,000 entries 1000 for
the first time in the following categories: architecture, art, business, cinema,
diplomacy, engineering, fashion, journalism, law, literature, medicine, music,
photography, politics, science, technology, and theatre. Arranged
alphabetically with abbreviations and international telephone codes.
Latest Edition: 2002
Limitations: Limited to the
subject areas covered
Other Formats: CD-ROM version on
up to 5 work stations simultaneously, access to many entries no longer
appearing in the book.
Frequency of Publication/Update:
annually
Educational
Resources Information Center (ERIC)
Title: ERIC
Educational Resources Information Center
Call Number: ONLINE
Genre: Clearinghouse on Reading,
English and Communications www.indiana.edu/~_rec
Scope: Database of the
Educational Resources Information Center summarizes and catalogs literacy,
school, and teaching guides. www.ed.gov/EdRes/EdFed/ERIC.html
Arrangement: Database, fulltext
articles, website resources, educational resources
Special Features: AskERIC
Educational Resources Information Center provides Q&A service and archive,
resource collection, lesson plans, ERIC database, mailing list, and Newton’s
Apple materials. www.ericir.syr.edu
Coverage: K - 12 Resource for
Librarians, Educators and Parents. Free online information source.
Comprehensive searchable fulltext database on all issues educational. ERIC -
Adult, Career and Vocational Education - offers publications, web journals, a
staff directory, a search tool, a FAQ, and document submission details.
www.ericave.org
Latest Edition: current
Limitations: no print format
Other Formats: ERIC clearinghouse
www.ericse.org ERIC - Elementary and Early Childhood education www.ericeece.org
provides articles, books, and digests related to elementary and early childhood
education ERIC - Overview of Strategies to Reduce School Violence www.eric-web.tc.columbia.edu/digests/dig115.html
higher education
www.eriche.org
Frequency of Publication/Update:
current
Webster's New
Biographical Dictionary
Title: Webster's New Biographical Dictionary
Call Number: R 920
Genre: A biographical dictionary
Scope: 1943
Audience: General Interest
Arrangement: A single volume list
in alphabetical order by the full name, pronunciations, date of birth &
death, nationality, occupation, family relationships, education, details of
occupation, business or career, significant activities, scientific discoveries
or inventions and names of literary works.
Special Features: All entries are listed in their English version regardless of
their foreign translation.
Coverage: Over 40,000 American
and British names regardless of historical periods, nationalities or
occupations.
Latest Edition: 1980
Limitations: The single volume
limits the amount of data provided, but a great initial start for the basic
information.
Other Formats: NONE
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Annually
Fiction
catalog
Title: Fiction Catalog
Call Number: Z5916.F5
Genre: Trade bibliography
Scope: 1986-
Catalog of fiction titles (over 5000) selected by experienced librarians from
public library system. Includes novelettes and composite works. Out of print
material is included.
Arrangement: Arranged alphabetically, titles are cataloged under the authors
name.
Special Features: Author index, title and subject index and directory of
publishers and distributors. 4 annual supplements through 1989.
Coverage: -1989
Latest Edition: 1989
Limitations: Selections made by a group of public librarians
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online):
Frequency of Publication/Update infrequent
Encyclopedia
of Associations
Title: Encyclopedia of Associations
Call Number: R 060
Genre: A directory of
associations and professional societies.
Scope: 1926
Audience: General interest
Arrangement: Three volumes
covering 18 subject sections. Arranged by keyword, or organization names.
Special Features: Gives a
description of the organization, awards honored and subgroups.
Coverage: Over 22,000 North
American (Canada and Mexico)associations and professional societies. Various
sections covering
1. trade, business and commerical organizations
2. environment and agriculture
3. legal, government, public administration and military
4. engineering, technology and natural & social sciences
5. cultural organizations
Latest Edition: 2002-03
Limitations: North American only
Other Formats: online only
through Dialog or Lexis-Nexis; CD Rom
Frequency of Publications/Update: annually
New York Times
Obituary Index
Title: The New York Obituary Index
Call Number: R 920
Genre: A index of deceased
individuals who have appeared in the NY Times.
Scope: 1858
Audience: General interest and
researchers
Arrangement: Alphabetical order
by the deceased name
Special Features:
Coverage: Over 353,000 entries
Latest Editions: 1970
Limitations: The inconsistency of
inclusion and exclusion of names.
Other Formats: None
Frequency of Publication/Update:
Published every ten years
Mergent
(formerly Moody's) International Manual
Title: Mergent (formerly Moody's) International Manual
Call Number: 4009.M66
Genre: Business and Industry
Information Source
Scope: Provides "a wide
reference source for financial and business information on approximately 11,100
major corporations, sovereigns and their municipalities and national and
supranational institutions in 117 countries."
This manual supplies bond and stock ratings for all investors.
Arrangement: Four volumes, alphabetical index by corporation and by country.
Special Features: Blue paper insert in volume one contains, geographical index
to Mergent International Manual, Classification of Companies by Standard
Industrial Codes, Commodity Price Indexs, Index of Scrap Commodity Prices,
International Exports and Imports, International Stock Exchange Indices, Maps.
"Users of this Manual are directed to Mergent International News Reports
which are published on Tuesday of each week on the Mergent website and printed
monthly. Strong companies are designated with an Aaa rating whereas weak
companies carry Bb, B, Caa, Ca and C in descending order of weakness (C being
the weakest rating.)
Coverage: Algeria to Zimbabwe
Latest Edition: 2001
Limitations: The information
contained is only as reliable as the companies and accounting firms providing
the information.
Other Formats: www.mergent.com
Frequency of Publication/Update: Annually
Poole's Index
to Periodical Literature
Title: Poole's Index to Periodical Literature
Call Number:
Author(s): Poole William
Frederick: 1821-1894: d.: Fletcher, William Isaac: 1844-1917,; ed.
Genre: Periodicals - Index
Scope: Index to 479 British and
American Authors who published between 1802 and January, 1901. This publication
is primarily used for research on works published in the 19 century.
Arrangements: 6 volumns and 5
supplements by author, title and subject
Special Features: Language -
English
Description: 6 volumns and 5
supplements
Harner's Literary research guide
copy in reference stacks.
Latest Edition: 1963, revised
Limitations: N/A
Other Formats: N/A
Frequency of Publication: Extremely infrequent.
American Book
of Days
Title The American Book of Days
Call Number REf 394.2 D
Genre Reference book of days and
their historical significance
Scope Covers all 365 days and
notes historical events having occurred on these day.
Arrangement Arranged beginning
January 1st. and ending on December 31st.
Special Features Conatins in the
appendices the historical beginnings of the calendar, days of the week, rhymes
of the days and the seasons, signs of the Zodiac, and listed Holidays in the
United States.
Coverage Lists Holy Days, Feast
Days (all relgions) , births and deaths of famous persons and their
accomplishments. Notes famous battles, and their outcomes, and holidays and
their origins.
Latest Edition Third Printing
1957
Limitations dated, no current
information
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) Not available
Frequency of Publication/Update
last published 1957
American Book
of Days
Title The American Book of Days
Call Number REf 394.2 D
Genre Reference book of days and
their historical significance
Scope Covers all 365 days and
notes historical events having occurred on these day.
Arrangement Arranged beginning
January 1st. and ending on December 31st.
Special Features Conatins in the
appendices the historical beginnings of the calendar, days of the week, rhymes
of the days and the seasons, signs of the Zodiac, and listed Holidays in the
United States.
Coverage Lists Holy Days, Feast
Days (all relgions) , births and deaths of famous persons and their
accomplishments. Notes famous battles, and their outcomes, and holidays and
their origins.
Latest Edition Third Printing
1957
Limitations dated, no current
information
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) Not available
Frequency of Publication/Update
last published 1957
Book of
Women's First
Title The Book of Women’s First
Call Number REF 920 REA
Genre Encyclopedia of Biographies
of Famous Women
Scope Covers the lives and
accomplishments of noted women from Roanoke, Virginia in the late 16th. century
to the present time, late 20th. century to early 21st.
Arrangement Women are arranged in
the volume by name alphbetically.
Special Features Contains images of the featured individuals, index of names
and years.
Coverage The women included here include jockeys, senators, scientists,
explorers, vaudeville performers, artists and astronauts, yachtswomen and
zoologists, to counterfeiters, murderers, physicians and the first woman to go
over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Also included, the first woman to bear her own
grandchild.
Latest Edition 1992
Limitations Published in 1992, lacks information on current events and people.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) Not available
Frequency of Publication/Update
1992-First Edition
History of US
- Documents that Shaped the American Nation
Title A History
of US - Documents that shaped the American Nation
Call Number REF
Genre Sourcebook
Scope Published speeches,
charters, deeds, consititutions, treaties, legal documents from 1215 to the
present.
Arrangement Appears in 10
volumes:
Book One: The First Americans
Book Two: Making Thirteen Colonies
Book Three: From Colonies to Country
Book Four: The New Nation
Book Five: Liberty for All?
Book Six: War, Terrible War
Book Seven: Reconstruction and Reform
Book Eight: An Age of Extremes
Book Nine: War, Peace and All That Jazz
Book Ten: All the People
Special Features Contains term glossary, document source section, and a series
indes. Each page contains several word definitions as well as an outlined
section: /For more information see/ directory.
Coverage Papers and publications that helped shape the Nation beginning from
1215 with the Magna Carta to 1988 with a speech by Ronald Reagan delivered at
the University of Moscow.
Latest Edition 1991
Limitations Lacks latest
documents and listing of current events
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online) not available
Frequency of Publication/Update N/A
Facts on File
Dictionary of First Names
Title The Facts on File Dictionary of First Names
Call Number REF 929.4 DUN
Genre Dictionary
Scope List all known names from
A-Z, contains 4,500 entries
Arrangement Names are arranged
alphabetically, then showing gender, then language of origin and meaning of
name, examples of surname.
Special Features Book contains 95% of first names borne by English speaking
population, instances of famous name bearers who may have influenced the names
image, pet forms and diminutives, variant spelling forms, comments about
pronunciation problems, literary occurrences of a name, together with
quotations about it and transferred use of a name i.e. “Oscar”, as in the movie
industry awards.
Coverage All names known to
English speaking countries, from 1200’s on to present day. Contains gender,
etymological and historical listings for each entry.
Latest Edition latest available
1983
Limitations Does not contain
current up to date name preferences
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) Not available
Frequency of Publication/Update latest available 1983
Milton Cross
New Encyclopedia of the Great Composers and their Music
Title The Milton
Cross New Encyclopedia of the Great Composers and their Music
Call Number REF 920.03 CRO
Genre Encyclopedia
Scope Appears in two volumes, a
guide to the musical works of the worlds most famous composers. With a brief
hisory of music and other useful supplementary chapters.
Arrangement Arranged between two
volumes in the following format:
Part One: Before Bach
Part Two: The Composers and their Music
Part Three: A Brief History of Music since Bach
Part Four: Basic Works for the Record Library
Part Five: The Anatomy of the Symphony Orchestra
Part Six: A Dictionary of Musical Forms
Part Seven: A Glossary of Basic Musical Terms
Part Eight: A Select Biography
Special Features Contains a
dictionary of musical forms, dictionary for musical terms and a section for the
sudy of the anatomy of an orchestra.
Coverage Covers the lives and works of 67 world famous Composers, beginning
with music from the 12th. century through Bach through the 1940’s.
Contains biographies of each noted individual, analysis of their works an style
comparisons.
Latest Edition 1969
Limitations Dated material, last
updated 1969
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online) Not available
Frequency of Publication/Update Last updated 1969
MacMIllan
Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia
Title MacMillan Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia
Call Number REF 591.03 MAC
Genre Encyclopedia
Scope From the 43,500 or so
species of living vertebrates, a selection has been made to represent their
diversity to its best effect.
Arrangement Arranged as follows. Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish,
each section containing a two page foreword. Then listed as Species name , then
family name with accompanying picture. Listed individually in the following
order: Name, range, habitat, and size.
Special Features Each Species has
a page illustrating the family examples listed. Contains a Classification Chart
and an Index.
Coverage The natural order of classification is: Species, Genus, Family, Order,
Class and Phylum.The invertebrates are arranged by species, and then classified
at the Family Level, so as to be as comprehensive as possible.
Latest Edition Latest available
1984
Limitations Not kept current with
recent species discoveries and extinction reports.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) not available
Frequency of Publication/Update Annually
Webster's New
Geographical Dictionary
Title Webster’s New Geographical Dictionary
Call Number REF 910.3 WE
Genre Geographical Dictionary
Scope More than 47,000 entries
and 218 maps giving basic information on the world’s countries, regions,
cities, and natural features.
Arrangement Geographical locations arranged alphabetically, also listed are
more than 450 geographical terms from other languages translated into English
and a list of English-language terms and their equivalents in other languages.
Special Features Includes detailed explanation of glossary terms,
abbreviations, pronunciation symbols, geographical terms, explanation of map
symbols, alphabetical listing of maps and an explanatory notes introduction.
Coverage Entries provide correct spelling of location, provide data such as
location, size, area, population, length of rivers, height of mountain,
economic data, and in numerous entries, brief historical notes.
Latest Edition copyright 1980
Limitations lacks current
geographic changes, new city and town listings
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online) Not available
Frequency of Publication/Update every few years
World Book's
Young Scientist
Title World Book’s Young Scientist
Call Number REF
Genre Scientific Encyclopedia
Scope Helps explore various areas
of science with information and activities for elementary age students.
Arrangement Appears in 10
volumes, nine of subject matter and one Index.
Book One: Space Technology
Computers
Book Two: Light and Electricity/Magnetic Power
Book Three: Atoms and molecules/Gases
Book Four: Planet Earth/Water
Book Five: Living World/Plants
Book Six: Animals without backbones/Animals with backbones
Book Seven: Human Body/Communication
Book Eight: Energy Conservation
Book Nine: Construction Machines
Book Ten: Index
Special Features Contains term glossary, Topic webs, measure conversion charts,
diagrams.
Coverage Contains information and
activities covering planet earth and biology to light and electricity to atoms
and gases to space technology.
Latest Edition 1996
Limitations limited to elementary age students
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online) not available
Frequency of Publication/Update N/A
Barnhart
Dictionary of Etymology
The Barnhart Dictionary
of Etymology REF422BAR
Genre
Dictionary
Scope
Traces the origins of the basic vocabulary of modern English from the first
recorded appearance of a word through its development, both in meaning and
form. “Intended for students of language who have a certain familiarity with
the English language” (Preface).
Arrangement
The A-Z dictionary is preceded by a short history of the English Language. Each
entry includes the year of the word’s earliest appearance or use as best
determined by the editors. Cross-references are used to connect words with
similar meanings. Includes a Glossary of Language Names, Glossary of Linguistic
Terms, Glossary of Early Literature Works Cited, and a Bibliography.
Special Features
Emphasis placed on American English—words or meanings believed to originate in
the United States or currently in use only in the United States.
Coverage
Contains over 30,000 entries and “examines not only the antecedents of modern
English, but emphasizes its development, especially from the point of view of
American English” (preface). The dictionary was produced by an editorial staff
in collaboration with American scholars from various fields of language study.
Latest Edition
1988. More recent edition published in UK as Chambers Dictionary of Etymology,
Robert K. Barnhart (ed.), 1999.
Limitations
None
Other Formats
None
Frequency of Publication /Update
Irregular.
Tapping the
Government Grapevine: The User-Friendly Guide to U.S. Government information
Sources
Tapping the
Government Grapevine:The User-Friendly guide to U.S. Government Information
Sources 025ROB
Genre
Government Documents Guide
Scope
A “guided tour of the government information landscape” (preface) intended for
librarians and other users of government information. Describes types of
government documents, ways to access them, and major government agencies.
Special attention is paid to Internet resources and effective search
strategies.
Arrangement
15 Chapters, 6 Appendices and an Index. Chapter titles include: Access to
Government Information; Depository Libraries; Patents, Trademarks, &
Copyrights; Legislative Information Sources; Executive Branch Information
Sources; Statistics; Primary & Nonprint Sources. Graphics, illustrations,
flowcharts and Special Tips boxes enhance each chapter. Writing is easy to read
and humorous at times. Chapters close with a list of “Freebies”, “Further
Reading” and bibliographical references. Appendices include Abbreviations and
Internet Address Directory. General Index is thorough.
Special Features
Key information is highlighted in summary tables within chapters. Practice
exercises at the end of each chapter (with answers in Appendix) reinforce
explanations.
Coverage
Basic information on federal government agencies, including their functions and
publications (Bopp, p. 542).
Latest Edition
1998, 3rd ed.
Limitations
Some links outdated. Page layout can change (Titles, headings, link titles,
etc.)
Other Formats
None. Frequency of Publication /Update
Irregular.
Times Atlas of
World History
The Times Atlas of World
History REF 911 T
Genre
Geographical Reference Source: Historical Atlas
Scope
A worldwide--“rather than Euro-centric” (Introduction, p. 13)—collection of
maps illustrating political events, wars and changes in the political geography
of the world from the origins of mankind through 1991, intended for the general
reader as well as student.
Arrangement
Seven sections: Human Origins & Early Cultures; First Civilizations;
Classical Civilizations of Eurasia; Divided Regions; Emerging West; European
Dominance; Global Civilization. Each section contains a chronology and
well-written background essay, enhanced by illustrations and photos about
relevant social history and cultural achievements. A glossary of supplementary
information about some of the individuals, peoples, events, and treaties
mentioned in the essays is located at the end of the book as well as an Index
to Historical Place Names.
Special Features
The book’s large size offers full-page maps with sharp color contrast;
identifiable symbols are selectively chosen, and map arrows clearly designate
movement.
Coverage
Contains over 600 maps and photographs. Considerable attention is paid to
economic developments. Major third world events since last publication (in
1989) are covered, with emphasis on (1) the Soviet Union’s collapse and the
subsequent emergence of new states across Eastern Europe; (2) growth of new
economic powerhouses in the Far East; (3) resurgence of the Muslim world.
Latest Edition
4th (1993); 6th edition now available (1997)
Limitations
Essays are written on a higher reading level.
Other Formats
None Frequency of Publication/Update
Irregular.
World Guide to
Libraries
Title: World Guide to Libraries
Call Number: Z710S3 2002
Genre: Handbook of international
documentation and information
Scope: 45773 libraries in 181
countries
Arrangement: By country -
countries are arranged alphabetically with a sub-arrangement listing type of
library: 1.National 2. General Research 3. University/College Library 4.
Professional School Library, School Library 5. Government Library 6.
Ecclesiastical Library 7. Corporate Business Library 8. Special Library
maintained by other institutions
9. Public Libraries
Special Features: new feature -
criteria for inclusion - detailed questionnaire is sent out to libraries
worldwide which has been a great success
Coverage: General libraries with
holdings of more than 30,000 volumes and special libraries with more than 5,000
volumes though some 3rd world countries are exempt from this rule.
Latest Edition: 2002
Limitations:
Other Formats:
Frequency of Publication/Update: annually
Let's Go USA
& Canada 2002
Title Let’s Go USA & Canada 2002 Call Number Ref E158 .L39
Genre Budget Guidebook USA
Scope 1959-present
Arrangement The first 91 pages of this book are introduction—(definitely worth
reading) than it is broken down regionally and also by states. This book also
has an extensive index, many maps
Special Features Maps, phone numbers, guides to cheap places to eat and cheap
places to Stay
Coverage Because this book covers the entire United States and Canada, spacing
is limited. I have their guide for Israel—Which was amazing it had more
information than many of the locals knew
Latest Edition 2002
Limitations It is designed fro the budget traveler and not everyone is a budget
traveler
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online) http://www.letsgo.com/index.php,
also now all the major city guides are available for your Palm Pilot Amsterdam,
Barcelona, Boston, London, Paris, Rome, New York City, San Francisco, or
Washington D.C., HotSync it to your PDA, and take advantage
Frequency of Publication/Update Almost all of their 53 titles are updated
annually if nit biannually
Van Nostrand's
Scientific Encyclopedia
Title Van Nostrand’s Scientific Encyclopedia Call Number Ref Q121 .V3 1995
Genre : One Volume Scientific Handbook
Scope Extensively updated and revised, this outstanding reference remains the
definitive scientific resource for both academic and professional environments
Arrangement Topics covered
include animal science, anatomy, astronomy, atmospheric science, chemistry,
chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, earth science,
energy sources, information science, life science, materials, mathematics,
mechanical engineering, medicine, mining, physics, physiology, planetary
science, plant science, power technology, space science, structural
engineering, and a host of other subjects
Special Features
Coverage and numerous new articles bring the Encyclopedia up-to-date on the
latest developments and state-of-the-art knowledge in every discipline. An
expanded subject index makes information easier to find. An extensive revision
program makes this series an important addition to personal as well as
institutional libraries in both academic and industrial
latest Edition 2002
Limitations The Fonts are small
and this book is very expensive
Other Formats (e.g. electronic, online) No online source
Frequency of Publication/Update Irregular, which is a problem for this to be an
excellent book it would need to be updated frequently.
The Engineering Index Annual
New Title: The Engineering Index Annual
Call Number: Z5851.E57
Genre
Indices and Abstracts
Scope
1884-present. This represents an organized compilation of bibliographic
citations and abstracts covering the world’s technological literature in all
the various engineering disciplines. It is a cumulative edition of each year’s
monthly issues of Engineering Index.
Arrangement
Yearly sets are arranged in 10 part volumes, with the last 3 composed entirely
of author and subject indices. The beginning volume/parts are arranged
alphabetically by subjects, then alphabetically by title with accompanying abstract
number (numbers are assigned consecutively to the alphabetical listings).
Special Features
Abstract numbers make document retrieval easier. Includes table of contents,
author index, subject index, publications list, and conference list.
Coverage
The volumes contain over 180,000 abstracts in the field of engineering. Each
record includes a subject descriptor, abstract number, article title, complete
abstract, author’s name/affiliation, and publication information (title,
volume, issue, date, pages).
Latest Edition
Copyright 2002; edition 2001
Limitations
Does not include unpublished theses or dissertations.
Other Formats
Microfilm, electronic versions through online vendors and direct lease
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
International Financial Statistics Yearbook
Title:
International Financial Statistics Yearbook
Call Number: HG3881.I626
Genre
Almanacs, Yearbooks, and Factbooks
Scope
1971-2000. Covers statistical financial data and presents tables of financial
information on countries of the world.
Arrangement
Arranged by subject then alphabetically by country.
Special Features
Introduction includes extensive explanations of data provided and methodologies
for compiling categories of statistics.
Coverage
Records statistics and presents data tables representing the financial
information for countries world-wide. It includes divisions for data related to
exchange rates, International Monetary Fund positions, international liquidity,
money and banking accounts, interest rates, prices, production, national
assets, and population.
Latest Edition
2001
Limitations
Statistical information on country pages uses somewhat obscure abbreviated
labels (at least for the layperson).
Other Formats
CD-ROM (for information from 1948)
Frequency of Publication/Update
Monthly issues with annual yearbook cumulation
Jane's
Fighting Ships
Title: Jane’s Fighting Ships
Call Number: VA40.J34
Genre
Encyclopedias—subject encyclopedias
Scope
1906-present. Provides the details of the world’s navies with emphasis on
fighting ships. Includes extensive information about details related to the
ships themselves and the different navies in general.
Arrangement
Alphabetically by world navies.
Special Features
Includes a glossary to the abbreviations used in the descriptions; provides
pictures/sketches of flags, ranks, and insignia of the world navies; supplies
pennant lists of major surface shops.
Coverage
This book is a collection of the details of the world’s major warships,
providing number, class name, builder information, hull details, weapons system
information, aircraft types and numbers, and general comments (on sales,
operations, opinions). Also includes some details of less important ships and
front-line maritime aircraft.
Latest Edition
2001-2002
Limitations
There is advertisement included throughout the book.
Other Formats
CD-ROM and online (http://www.janesonline.com)
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
Poetry
Criticism
Title: Poetry Criticism
Call Number: PN1010.P499
Genre
Language and Literature Information Sources—literary criticism
Scope
1991-present. This series was created in response to requests by librarians
serving high school, college, and public library patrons (who saw an increase
in the demand for poetry criticism). The volumes attempt to provide information
on the world’s greatest poets.
Arrangement
Alphabetical by author headings. Criticisms within an author’s pages are
arranged chronologically.
Special Features
Includes pictures and bibliographies for further reading on poets. There is a
cumulative author index, nationality index, and title index to each volume.
Coverage
The series attempts to cover the most important published criticisms of the
world’s greatest poets. It provides supplementary biographical and
bibliographical material to guide readers to more information on poets and
poetic genres. It includes an historical survey of the overall critical
response to an author’s work. The poet details include names, birth, death,
background information, portrait, list of principle works, and criticism.
Latest Edition
2002
Limitations
Some critical pieces are duplicates of those essays that appear in other
volumes of Gale’s Literary Criticism Series.
Other Formats
none
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually
Guide to
Reference Materials for School Library Media Centers
Guide to Reference Materials for School Library Media Centers
Z1037.1.S34 1998
Genre: Guides Scope: Elementary
and secondary school library media specialists, children’s and young adult
librarians in public libraries, and librarians at two-year colleges, and those
in higher education library and information science programs.
Arrangement: Organized by topics
within broad subject categories, with author/title and subject indexes.
Special Features: Number of media
sources cited; all entries coded for grade level.
Coverage: The book describes and
evaluates books, CD-ROMs, and other electronic reference sources in all
curricular areas and in some extracurricular areas. More than 2,000 entries are
included, with titles of special interest to elementary schools noted. Each
entry includes full bibliographic data, description of sources, citations to
reviews and a code for grade level. This new edition reviews more electronic
sources than previous editions, and it has a new section on electronic
information systems that describes the shift of resources to World Wide
Web-based delivery. The book also covers many new and varied types of reference
sources appearing in print, and the section on collection management has been
reorganized.
Latest Edition: 5th edition, 1998
Limitations: None apparentOther
Formats: Available as e-book through netLibrary
Frequency of Publication/Update:
New edition 5-6 years
The World
Factbook
The World Factbook
R909.82 W893
Genre: Almanacs, Yearbooks, and
Factbooks
Scope: 1962 (classified); 1975
(first unclassified edition available to public)-present. The intended audience
is the general public, especially middle and high school students who need
reliable information about the world for school work. It is also a good source
for ready reference.
Arrangement: 267 countries are
alphabetically indexed, and 9 key data fields are organized in the following
way: Introduction, Geography, People, Government, Economy, Communications,
Transportation, Military, Transnational Issues
Special Features: Also contains
handy appendices on the United Nations system, international organizations,
weights and measures, international environmental agreements, and
standardization of geographic names.Coverage: This of unclassified CIA data
includes all of the nations of the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe,
featuring 267 full-color maps and flags. Each country profile includes area,
political climate, recent international disputes, natural resources,
environment, population, inflation rate, GDP, agriculture, industries, defense
expenditures, national holidays, literacy rate, religion, legal system, labor
force, and much more.
Latest Edition: 2001
Limitations: Because political
landscapes change so rapidly, this book is dated before it is shelved. Also, it
is published the year following the CIA’s own publication; e.g. the 2001 public
edition is from the CIA’s 2000 edition.
Other Formats: Available online
for free at http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
Frequency of Publication/Update: Annually
AHA Guide
Title: AHA Guide
2001
Call Number: RA977.A64
Genre: Directory
Scope
1974-
A guide to US hospitals, health care systems, networkd, alliances, health
organizations, agencies, providers.
Arrangement - Arranged
alphabetically by state: hospital listings, including pertinent information
such as address, etc. Annual survey, definition of facility code Index of
hospitals listed
Special Features - Registration
requirements for hospitals, explanation of hospital listings,
Coverage
Latest Edition 2002
Limitations
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online)
Frequency of Publication/Update -
Annual
American
Library Dictionary
Title: American
Library Dictionary Call Number Z731 .A53 2002/03
Genre: directory
Scope 1978-
Information on Libraries in the US and Canada.
2 volumes. Vol 1: Libraries in the US, Puerto Rico and American territories.
Vol 2: Libraries in Canada, with additional sections for Library networks,
consortia, schools, organizations, personnel index, Libraries for the Blind and
deaf, provincial publishing agencies, state school library agencies.
Arrangement - Arranged
geographically
Special Features
Coverage - Covers US and
Territories, Canada
Latest Edition - 2002/2003
Limitations - US and Canadian
libraries only
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online)
available as part of CD-ROM: Library reference plus.
Frequency of Publication/Update
Annually 1978-
Triennial (irregular) 1923-60
Biennial, 1962-77
Humanities
Index
Title: Humanities index
Genre: Index
Scope
1974-
Index to English language periodicals in the following fields: History,
language, literature, performing arts, classical studies, archaeology,
folklore.
Arrangement - Arranged by
subject, Author. Separate list of citations to book review. Includes all
pertinent citation information to locate the article in the appropriate periodical.
Special Features -
Inclusion/review of periodicals is based on subscriber vote. Index of included
periodicals.
Coverage - Each article lists
date of birth, date of death, if applicable, the person’s profession, address
and a biographical summary.
Latest Editon - March 2002, vol
28 Nbr 4
Limitations - Only English
language periodicals included. No title entries.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online)
Frequency of Publication/Update -
Quarterly
Business
Information Sources
Title: Business Information Sources
Call Number Z7164.C81
Genre: Index
Scope - A source for periodical
indexes on finding business sources and information..
Arrangement - Information on
businesses and organizations and individual of the business world, covering location,
management, corporate finance, insurance, banking, marketing etc.
Special Features - Include
section on methods of locating facts and basic timesaving sources (indexes,
abstracts, microform)
Coverage
Latest Edition - 1985
Limitations
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online)
Frequency of Publication/Update -
infrequently
Historical
Dictionary of American Slang
Title: Historical Dictionary of American Slang
Call Number: 427.973 RAN
Genre: Dictionary
Scope: Audience is researchers,
librarians, and students.
Arrangement:Alphabetical
Special Features: Bibliography of
all sources.
Coverage:Slang from all fields
from all eras of American history.
Latest Edition:2002 Vol. 3
Limitations:Small print. Limited
to US English. Published in 3 volumes over 8 years
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online):None
Frequency of
Publication/Update:Periodically
Play Index
Title: Play Index
Call Number: R808.82 PLA
Genre: Index
Scope: 1949- Audience is
directors, drama teachers, and theater companies.
Arrangement:Alphabetical (one
alphabet) by author, title and subject.
Special Features: Section on cast
types. Directory of publishers.
Coverage:4,397 Plays published in
the years covered by the index.
Latest Edition:1993-1997
Limitations:Each index is
restricted by the time period of that edition.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online):None
Frequency of Publication/Update:Periodic
Monthly
Catalog of United States Government Publications
Title: Monthly
Catalog of United States Government Publications
Call Number: Ref Z1223.A18 (or in
Government Documents -- GP 3.8/8:2002/2)
Genre: Bibliography
Scope: Publications printed
during a particular month and where located
Arrangement: by Superintendent of
Documents classification number
Special Features: depository
location; GPO access locator web address
Coverage: online version covers
from 1994; paper version began in 1895 and is monthly
Latest edition: current month
Limitations:
Other Formats: Web (http://www.gpo.gov/catalog)
Frequency of Publication/Update:
monthly
Business
Periodicals Index
Title: Business Periodicals Index
Call Number:
Genre: bibliography
Scope: cumulative index to 400
English language periodicals related to business
Arrangement: alphabetical
Special Features: much like
Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature -- includes title, author, journal
information; See also indexing; inclusion by subscriber vote
Coverage: topics: accounting,
advertising and marketing, agriculture, banking, building, chemical industry,
communications, computer technology and applications, drug and cosmetic
industries, economics, electronics, finance and investments, industrial
relations, insurance, international business, management, personnel
administration, occupational health and safety, paper and pulp industries,
petroleum and gas industries, printing and publishing, public relations, public
utilities, real estate, regulation of industry, retailing, taxation,
transportation, and other specific businesses, industries, and trades
Latest edition: began in 1958; we
stopped taking it in 1994 -- available online at that point
Limitations:
Other Formats: CD (as Business
Abstracts) since 1990; full text at www.hwwilson.com
Frequency of Publication/Update:
monthly, with cumulative annually
Who Was Who
Title: Who Was Who
Call Number: Ref DA28.W65
Genre: biography
Scope: includes entries for
people who appeared in Who's Who but died in a particular decade. They are
updated with the death date.
Arrangement: alphabetical
Special Features: includes same
information as Who's Who -- birth information, education, work experience
Coverage: same material as Who's
Who
Latest edition: began as
1897-1915; latest is 1981-1990 (published in 1991)
Limitations: only includes those
who died during the decade
Other Formats: only paper
Frequency of Publication/Update:
every 10 years
Guide to
Microforms in Print
Title Guide to Microforms in Print
Call Number Z1033.M52
Genre: reference
Scope:
Arrangement:. Search by subject,
author, title.
Special Features:
Coverage: guides for 195
microforms from collections included by the University Publications of America.
It expands with some 50 more titles each year. It has thousands of primary
source documents in such fields as African American studies, southern history,
political history, women's studies, military history and war, immigration,
labor studies, Native American studies, international relations, law and
jurisprudence, and more.
Latest Edition: 2002 edition
Limitations:.
Other Formats (e.g. electronic,
online): online
Frequency of Publication/Update: yearly,
supplement 6months of publication
Readers' Guide
Abstracts
Readers’ Guide Abstracts
WilsonDisc or WilsonWeb
LOC most recent print edition listed is 2/1993-7/1993 with Call # Z6941.R38 PN
4832)
Genre: Indices and
AbstractsScope: 1984-present. Like its print counterpart, Readers’ Guide to
Periodical Literature, the intended audience is reference librarians, particularly
in public and school libraries, high school and college undergraduates, and the
general public.
Arrangement: Wilson offers three
search modes: 1.the simple, beginner mode where one types a keyword or subject
which brings up an index of headings or articles which contain the keywords;2.
the intermediate mode where one can search from author’s name, to subject
words, title words, keywords in the abstracts, etc. Boolean logic may be used
for subject and title searching; 3. the expert mode where basic Boolean logic
is employed, nesting, etc.
Special Features: Searching for a
physical feature such as a graph or illustration in the desired article is
possible.
Coverage: Readers’ Guide
Abstracts provides 50-150 word summaries of the articles indexed in Readers’
Guide to Periodicals. The coverage includes current events, hobbies, popular
culture, medicine, religion, the arts and school-curriculum-related areas.
Latest Edition: See Frequency of
Publication/Update below.
Limitations: Indexing coverage
only from 1983; abstracting from 1984
Frequency of Publication/Update: WilsonDisc updated
monthly; WilsonWeb updated weeklyNote: The print edition is not advertised on
the Wilson website www.hwwilson.comAs I could not find a print edition in any
library catalogue anywhere in CT, it is likely that the print version is no
longer being published.
Books on
Demand
Books on Demand (found online, http://www.umi.com/hp/Support/BOD/)
Title: Books on Demand
Genre: catalog
Scope: list of books that can be
xeroxigraphically be
reproduced "on demand"
Special features: books available
in hardbound or
paperbound editions; some available
on microfilm
Coverage: covers books which go
back to the 15th
century
Latest edition: 2002
Other formats: online
Frequency of publication/update:
annual
-
Directory of Directories
Directory of
Directories -- now published as
Directories in Print: an annotated guide to
over 10,000 business and industrial directories,
professional and scientific rosters,
directory databases and other lists of all kind that
are published in the United States or
that are national or regional in scope or interest
(see Directories in Print evaluation)
Encyclopedia of the American
Civil War: A political, social and military history.
REF 973.703 E
Genre: Encyclopedia
Scope: American Civil War. Large number of academic contributors from
universities and historic societies. Cross references and a bibliography after
each subject.
Arrangement: By subject in 4
volumes. Volume 5 contains documents and appendices
Special Features: Appendix lists the executive officers of each army, a
glossary of terms unique to military usage, extensive bibliography, maps and a
chronology of events.
Coverage: 1600 articles by subject: person, state, military campaigns, name of
ship armies, famous units like the Stonewall Brigade, legislation, proclamation
etc. Biographies of major and minor
political figures.
Latest Edition: 2000
Limitations: None. There are many civil war histories available. What was
useful about this was that in 3 pages I could read about the Battle of Antietam
and learn why it took place, what events preceded it, events during the battle
and the long-term effect of the battle, rather than having to flip through the
appendix of a traditional history. If I wanted more the bibliography was
available.
Useful for the casual reader
or beginning historian, though I suspect even history buffs could learn of some
of more obscure battles or persons.
Other Formats: Available as an ebook at abc-clio.com
Frequency of Publication Date: not a serial
American Heritage Dictionary
of Idioms
REF 423.1 A
Genre: Dictionary
Scope: Idioms, slang and common figures of speech in American usage.
Arrangement: Alphabetical by
subject.
Special Features: Wherever possible includes info on the origin or background
and the date of first appearance. For example:
Open fire. Begin a verbal
attack, as in “In her letter to the editor she opened fire, saying the reporter
had misquoted her.” This idiom alludes to discharging of a firearm [mid 1800s]
Coverage: 10,000 English expressions. An idiom is a set of words that mean
something different from the literal meaning of individual words. The true test
is whether it changes meaning if translated word for word into another
language.
Latest Edition: 1997
Limitations:
Other Formats: none
Frequency of Publication Date: not a serial.
Cassell Dictionary of
Contemporary Quotations
REF 808.882 A
Genre: Dictionary
Scope: Contemporary quotations by well known figures or quotations of
significance.
Arrangement: Alphabetical by
subject, author index. Also index of keywords.
Special Features:
Coverage: 7500 quotations. For example:
Accident: I don’t believe in
accidents. There are only encounters in history. There are no accidents. Elie
Wiesel. International Herald Tribune. 15 Sept 1992.
Also an index by author, so
under Mandela, Nelson is a reference to negotiations. Under Negotiations: Only
free men can negotiate. Prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Plus date and
source.
Latest Edition: 1996
Limitations:
Other Formats: none
Frequency of Publication Date: not a serial.
The complete encyclopedia of
stitchery
R.L. 746.4 R
Genre: Dictionary
Scope: crocheting, embroidery, knitting, macramé, rug making, sewing and
tatting
Arrangement: By stitch within
subject
Special Features: Useful for a public library as a beginning needlework
instruction or for literary or historical reference.
Coverage: 1400 illustrations and 1000 entries, including history and
instructions. How to make a thorn stitch, a 3-sided stitch and a Turkish
stitch, for example.
Latest Edition: 1979
Limitations: Since most current embroidery designs are based on ancient
stitches, the age of this book is not really a limitation. A more current book
might have colored illustrations rather than just black and white images of
needle placement etc, but the steps remain the same.
Other Formats: none
Frequency of Publication Date: not a serial
Title: American Book
Trade Directory
Call #:
015.73 A
Genre: Directory
Scope: Lists almost the entire
book-selling industry. Provides profiles for nearly 30,000 retail, and
antiquarian book dealers, plus 1,000 book and magazine wholesalers,
distributors and jobbers in all 50 states and territories.
Coverage: Organized by state and city,
entries include store or company size, specialties, years in business, owner
and key personnel, contact information (including e-mail addresses), and
notations for those businesses that also handle audiocassettes, software and
other sidelines.
Latest Edition: 2002-2003
Limitations: none
Frequency of Publication: annual