L I B R A R Y
E D U C A T I O N
Learn REFERENCE WORK FIRST NORTH AMERICAN EDITION
by Clara L. Sitter Mary Gosling with Colin Gray
TOTALRECALL PUBLICATIONS, INC.
S E R I E S
TotalRecall Publications, Inc. First North American edition DocMatrix Pty Ltd 2007 Based on previous Australasian editions DocMatrix Pty Ltd 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007. All rights reserved. Published simultaneously by TotalRecall Publications, Inc. in the United States of America, Canada, England and other countries around the world except the Pacific Rim. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical or by photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this book are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of any other party or parties. ISBN 978- 1-59095-808-7
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CONTENTS Introduction
7
1.
Reference Services
9
2.
Reference Sources
23
3.
Dictionaries
39
4.
Encyclopedias
55
5.
Fast Facts
69
6.
Biographical Sources
77
7.
Geographical Sources
87
8.
Bibliographies and Library Catalogs
95
9.
Directories
105
10.
Indexes and Abstracts
113
11.
Government Documents
123
12.
The Internet
137
13.
Researching and Delivering Information
153
14.
Evaluation
159
Answers
173
Glossary
185
References
197
LCSH Form Subdivisions
215
Index
217
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my colleagues, especially Elizabeth Hopgood, Margaret Hyland and Mary Mortimer, for their help and encouragement. I would also like to thank my husband Jeff and sons Richard and James for being so patient while I worked on this book (and for giving me access to the printer!) Mary Gosling Australian Edition
Thanks to the University of Denver (DU) Library Information Science (LIS) students for their inspiration, to Karen Lochhead for the Canadian content, to Mary Mortimer for her patience, and to my husband, Les Sitter, for his encouragement. Additional thanks to the DU College of Education (COE) and LIS folks: Ginger Maloney, COE Dean; Deborah Grealy, LIS Director; and Shannon Smith, Research Assistant. Clara L. Sitter North American Edition
Special thanks to Colin Gray for the chapter on the Internet, and his invaluable advice on current trends in electronic reference work. Mary Mortimer Publisher
NOTE ON C API TA LIZ ATION Titles included in the text are capitalized according to standard library cataloging practice—that is, apart from names, only the first word of the title has a capital letter. This is intended to accustom library students and staff to this style. The references at the back of the book use the normal capitalization found in bibliographies.
INTRODUCTION Reference services determine the primary way many libraries are known to their users. The delivery of reference service options have expanded greatly in recent years. Technology including features such as Internet, IM (instant messaging), pod casting, blogging, RSS (Really Simple Syndication), 24/7 virtual and chat reference, wireless networking, fax, email, online, and cell phones has had an impact on information services. All traditional modes of communication including traditional face-to-face, telephone, and snail mail modes are still in operation. Reference staff must be prepared to deal with any contact mode and should incorporate appropriate technology into their services. Large public library systems are looking at new models for delivery of all forms of service. The concept of full service libraries is becoming more limited. Some systems are designating certain libraries as full service including walk in reference while others may be focused on popular resources and programming (sometimes called the bookstore model or neighborhood libraries), service to children and teens, language and learning, or special collections for special users. Subject specialists, instruction librarians, and readers’ advisory staff have enhanced the services of large libraries. New technology and expansion of resource sharing, have multiplied the formats of information available to users. In spite of the rapid changes the basic goal of reference service remains constant: to connect users with information. This book is an introduction to basic knowledge and skills in reference work. It provides a foundation of theory and information for good reference service. We also introduce some additional concepts related to services, models, and issues facing managers. The text is supplemented with practice exercises and skill tests. Answers for self-checking are at the back of the book. Examples of sources are included but there are often many sources suitable for answering a question. Although libraries use fewer printed reference sources, we have included a combination of print and electronic sources because some people may not have access to the electronic versions. Internet resources are included in each of the chapters as appropriate. Reference materials are subject to frequent editions, revisions, and updates. Electronic and Internet resources are updated even more frequently. It is a challenge to prepare exercises and write questions that are relevant for all readers. We hope the questions are general enough to be answered without consulting a specific title or edition. The most challenging exercises are at the end of each chapter, and may be omitted if the relevant resources are not available. It is more important to become familiar with types of tools and to develop a sense of the appropriate resource than to find the exact answer to these questions. Enjoy.
Chapter 1 REFERENCE SERVICES Introduction The purpose of every library is to connect users with information. The reference department provides services to help users make the best use of a library’s resources as well as to find information quickly and efficiently through internal or external sources. Reference services vary with the purpose and size of the library. A large library is likely to have a reference section with many librarians who deal with a wide variety of subjects. Individuals may also be responsible for a function or a subject area. A large library will have a separate reference desk and a circulation desk to meet the needs of its users. A smaller organization may have only one or two staff to provide a wide variety of services, although the library may be more subjectfocused. Smaller facilities will likely have one desk providing both circulation and reference assistance. Reference staff must develop skills in accessing information and assisting users. They need to know the library’s collection and understand how to find information efficiently. Most libraries have a reference collection consisting of both print publications and electronic resources. Libraries may help users find information as well as refer them to other sources. The Internet has greatly increased the range of resources available for finding information and answering questions. The basic purpose of the reference section is to assist users in accessing information in the library’s collection, selecting the best sources from that collection, and referring users to other appropriate sources.
Reference Services Traditional reference services provided by libraries relate to questions, collections and extended services and may include the following: Questions • library assistance • answers to questions • readers’ advisory Collections • reference collection • circulation options • equipment access Extended Services • literature searches • library instruction • current awareness 9
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Library Assistance Many library users need help using the library the first time they visit. They often need help searching the catalog, locating material on the shelves, or finding information in reference sources. Some people feel comfortable using a library, but are unfamiliar with electronic sources and may request help using electronic databases or the Internet. Library staff give advice on search techniques and explain how to use the library’s resources. Answers to Questions A number of people come to a library to find the answer to a particular question or problem. They ask for help at the reference desk because they are unsure where to start looking. Their questions range from simple requests, e.g., “Do you have any books on the Civil War?”, to complex research topics such as “What effect did missionaries have on the political development of Alaska?” Reference librarians are trained to find answers to questions and to help users find the needed information. Readers’ Advisory Library users often come to the library looking for recreational reading. A readers’ advisor is a library staff member who advises readers on their choice of books. Generally only the largest libraries have a separate desk and staff for readers’ advisory services. It is more common for reference staff to assume this responsibility as well as providing information services. As models of service change the emphasis on readers’ advisory will be more prominent in libraries using the neighborhood library or bookstore models. Reference Collection Perhaps the most important part of a reference section is the collection of resources. It consists of works to help users find information or refer them to other sources of information. Printed reference sources are usually shelved close to the reference desk for convenience and so that the reference staff can assist users. Many reference sources are now available in electronic form as well as in print. The reference staff aid users in using these sources efficiently. A small select group of frequently used resources at the reference desk is sometimes called the ready reference collection. Circulation Options Most libraries lend materials from their collections to their users. If a library does not own the required item, staff will borrow it from another library, i.e., a library-to-library loan on behalf of the user known as “interlibrary loan” or ILL. Many public-supported libraries have reciprocal borrowing allowing patrons to use their local library card to borrow from a participating library. In the United States a number of state and multi-state systems have formed reciprocal borrowing agreements. The service may be referred to as a “one-card” or statewide library card system. Within systems or collaborative groups users may have options for even faster borrowing facilitated by daily courier delivery. Equipment Access Photocopiers are generally available to enable users to copy relevant information. Most libraries provide computing facilities with access to printers, scanners, and email to assist users in preparing reports or recording data. Libraries may circulate other equipment such as e-readers to complement e-book collections.
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11
Library Instruction Libraries provide instruction on library use to individuals and groups of users. A library may hold orientation tours for new users, conduct training sessions for specific resources, or provide overviews to special collections. School and academic librarians collaborate with faculty to incorporate information literacy standards into assignments and specific lessons. Most libraries publish guides to their collections and services. Instruction may be formal or informal as well as mediated or non-mediated. Literature Searches When a library user has a complex research question the library staff may search for relevant information using online databases, electronic resources, or Internet websites. Sometimes individuals are encouraged to make appointments to ensure that the most appropriate subject specialist is responding to the question and that adequate time and resources are available. Some libraries encourage users to do their own searches. Current Awareness Current awareness services may be provided to ensure that library users keep up-to-date with information in their interest or subject areas. This type of information is often posted on the library web page. Services may include: • bibliographies or reading lists—lists of works on a particular topic of interest (also called pathfinders) are prepared for users. • bulletins and newsletters—bulletins or newsletters may be prepared and distributed with news about the library, details of new services, lists of newly acquired resources, and other items likely to be of interest. • displays—new additions to the library are displayed in a prominent position, or exhibits on a particular subject are prepared. • journal circulation—new issues of journals are sent to users who have expressed an interest in reading them. • journal title and contents page—the title and contents pages are sent to users upon request. • lists of Internet sites—Internet sites relevant to users’ interests are highlighted for the users. • lists of new titles—a list of resources recently added to the collection is prepared and distributed to users or made available via email or the Web. • newspaper clippings—articles may be copied from the newspaper and sent to users as requested. Commercial clipping services may be contracted to provide articles relevant to users’ needs. • selective dissemination of information (SDI)—SDI involves asking users to describe their information needs and then supplying items to fit those needs as the library receives them. Special libraries are more likely to provide this customized service. The service may involve a great effort by the library staff.
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Factors Aff ecting Service User needs should drive the services offered. Other factors influencing the services offered include Facility • type of library • function or mission • space available Collection • collection size • scope • budget allocation Staff • philosophy of service • workloads • expertise Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers The reference desk is often seen as the hub of the library. Many users seek reference help before attempting to look in a catalog. Other users are too timid to approach those “smart people” behind the desk. Reference staff should be approachable. Behaviors contributing to an approachable appearance include: making eye contact, smiling, giving a friendly greeting, and giving full attention to each question. Once the user approaches staff other behaviors include showing interest, listening, searching, and following up. These behaviors are discussed more fully in the American Library Association document, Guidelines for behavioral performance of reference and information service providers (www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinesbehavioral.htm) Reference staff should be proactive as well as reactive. They should look for users who are uncertain of where to go or what to do while dealing with users familiar with the range of library services. Libraries often schedule “roving” librarians to move through the facility actively looking for ways to be helpful. All reference staff should know library procedures and policies, such as registrations, emergencies, telephone procedures, and gathering statistics. Instruction and training, such as how to use the catalog, may also be the task of the reference staff, so it is important to practice these skills. It is helpful to be conversant in local and current affairs. Daily and local papers often generate reference queries. Reference staff should also read community notices and listen to the local radio and television news. Never assume knowledge. If you do not know an answer, refer the user to those able to help. Be prepared to call for help in busy times. Pride in coping has no place in a busy reference department, especially if it means users wait, or leave without help.
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13
Readers’ Advisors Good readers’ advisors read widely and are able to discuss a variety of genre literature with users. Popular fiction genres include mystery, romance, science fiction, and horror. There are also nonfiction areas for popular reading such as true crime, biography, history, and travel. There are numerous resources to aid staff in assisting users find requested recreational reading materials. In order to work as a readers’ advisor and an information provider you need a wide range of skills and knowledge. Pers on a l Char acteri stic s
• • • • • •
tact tenaciousness approachability enthusiasm interest service commitment
Commu nic ati on S ki lls
• • • • • •
active listening skills appropriate questioning techniques ability to give instructions and explain procedures positive body language ability to put people at ease skills working with all ages and temperaments
Kn ow ledge Base
• • • • • •
the library collection search strategies good search techniques library policies and rules principles of good customer service when to ask for help or make referrals
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E XER CISE 1.1 - L I BR ARY S ER VI CES Visit a library and find out what services are offered. Complete the following table based on the information gathered from guides, websites, handouts, and observations. Se rvice
D oe s the libra ry pr ovide ?
Library assistance Answers to questions Readers’ advisory Reference collection Circulation options, e.g., interlibrary loan (ILL) Photocopiers and scanners Email access Equipment circulation Library instruction Literature searches Bibliographies or reading lists Bulletins and newsletters Journal titles and contents lists circulated Journal circulation Displays New titles lists Lists of Internet sites Selective dissemination of information
Types of Reference Qu esti ons Reference questions fit into the following categories: • directional—requiring knowledge of the physical layout of the library, e.g., where are the maps shelved? • instruction—educating people to use the library’s resources effectively, e.g., how do I use the ERIC database? • ready reference—providing factual information from one or two simple sources, e.g., what is the population of Mexico? • readers’ advisory—recommending titles or authors for pleasure reading, e.g., can you recommend a good thriller? • research—answering complex questions requiring multiple sources, e.g., what is the impact of current levels of unemployment on the Social Security Systems of France, the U.S. and Canada? • referrals—suggesting community agencies for services outside the library, e.g., where could I get a tourist map of the city?
Chapter 1
E XER CISE 1.2 – T YP ES
OF
REFERENCE SERVICES
15
R E FE RE N CE Q UE STI ON S
Look at the following questions and decide to which of the above categories they belong— directional assistance, user instruction, ready reference, readers’ advisory, research consultation, or referral services. 1.
I want some information on zoology.
2.
Can you suggest a good murder mystery?
3.
Where are the recent journals shelved?
4.
I am looking for a book about a school written by a Canadian author.
5.
Can you find some articles on the effects of rubella in pregnant women?
6.
I need some information on the history and development of the American cotton industry.
7.
How do I use your library catalog?
8.
How do you stop severe chest pains?
9.
Has Thomas Keneally written anything else besides Schindler’s Ark?
10.
Where do you keep the large-print fiction?
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LEARN REFERENCE WORK 11.
When will the next election be held?
12.
Do you have any pictures of the Grand Canyon?
13.
I need some information on the use of radiocarbon testing to date ancient relics.
14.
I am looking for a blue book on one of the shelves near the door. My friend had it last week and said it was very good.
15.
I want a good introductory book on astronomy.
16.
Please will you show me how to use the Internet? I am looking for some information on the importance of exercise.
17.
Who was Conchita Supervia?
18.
Where would I get a copy of the Smithsonian Annual Report?
19.
How long is the Nile River?
20.
Give me everything you have on Napoleon Bonaparte.
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17
The Reference Interview One of the most challenging aspects of reference service is communicating with the library user. Information seekers frequently have a difficult time articulating their questions. Generally several exchanges need to take place between the librarian and the library user to identify the unexpressed information need. There is a fine line between patron privacy and the librarian’s need to know enough about the question to be helpful. The conversation with the user to determine the question is referred to as the reference interview. It is a communication process. In the 1980s a number of studies were done to evaluate effective reference service. They indicated that many reference librarians were not “completely and correctly” answering reference questions nearly half of the time simply because the user’s question was not completely understood. It is risky for any reference staff to assume they know the user’s question without confirming, or paraphrasing, the question. The question—and the answer—must be verified. The steps in the reference encounter 1 are: 1. Welcoming—Make eye contact, smile, give a friendly greeting. 2. Attending—Give full attention, maintain eye contact, make attentive comments. 3. Listening—Paraphrase or clarify, do not interrupt. 4. Probing—Use open probes to initiate and pursue the inquiry: “Tell me more….” Use contracting probes to narrow the focus “Can you be more specific?” 5. Verifying—Paraphrase the question. Ask “Is that your specific question?” 6. Searching—Go with the user to the shelf, report progress (telephone), make a referral. 7. Informing—Cite the source, confirm that the answer is understood. 8. Follow up—Ask “Does this completely answer your question?” or other follow-up.
Search Strategy The search strategy is the process of finding answers to reference questions in the fastest, most efficient way. Staff should never give answers that are not based on sources. It is not good practice to give answers from your own knowledge without consulting references. It may be appropriate to discuss strategy with the user and encourage them to contribute their ideas. An effective search strategy involves the following steps: 1. clarify the problem 2. select materials 3. prioritize sources 4. locate sources 5. search materials 6. evaluate the process 7. compile and present the findings
• 1
Based on model reference behaviors introduced by Ralph Gers and Lillie Seward in “Improving reference performance: results of a statewide study”, Library journal, November 1 1985, pp. 32-35.
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Clarify the Problem • Fit the topic into a discipline; look up terminology if needed. • Determine the level of detail needed. • Determine how much information is required. • Respect the user’s privacy. Avoid direct questions regarding the purpose of the inquiry such as “Why do you need this information?” or “What are you going to do with this information?” Make a statement if it is necessary to know the purpose. For example: “I could be more helpful if I knew the purpose of the information.” • Determine the urgency of the request. • Identify whether recent or historical information needed. • Determine if a particular format is required such as a video or periodical article. Select Materials • Decide if the information is likely to appear in reference sources. • Decide if the information will be found in the library or will require a referral. • Determine if you need to contact an expert in the field. Prioritize Sources • Identify the sources in the order of their likelihood to contain the information. • Consider the appropriateness of each source. Locate Sources • Find appropriate resources in the reference or circulating collection. • Identify resources outside the library. • Arrange pick up or delivery as appropriate. Search Materials • Search until an answer is found, or • It is determined that the answer is not in the identified source. Evaluate the Process • Request more information if needed. • Request more time if necessary. • Refer the user to another library or librarian as appropriate. Compile and Present the Findings • Confirm the type of information needed. • Confirm the preferred information format including books, journals, or nonprint. • Review the method of presentation required. • Clarify the timeline restrictions.
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19
The Reference Desk In some libraries the circulation desk and reference desk are separate. In others the same desk provides both reference and loan services. Users will usually ask for help at the first desk they see. This means that circulation staff often refer users to the reference desk or will try to handle the questions themselves. Larger libraries may have a separate area for complex questions. Staff at the reference desk screen questions and make appointments for users to see a more senior staff member if necessary. Arrangements for recording reference questions vary from library to library. Many libraries record the total number of questions. Others go into detail about the type of inquiry and the time taken to complete it. Some libraries use cards or a notebook to record places and people to contact. Pressures at the Reference Desk Working in a reference area can be demanding and may require facing the following situations: • managing several questions at once • adjusting to an irregular pace of questions • balancing telephone and face-to-face requests • coping with demanding patrons • dealing with interruptions Pressures may lead to exhaustion, frustration, and apathy, resulting in poor service. Busy libraries may limit reference shifts to two or three hours at a time. Training Methods Libraries adopt different methods to train new reference staff. They may be attached to an experienced member of staff and work under supervision in a mentoring position. They observe senior staff conducting reference interviews, formulating and carrying out search strategies in a “shadowing” relationship. They may be given time to browse through the reference collection and to explore electronic resources to become familiar with information sources. The best way to learn to work on the desk and interact with users. Library Technicians in the Reference Section A library technician is likely to make the initial contact with the user. If the inquiry is difficult, they should refer the patron to a reference librarian. The amount of responsibility given to technicians depends on the philosophy of the library and the librarians, the type of library and its users, and the size of the library.
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Ethics Library staff follow a code of ethics which outlines that they should always • remain objective • provide the right information • avoid making judgments about the clients or the questions asked • avoid interpreting the information • avoid giving legal, medical or financial advice • respect the confidentiality of each query • provide equal service to all • remember legal implications when supplying information. Although you should try to treat all library clients equally, some libraries prepare guidelines on the level of service provided to various types of clients. For example, research staff in an academic library are likely to receive more assistance than undergraduate students. Code of Ethics of the American Library Association As members of the American Library Association, we recognize the importance of codifying and making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs. Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the profession in this changing information environment. We significantly influence or control the selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information. In a political system grounded in an informed citizenry, we are members of a profession explicitly committed to intellectual freedom and the freedom of access to information. We have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations. The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making. These statements provide a framework; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations. 1. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests. 2. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources. 3. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted. 4. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights. 5. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions. 6. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
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7. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources. 8. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession. (www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm) Code of Ethics of the Canadian Library Association Members of the Canadian Library Association have the individual and collective responsibility to: 1. support and implement the principles and practices embodied in the current Canadian Library Association Statement on Intellectual Freedom; 2. make every effort to promote and maintain the highest possible range and standards of library service to all segments of Canadian society; 3. facilitate access to any or all sources of information which may be of assistance to library users; 4. protect the privacy and dignity of library users and staff. (www.cla.ca/about/ethics.htm)
Legal and Professi onal Requirements When assisting a client, you may have to take into account • copyright • privacy • confidentiality • duty of care • censorship Copyright Before providing information to a client you must make sure that you are not infringing the copyright laws by copying or downloading information inappropriately. You must become familiar with the conditions of the copyright law and instruct clients on how to comply with it. Privacy Even if your library is not covered by state or federal privacy legislation, libraries generally follow privacy principles such as only collecting information from the client that is necessary for the library to conduct its business, not keeping such information longer than is necessary, keeping that information secure, and ensuring that the client knows what information is being collected, and why. You would certainly not reveal a client’s personal details, or the details of an enquiry, to another library client or to other staff who had no need for this information. In some libraries staff may also need to be aware of commercial, technical, or political reasons for the security and confidentiality of information. Confidentiality Library staff must be discreet and tactful when handling enquiries. It can be frustrating if a client is unwilling to tell you why they need the information, but they have the right to keep quiet about their reasons. Be careful when conducting a reference interview that your conversation is not overheard by other library clients.
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Duty of Care Whether or not library staff can be held liable for the quality of the information that they supply is not clear. However, when working in a reference area professional ethics require you to make sure that to the best of your ability the information you provide is accurate, and comes from a variety of documented sources. Censorship Many people argue that libraries should not include books or other information on controversial topics. However, ALA’s position is made clear in its Freedom to read statement (www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement.htm), part of which states: It is in the public interest for publishers and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority. There is also controversy over people’s (especially children’s) free Internet access in public libraries. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (www.ala.org/ala/oif) has a lot of information about the legal and moral issues for libraries.
E XER CISE 1.3 Examine the following requests for information and decide whether there are any legal or ethical implications relating to the request. 1.
Where would I find a list of poisons?
2.
I am interested in buying an atlas. Which one would you recommend?
3.
I am appearing in court next month on a drink-driving charge. Can you direct me to some useful legal books?
4.
I need to photocopy three chapters out of this book Techniques for student research. Can you direct me to the photocopier?
Chapter 2 REFERENCE SOURCES Introduction A reference collection contains sources in print and electronic format intended for reference rather than reading. Reference materials generally do not circulate and are usually marked “library use only”. Because reference works are the tools of reference service they may be referred to as tools. The reference collection consists of dictionaries, encyclopedias, biographical resources, directories, atlases, gazetteers, yearbooks, almanacs, manuals, handbooks, bibliographies, and other sources providing readily accessible reference information. Reference materials are arranged to enable convenient use by library users and staff.
Finding Out about Ref erence Work s There are several standard guides to reference sources including Walford’s Guide to reference material and the American Library Association (ALA) publication, Guide to reference books. Robert Baley is the current editor of the ALA guide originally written by Eugene Sheehy and for many years referred to simply as Sheehey’s. Two textbooks frequently used in graduate schools are Richard Bopp’s Reference and information services and William Katz’s Introduction to reference work. Several general reference books have been published in the last few years including Kay Ann Cassell and Uma Hiremath’s Reference and information services in the 21st century: an introduction. School librarians may benefit from Ann Riedling’s Reference skills for the school library media specialist: tools and tips, 2nd ed. There are numerous other works addressing various aspects of reference service. These and other resources are listed in the bibliography. Library journals, popular magazines, scholarly journals, and newspapers may include reviews of new reference works. Publishers send announcements about forthcoming reference materials. Reviewing publications for reference materials include Booklist, Choice, Library journal, and School library journal. Reference & User Services Association (RUSA), a division of ALA, publishes Reference & user services quarterly (RUSQ) containing articles on reference services as well as reviews of reference materials. RUSA offers a number of helpful resources via the ALA website www.ala.org Each year the May issue of American libraries includes a feature article on outstanding reference sources listing distinguished reference titles selected by RUSA’s Reference Sources Committee. Library journal also publishes a special issue on reference materials. Libraries Unlimited publishes an annual volume, American reference books annual (ARBA) listing new reference titles.
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Evaluating a Reference Work When choosing reference materials consider the following factors: • currency • accuracy • authority • purpose • scope • bias or slant • arrangement • bibliography • indexing • format • need • cost Currency It is important to check the preface or introduction to determine the timeliness of the information. The year of publication is not always an indicator of the currency of the contents as some reference sources take years to compile. The copyright date is a better indication of major revisions. Resetting the text of a reference source, such as a large encyclopedia, is a major undertaking so some publishers produce yearbooks or a supplement instead of updating the complete work. Web resources are easily updated but one cannot assume that everything on the Web is current. Updating schedules are important factors when considering all types of resources. Accuracy Accurate information is essential when providing information to users. Spot check facts in resources and consult reliable reviews to confirm the quality of information. Some reference works are designed to be eye-catching, using lots of colors, large illustrations, maps, and a variety of fonts. It is important not to be sidetracked by presentation and forget to check the accuracy of the information. Authority The publisher’s reputation is important and can be used as a measure of the quality of the work. The preface usually lists names of editors, editorial staff, advisers, consultants, and contributors with their qualifications and status. Accuracy may be sacrificed if the author or editor relies on secondary rather than primary sources. Purpose Most reference works include an introduction explaining why the work was produced and describing the intended user group. Read the introduction to ensure a fit for the collection. Scope Check to see if the publication is comprehensive within its chosen area or if it is selective. Some reference sources are designed for specialists. Others are prepared for the popular market. Authors or editors may compromise between scholarship and popularity to boost sales.
Chapter 2
REFERENCE SOURCES
25
Bias or Slant Some reference works have a national, political, or group slant. They may include information of interest to a particular country, party, or organization rather than having a generic appeal. Always check publication information as this may suggest a bias in the presentation. Arrangement Some reference works are easier to use than others because the information is arranged in a more logical manner. Most users want to find information quickly so they prefer sources designed for ease of consultation. Arrangement and presentation are important. Bibliography Reference sources often provide bibliographies or suggestions for further reading. It is important to check the recency of these references. Indexing The index needs to be comprehensive and easy to use. It should include adequate crossreferences. These are usually indicated by “see also references” referring the reader to related entries. Indexes also include “see references” referring users from terms not used to standard or preferred terms. Format Features such as the size of the publication, typeface, illustrations, paper quality, colors, binding, and arrangement will influence your judgment of a reference work. The inclusion of special features such as maps, charts, illustrations, tables, photographs, and bibliographies may encourage staff to choose one reference source in preference to another. Need It is important to consider how the item relates to the collection. Is the material needed to provide balance or to complement other available resources? Does it fit the needs of the users? The same information is often available in print or electronic form. The subject matter and the intended use will help determine the best choice for the situation. Cost Pricing alone should not be the determining factor in purchasing choices. All libraries have budgets and there is never enough money. Cost must be a consideration when looking at the purchase in light of the entire budget and needs for the collection.
How to S tudy Ref erence Works • • •
•
Examine the title page carefully to determine the scope of the work as indicated in the title, the author’s name, the author’s background (qualifications, positions held, titles of earlier works), the publisher, and the date of publication. Read the preface or introduction for further information about the scope of the work, special features, limitations if any, and comparison with other publications on the subject. Examine the publication itself to determine its arrangement, types of entries, cross-references, supplementary lists, indexes, and the quality of articles. Notice if articles are popular or scientific, signed or unsigned, impartial or biased and if bibliographical references are included. Compare the publication with earlier editions. Determine if the work supersedes or complements earlier editions.
26 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
E XER CISE 2.1 – E X AMI NI NG A R EFER EN CE W O R K Visit a library and select any general reference tool. Examine the work carefully reviewing the steps outlined above. Make notes in the form below and add comments for features you want to remember. Title Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work
Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Chapter 2
REFERENCE SOURCES
27
Selecti ng the Correct Ref erence T ool To select the correct reference tool, remember the five basic questions: What? Who? Where? When? Why? The table will help with that decision. Information Sources Question
Purpose
Source
Meaning Spelling Words What?
Pronunciation
Dictionaries and thesauri
Synonyms Usage Background
Encyclopedias
Facts and figures
Almanacs and handbooks
Background
Biographical dictionaries Encyclopedias
Location
Directories
Location
Maps, atlases, gazetteers
Facts and figures
Almanacs and handbooks
Background
Encyclopedias, thematic atlases
Facts and figures
Almanacs and yearbooks
Background
Encyclopedias
Current events
Indexes, yearbooks
Facts and figures
Directories, handbooks, statistics
Background
Encyclopedias
Things
Who?
Where?
When?
Why?
People
Places
Events and dates
Information
Source: Adapted from Figure 2-2 in Lane, Nancy, Margaret Chisholm & Carolyn Mateer (2000). Techniques for student research: a comprehensive guide to using the library. New York: Neal-Schuman
28 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
E XER CISE 2.2 – E XA MI NI NG T YP ES
OF
R E FERE N CE M AT ER IA LS
Listed below are a number of types of reference materials. Look at a library’s reference collection and try to find an example of each of the types. Examine it carefully, noting the type of information it contains and the way it is arranged. Read the introduction and fill in the tables. Alman a c—a miscellany of useful facts and statistical data Atlas —a volume of maps or charts with or without explanations Bibliogr aphy —a list of related resources usually subject-related Biogr aphi cal s our ce —an alphabetical listing of people with dates, titles, birthplace, family, education, and career Dicti on ary —an alphabetically arranged publication containing information about words Dir ect ory —a list of names of residents, organizations or firms in a city, region, country or international group, providing various details such as address, telephone number, email, and fax; a list of members of a particular profession or trade En cy cl ope dia —a systematic summary of significant knowledge; a summary of knowledge of one subject. Usually arranged alphabetically Gaz ette er —a geographical directory listing information on places and locations Ha ndb ook —a concise source of information for a particular field of knowledge Ma nu al—a book of instruction on doing, making, or performing something Yea rb ook —annual publication of current descriptive or statistical information
Dictionary—an alphabetically arranged publication containing information about words, meanings, derivations, spelling, pronunciation, syllabication, and usage Title of dictionary Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Chapter 2
REFERENCE SOURCES
29
En cy cl ope dia —A systematic summary of significant knowledge; a summary of knowledge of one subject. Usually arranged alphabetically Title of encyclopedia Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Biogr aphi cal s ou rce —a listing of people, in alphabetical order by name, and information about the person such as dates, titles, birthplace, family, education, and career; a biographical directory Title of biographical dictionary Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
30 LEARN REFERENCE WORK Dir ect ory —a list of names of residents, organizations or firms in a city, region, country or international group, providing various details such as addresses, telephone number, email, and fax; a list of members of a particular profession or trade Title of directory Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Atlas —a volume of maps or charts with or without explanations Title of atlas Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Chapter 2
REFERENCE SOURCES
31
Gaz ette er —a geographical directory listing places, locations, and information about them Title of gazetteer Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Yea rb ook —an annual publication containing current information in brief, descriptive, or statistical form Title of yearbook Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
32 LEARN REFERENCE WORK Alman a c—A miscellany of useful facts and statistical data Title of almanac Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Ma nu al—a book of instruction on doing, making, or performing something Title of manual Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Chapter 2
REFERENCE SOURCES
Ha ndb ook —a concise ready reference source of information for a particular field of knowledge Title of handbook Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
Bibliogr aphy —a list of related resources, usually subject-related Title of bibliography Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
33
34 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
E XER CISE 2.3 – T YPE S
OF
R EFER EN CE S O UR CE S
Look at the following questions and decide which t yp e of reference source to use to find the answer. You do not need to name a specific title. Describe the clues you look for when deciding how to find the answer, e.g., if the question asks for the meaning of a word you would use a dictionary. The following should be accomplished after completing the exercise: careful reading to ensure the question is understood; clarification of the answer to be found; knowledge of available sources of information. 1.
What is the population of San Francisco?
2.
When will Easter fall in the year 2011?
3.
When was the Battle of Waterloo?
4.
What do the initials GATT stand for?
5.
When was the actress Elizabeth Taylor born?
6.
What are some antonyms of ponderous?
7.
Who are the members of the Brunei royal family?
8.
Where is Palermo?
9.
Who is the Managing Director of Microsoft?
Chapter 2
REFERENCE SOURCES
35
10.
A faculty member is writing a paper for publication and is not sure when to use quotation marks. Where would they find some instruction?
11.
I want a list of books written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
12.
I have to find some information on environmental pollution for a school project. Is there a study guide on the subject?
13.
I am looking for some recent articles on folk medicine.
14.
How many children attend elementary school in Oklahoma?
15.
Who wrote the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
16.
What are the names of the major companies in Waco, Texas?
17.
Who is the Governor of Florida?
18.
I am looking for information on the theory of evolution for a school report.
19.
What is the annual rainfall in Morocco?
20.
What are the names of the most famous French artists?
36 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
Sources of Inf ormati on Library catalog is an important and useful reference source in a library because it is a list of all the materials held by the library. The catalog enables users and staff to find whether the library holds a particular item if they know the author, the title, or the subject is known. Electronic access to holdings of other catalogs may facilitate interlibrary loan (ILL). Reference collection is used to answer questions involving factual information. A ready reference collection of frequently used materials is often found close to the reference desk. General collection can provide answers to some questions by using books, periodicals, or special collection materials. Sometimes it helps to find a relevant title and check the index for the specific topic. Databases and networks may need to be consulted. It may be necessary to search periodical databases or information on the Internet in order to find the relevant information for the patron. Proprietary databases in the content area will provide the most current information. People experts in the field provide the best answers to some questions. Libraries may keep a file of personal references to call or to send users. Other libraries and agencies may need to be consulted. It is very satisfying to answer an inquiry from the library’s collection; however, there are some questions, which cannot be answered. Be prepared to make referrals to other libraries or information agencies.
Techniques of Good Searching Generally librarians will • keep a record of the search, showing the trails followed and desirable trails not followed or not completed • watch out for spelling mistakes or factual errors • search under different spellings • watch spacing, as hyphenated words may be written in different ways, e.g., yearbook, yearbook or year book • look for existing bibliographies on the topic when doing a literature search to save time and effort • consult the Library of Congress subject headings (LCSH) or Sears list of subject headings to determine related terms and synonyms as well as broader and narrower terms.
Chapter 2
REFERENCE SOURCES
37
Reference Sou rces for Readers’ Ad visory The emphasis in this text is information reference sources but because many reference librarians are also responsible for readers’ advisory (RA) we are including an introduction and examples of tools to help with this service. Joyce Saricks addresses readers’ advisory service in the public library in her book, Readers’ advisory service in the public library. There are a number of resources for literature as well as for specific genres. In her Readers’ advisory guide to genre fiction she provides a chapter on each of the following genres. Here is a brief description of each genre but realistically there is much overlap in genre blending: • adventure—hero overcoming obstacles and dangers in fulfilling a mission • fantasy—generally includes magic • gentle reads—“feel-good” books; no strong language, explicit sex or violence • historical fiction—set in the past, before the author’s lifetime and experience • horror—produces fear in the reader; often monsters or supernatural elements • literary fiction—award-winning, provocative, multilayered, serious issues • mysteries—includes a puzzle with clues to the solution • psychological suspense—chilling; disturbing; plays with the mind • romance2—love relationship between two characters with a happy ending • romantic suspense—romance with an element of danger • science fiction—speculative fiction, usually set in the future • suspense—fast-paced, building of tension and uneasiness • thrillers—action-packed; focused on professions: espionage, medical, or legal • westerns—set in western U.S. about the land and men who helped settle it • women’s lives and relationships—strong women; domestic and professional issues. Nonfiction is important in pleasure reading for library users including the following areas: animals, arts and entertainment, biography and memoir, discovery, food, gardening, history, home improvement, humor, travel, true crime and more. In addition to the variety of content for pleasure reading, libraries provide resources in alternative formats including videos, DVDs, CDs, e-books, and audio books. Readers’ advisory conversation with users is more informal and personal than the informational interview. Personal tastes vary, so one person’s “good book” may not be appreciated by someone else. It is safe to prefer descriptive, factual statements such as award-winning or fast-paced, to subjective statements. Suggesting, rather than recommending, titles puts the librarian RA in a more professional relationship with the user and is advised in most situations. Suggesting a title similar to the user’s favorite books comes with experience and broad reading habits. A number of tools for RA consider similar styles. Examples of these and other resources are listed in the bibliography.
• 2
This is a huge genre accounting for about 50% of all paperback fiction sales. There are many sub-genres including contemporary, historical, racy, gentle, realistic, and paranormal.
Chapter 3 DICTIONARIES Introduction A dictionary is an alphabetically arranged publication containing information about words, meanings, derivations, spelling, pronunciation, syllabication, and usage. It may also give synonyms, antonyms, illustrative quotations, maps and plates, biographical facts, and geographical information. The word “dictionary” comes from the Latin dictio, meaning a word or a phrase. Most people are familiar with general usage dictionaries. There are also dictionaries dealing with virtually every language and subject, and special purpose dictionaries, e.g., rhyming words, slang, dialects, acronyms, abbreviations, new words, obsolete words, names, eponyms, phrases, and quotations. Some reference tools that have “dictionary” in the title are not dictionaries; they are simply arranged in alphabetical order. Library classification systems place dictionaries with language. Dictionaries with English language works are classified in Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) in 420. Library of Congress Classification (LCC) puts English language dictionaries in PE. Specialized dictionaries are generally classified by subject. Most dictionaries will be found in reference collections though older editions may circulate. A standard subdivision from the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) is Dictionaries. An example is Music—Dictionaries. Another option is to use the standard subdivision Encyclopedias and Dictionaries. An example is Economics—Encyclopedias and Dictionaries. (Encyclopedias can also be used alone as a standard subdivision.) Categories of Dictionaries Katz groups dictionaries in eight categories: 1. general English language unabridged—more than 265,000 words, and desk or collegiate—139,000 to 180,000 words 2. paperback—30,000 to 55,000 words 3. historical—history of a word 4. period or scholarly works—focus on a specific time or place 5. etymological dictionaries—focus on elements from other languages 6. foreign language—bilingual 7. subject—words in a given area 8. other—miscellaneous such as abbreviations, slang, usage
39
40 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
Special Dictionaries or Word Books There are many resources related to words in the reference collection as well as works classified in the circulating collection. Examples of the range of word books with examples are included below. Acrony ms a nd A bbrev iat i on s —Valuable for clarifying the mysteries of these shortcuts in communication. The LCSH subject heading is Acronyms or Abbreviations. Examples of titles: Acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations dictionary www.acronymfinder.com Bi li ngu al —Literally “two languages.” There are numerous dictionaries showing, for example, English to Spanish and Spanish to English. Cassell, Oxford University Press, and McGraw Hill are major publishers of bilingual dictionaries. Cassell’s Italian dictionary Ch ildr en’ s —Dictionaries for children contain definitions in simple language and generally use
large type). Subject headings include English Language—Dictionaries, Juvenile or Children’s encyclopedias and dictionaries. Examples of titles: Macmillan dictionary for children Thorndike-Barnhart children’s dictionary World Book dictionary (also available on pocket PCs and smart phones) Concord a nce —A concordance is an alphabetical index of the important words in a book, or the
works of an author, with references to the phrases and passages in the text. Examples include concordances to the Bible, or a particular author, such as Shakespeare or Chaucer. The subject heading is Concordances. Examples: Abingdon’s Strong’s exhaustive concordance of the Bible Harvard Concordance to Shakespeare Ety mology —The origin of a word, or etymology, is found in most dictionaries. There are some
dictionaries of etymology that focus more on the origin and history. Etymology is used as a subdivision. An example of a subject heading is English language—Etymology. The most extensive is the Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford dictionary of English etymology Oxford English dictionary Foreig n Langu age —These may offer the foreign word and English equivalent, but not the meaning. Major publishers include Cassell and Oxford. Examples: Cassell’s German dictionary Larousse French dictionary Glos sar y —A glossary is an alphabetical list of definitions. The list may relate to words used in a
particular book or to a particular subject. Generally glossaries are found at the end of a book such as this workbook. In some cases glossaries are published separately, for example: LibrarySpeak: a glossary of terms in librarianship and information management Le xic on —A lexicon is another term for dictionary; most often of ancient languages, e.g., Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic. The term is derived from the Greek “lexis” meaning word and may be used in the title.
Chapter 3
DICTIONARIES
41
Metad icti onari es —Literally “a dictionary of dictionaries.” A metadictionary is an online
indexing service combining the electronic data from multiple dictionaries. OneLook dictionary search at www.onelook.com www.dictionary.com On li ne —There are a number of online dictionaries. One of the most useful for library science is
Online dictionary of library and information science (ODLIS) at www.lu.com/odlis Orth ogra ph y —Correct spelling. All dictionaries and word books provide the correct spelling.
Some may distinguish between spelling “usage” for example British/Canadian/Australian spelling differences from American in such terms as catalogue (British, etc.) and catalog (United States). Orthography is used as a subdivision for example: English language—Orthography and spelling. There are books on the subject of orthography but generally they are not found in the reference sections of libraries. Poly glot Dicti onar y —A polyglot dictionary includes words for multiple languages. The term
“polyglot” may be used as a qualifier in a subject heading such as Dictionaries, Polyglot. Multilingual dictionary of printing and publishing Quotati on s —Books of quotations are in high demand in many libraries because people need
quotations for a variety of reasons. Phrases, incomplete or incorrectly quoted, are often presented with the need to identify the person who said the words. Books of quotations may be arranged chronologically, alphabetically by author or keyword, or by subject. Printed works will typically have several indexes to provide maximum access to the body. Electronic formats are valuable for identifying quotations. The LCSH subject heading is Quotations. Examples of titles: Bartlett’s familiar quotations (chronological arrangement) www.bartleby.com/100 Random House Webster’s quotationary (subject arrangement) Rh y mi ng Dict i on arie s —Reference sources listing words that sound alike. They are useful for
poets and song writers. An example of the LCSH subject subdivision is English language— Rhyme—Dictionaries. Examples of titles: Oxford rhyming dictionary RhymeZone (www.rhymezone.com) Slang —There are a number of books of slang. The LCSH subject heading is Slang. Slang can be used as a subject or as a subdivision. Another option is Jargon (Terminology). Universities and large public libraries may have several including the following: Random House historical dictionary of American slang Dictionary of slang and unconventional English Urban dictionary (www.urbandictionary.com) Sty le Ma nu al —There are a number of books of style for grammar and punctuation as well as
for bibliographical citations. Each discipline has a preference. For example, humanities scholars generally prefer MLA while social sciences often require APA. “Chicago” is a more generic use. To find by subject using the LCSH use English language—Rhetoric—Handbooks, manuals, etc. These and other style manuals will be addressed in the bibliography discussion. APA—Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Chicago Manual of Style MLA—Modern Language Association Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
42 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
The sauru s —A thesaurus is a work containing synonymous and related words and phrases
rather than explaining meanings. The word “thesaurus” is of Greek origin and means a storehouse or treasury of knowledge. Thesauri (plural) may also include antonyms (opposites). The term thesaurus is used to describe dictionaries, which arrange words in classified order and not in the usual alphabetical order. It is also used for a list of controlled vocabulary used in databases. An example of the LCSH subject heading as subject or subdivision is Synonyms and antonyms—English language or English language—Synonyms and antonyms. Examples: Roget’s International Thesaurus Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus www.thesaurus.com Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors (controlled vocabulary ERIC Database) Una brid ged Dicti onar y —These are comprehensive dictionaries with more than 265,000
words. The largest is the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) with 20 volumes. The first edition of the OED3 was completed in 1928; the second edition was published in 1989. The new edition does not supersede, or replace, the old one so academic libraries may have both on their shelves. OED is available on CD-ROM and online. Oxford English dictionary Webster’s third new international dictionary member.m-w.com/subscribe.php (for a fee) Us age —Books of usage describe correct use of terms and words particularly words that are easily
confused such as “accept” and “except.” One of the most popular books of usage is simply referred to as Fowler’s. New Fowler’s modern English usage www.bartelby.com Vi sua l Dic ti onary —A reference work with illustrations of each word. These are useful for
children and language learners. Children’s visual dictionaries are sometimes referred to as picture dictionaries or pictorial dictionaries. DK publishes visual dictionaries. DK also publishes many books that are not considered dictionaries but are filled with illustrations. Example: Ultimate visual dictionary Other Ter ms As s ocia ted w ith Word s or Word Book s
antonym—opposite; e.g., good/ bad, soft/hard braille—a code for the blind where letters are represented by raised dots, conundrum—a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun crossword—dictionaries specifically prepared for crossword puzzle users dialect—a book indicating regional use of language by variation of grammar or pronunciation eponym—word based on a person’s name, e.g. braille, peach melba name books—books indicating the meanings of both first and last names new words—supplements of new words are published periodically obsolete words—books or lists of obsolete words palindrome—a word or group of words that reads backward or forward; e.g., pep; toot; or name no one man. permuted—a string of words rotated to show each word in the first-word position • 3
The interesting story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary was published in Simon Winchester’s The professor and the madman; a tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English dictionary. New York: HarperCollins, 1998.
Chapter 3
DICTIONARIES
43
pun—the humorous use of a word to suggest two meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound rebus—a puzzle with words replaced by pictures; e.g., a picture of an eye for “I” sign language—a formal language using hand gestures to represent words; used by the deaf community synonym—the same or similar; e.g., dust jacket and book cover
E XER CISE 3.1 - T YPE S
OF
D ICTI ON ARI ES
AND
W O RD B OO KS
Look for an example of each of the following types of dictionaries and list the titles below. Find as many as you can. 1.
General (abridged)
2.
General (unabridged)
3.
Children’s
4.
Synonyms and antonyms
5.
Slang
6.
Usage
7.
Abbreviations and acronyms
8.
Subject (these include highly specialized words)
44 LEARN REFERENCE WORK 9.
Foreign languages
10.
Crossword (arranged by the number of letters in a word, or by the definition)
11.
Obsolete words
12.
New words
13.
Names
14.
Quotations
15.
Rhyming
Uses of Dictionaries Dictionaries are likely to include the following details about a word: • spelling—with preferred variants • syllabication—division into units of pronunciation • pronunciation—the way the word is spoken • part of speech—verb, noun, adverb, etc. • etymology—origin of the word • definition—the exact meaning • synonyms—a word or phrase meaning exactly or nearly the same • antonyms—a word or phrase opposite in meaning • illustrative quotations—to show how a word is used • usage labels— slang or obsolete notation • abbreviations—as appropriate • illustrations—pictures or diagrams.
Chapter 3
DICTIONARIES
45
Dictionaries are used in a reference section to check the meaning, pronunciation, and spelling of words. They may be used as a guide to correct grammar, to find out usage of words, or to explain the origin of a word. Dictionaries are useful in preparing a literature search or answering a reference question on an unfamiliar subject. Additional Features Found in Dictionaries Dictionaries may include additional features including the following: • biographical names • foreign words and phrases • forms of address • geographical names • signs and symbols Editorial Approaches There are two approaches to editing a dictionary. • prescriptive—lays down correct standards of word acceptability and usage. The editors must follow tradition and prevent contamination of the pure language by jargon. • descriptive—records words as they are used (and misused) without passing judgment. A particular word used often enough becomes acceptable. Webster’s third new international dictionary, first published in 1961, changed the approach from prescriptive to descriptive. Descriptive is the more common and modern approach. When illustrating the definition of a word, the editors use quotes not only from “good” literature but also from newspapers, television and speeches. Examining a Dictionary Most people who consult a dictionary never read its instructions on use. Examine all sections of a dictionary to use it fully and efficiently. Dictionaries usually include the following features: • preface—stating the scope of the publication as well as its purpose • abbreviations—list of abbreviations used in the body • pronunciation—key using the phonetic alphabet or re-spelling the words using the ordinary alphabet • body—alphabetical sequence of words. Occasionally in classified order. Alphabetizing may be word-by-word or letter-by-letter. The content of entries gives information such as origin, history, and usage. • appendices—supplementary sequence of words to update the main sequence or deal with special categories of words such as meanings of first names. Some dictionaries include encyclopedic information such as weights and measures, lists of royalty, or chemical compounds. Evaluating a Dictionary Consider the following to determine if the dictionary will suit the needs of users: • authority—Authority is determined by the reputation of the compiler and the publisher. Major publishers of dictionaries include Gage (Canada), Harcourt Brace, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin, Macmillan, Merriam Webster, Oxford University Press, Random House and World Book. • ease of use—A good dictionary includes clear introductory information on its purpose, scope and features, as well as keys to abbreviations and pronunciation. Format is important.
46 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
• •
word coverage—The word coverage may be limited because it is impossible for a general dictionary to be comprehensive without becoming excessively large. A dictionary needs regular updating to include new words and changes in usage. word treatment—It is important to know how a dictionary treats its words. Does it give etymology, quotations, and illustrations? The definitions must be clear and accurate. The dictionary should be up-to-date.
Selecting a Dictionary When selecting a dictionary for use: • Listen to the question—Look for keywords to help determine the source to use, e.g., the question “Who said “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.’?” would lead you to a dictionary of quotations. • Clarify the required information—Does the patron want a meaning of a word or its origin? Rephrase the question as you understand it. • Determine the best source—Find the answer and relay to the user. When selecting a dictionary for purchase it may be useful to consult a buying guide such as Encyclopedias, atlases and dictionaries, Kisler’s Best dictionaries for adults and young people, or Branda’s Which dictionary?
E XER CISE 3.2 - S P ELLIN G Use a general-purpose dictionary such as the Concise Oxford dictionary or Webster’s third new international dictionary. Decide which word in the following pairs is spelled correctly. Circle the correct answer. grafitti
graffiti
anomaly
anomoly
diptheria
diphtheria
accommodate
accomodate
proceed
procede
receive
recieve
concensus
consensus
rhythym
rhythm
commitment
committment
preceeding
preceding
E XER CISE 3.3 - D E FI NI TIO N S Choose three of the following words and compare their definitions in three different dictionaries. fierce
patch
stalwart
doll
retire
combine
nick
case
inhale
fantastic
Chapter 3
DICTIONARIES
47
1.
2.
3.
E XER CISE 3.4 - I N TE RN ET D ICTI ON ARI ES Search the Internet to find a range of dictionaries. Choose five subject-specific dictionaries and write the titles below. Indicate any special features. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
48 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
E XER CISE 3.5 - D I CTIO NA RY
AN D
W OR D B OO K E X AM PLES
Choose examples of dictionaries and word books in print or electronic form from the list below or from works you find on your own. Fill in the details for five titles. Select a variety of types. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1.
Acronyms, initialisms and abbreviations dictionary American heritage dictionary Bartlett’s familiar quotations Black’s law dictionary Brewer’s dictionary of phrase and fable Dictionary of American regional English Fowler’s modern English usage Macmillan dictionary for children Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary MLA handbooks for writers of research papers New Oxford American dictionary Oxford English dictionary Random House dictionary of the American language Random House historical dictionary of American slang Roget’s international thesaurus Shorter Oxford English dictionary Webster’s third new international dictionary Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
2.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Chapter 3 Arrangement
Special features
3.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
4.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
DICTIONARIES
49
50 LEARN REFERENCE WORK 5.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
E XER CISE 3.6 – T YPE S
OF
Q UE ST IO NS
Using familiar sources, suggest a type of dictionary likely to provide the answers to the following questions, e.g., a medical dictionary. It is not necessary to give the exact title or bibliographic details. 1. What is herpetology?
2. What does the term opacate mean?
3. What is the origin of the phrase ‘son of a gun’?
4. What does the slang term “buy the farm” mean?
5. What is the meaning of the medical term axilla?
6. What is the difference between elemental and elementary? How should these words be used?
7. Can you find a synonym for the word habitual?
8. What does the acronym NATO stand for?
Chapter 3 9. What is the origin of the word penguin?
10. What does the scientific term ‘inertial damping’ mean?
11. I am looking for a word with a meaning similar to peaceful.
12. When was the word lurch first used?
13. What is a New York cut?
14. “Double nickel” is used in American slang. What does it mean?
15. What does the abbreviation J.X. stand for?
16. What is the Spanish word for handkerchief?
17. When would I use the word prescribe instead of proscribe?
18.
Who said ‘a man will turn over half a library to make one book’?
19.
I am in a hurry and need a definition of the word incorrigible.
20.
Where are the metatarsal bones located in the human body?
DICTIONARIES
51
52 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
E XERCISE 3.7 - D ICTIONARY
AND
O THER W ORD B OOK Q UESTIONS
Find the answer to these questions using a dictionary or word book. Name the source. 1.
Can you find a synonym for the word intellect?
2.
What does solar plexus mean?
3.
When was the word break-neck first used?
4.
What color is American beauty?
5.
What does the slang term “fried” mean?
6.
Find examples of how the word son-in-law was used in the 1800s.
7.
When would I use the term imaginary instead of imaginative?
8.
What is the scientific instrument called an integrating meter?
9.
What does the acronym FERPA stand for?
10. What is a pea jacket?
Chapter 3
DICTIONARIES
11. What is a Lincoln rocker, which was named after the U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln?
12. Can you find a word with a meaning similar to ascent?
13. What is the recommended plural for bureau?
14. What is gamboge?
15. Find a word for tomorrow in two other languages.
16. What does the expression “on the never-never” mean?
17. What is the French word for laugh?
18. What is the meaning of the medical term coryza?
19. Who was described in the quote ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’?
20. Who was the term luddites named for?
53
Chapter 4 ENC YCLOPEDIA S Introduction An encyclopedia is a systematic summary of all significant knowledge or a summary of the knowledge on one subject. All encyclopedias are selective to some extent; they may be in a single volume or a multi-volume set. A single volume cannot give depth of coverage, but it is useful for factual information and less expensive than a multi-volume set. When using an encyclopedia always read the introduction to find out the strengths and features as well as how the information is organized. Along with dictionaries, encyclopedias are the most frequently consulted reference tools. The primary use is to search for specific facts; i.e., to answer who, what, where, when and how. They are often the first step toward a more extended search. General encyclopedias are usually classified together. Libraries using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) shelve general encyclopedias in 030 whereas those using Library of Congress Classification (LCC) place them in AE. Subject encyclopedias are classified by subject and are dispersed throughout the reference collection. A standard subdivision from the LCSH is Encyclopedias and Dictionaries or Encyclopedias or Dictionaries to be used with subjects, e.g., Economics—Encyclopedias and Dictionaries. Libraries usually replace general print encyclopedias every five years. Libraries with several titles ideally rotate the years so that one new encyclopedia is purchased each year. Electronic encyclopedias provide an alternate format. Characteristics Encyclopedias provide background information, and are not intended for the subject specialist. Articles are written by subject experts and adapted by editorial staff. Articles signed by the contributors are more likely to be authoritative. Most articles include a bibliography listing further reading. Most encyclopedias adopt a policy of continuous revision. Approximately 1015% of the content is updated annually. Topics involving current events are updated more frequently. Some publishers issue yearbooks to update the main sequence, or supplements for particular regions. It is important to keep encyclopedias current. Most multi-volume general encyclopedias in English are now published in the United States (U.S.), which has lower production costs and a larger market than the United Kingdom (U.K.). Encyclopedias published in the U.K., such as the Encyclopaedia Britannica, are spelled with British (Canadian, and Australian) form, i.e., encyclopaedia.
55
56 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
Uses An encyclopedia may be used to provide the following information: • brief factual details where there is little controversy • an introduction to or an overview of a topic for the novice • referral to more detailed works through a bibliography at the end of the article An encyclopedia is often the first source used by those seeking factual information. When the required information is not contained in the encyclopedia, the list of readings may lead to other sources.
E XER CISE 4.1 – T Y PE S
OF
E N CY CLOP E DIA
Find an example of each of the following types of encyclopedias and list the titles below. 1.
General
2.
Subject
3.
National
4.
Foreign language
Electronic Encyclopedias Many encyclopedias are now available on CD-ROM or the Internet. Electronic formats can enhance the contents by adding animation and sound effects. By using hypertext they also permit easy cross-referencing: a reader clicks on an indicated word to find further information. In selecting and evaluating an encyclopedia—electronic as well as print—consider the following: • Is the encyclopedia based on a printed version, even if it has a different name? • Is the information up-to-date? • Are the pictures and sounds relevant to the particular article? • Is the name of the contributor given? • Is there a bibliography or further reading? • Is the information easy to find? Every encyclopedia is designed for a particular audience, so it is also important to decide whether it is suitable for your particular client. World Book Encyclopedia (fee-based and online), for example, is designed for use by school children from kindergarten to grade 12, and encourages parents and teachers to share in the research and study.
Chapter 4
ENCYCLOPEDIAS
57
Wikipedia The electronic encyclopedia that is most often consulted is Wikipedia, (www.wikipedia.org), which differs from other reference tools in significant ways. Wiki is a Hawaiian word meaning quick. Anyone can contribute material to Wikipedia, and it has grown swiftly to over six million entries in many languages since it was created in 2001, adding about 1500 new articles every day. A new entry is often written by an enthusiast rather than an expert, so new articles can be inaccurate. But because so many people use and contribute to Wikipedia, errors can be identified and repaired promptly. When the science journal Nature conducted a blind test of scientific articles in Wikipedia and the online version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica4, they found more errors in Wikipedia, but the difference between the two was “not particularly great.” Wikipedia contributors do reach consensus in a dispute—often quickly, but sometimes slowly—so a new article can include serious errors or bias. Since there is no central control over the selection of topics. Wikipedia can overlook important issues, or treat them too briefly. Again because style is not imposed, the quality of the writing varies. The creators of Wikipedia are aware of these defects, and are addressing them. Like the articles in it, Wikipedia itself is a work in progress.
E XER CISE 4.2 - S UBJE CT -S P E CI FI C E N CY CLO PE DIA E XA MP LE S Browse the reference shelves in a library. Find five examples of subject-specific encyclopedias and list the titles below.
• 4
“Internet encyclopaedias go head to head”,
[email protected] at www.nature.com/news/2005/051212/full/438900a.html
58 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
E XER CISE 4.3 – C O MPA RI NG E N CY CLOP E DI AS Choose two of the topics listed below and compare entries in some print and online encyclopedias, e.g., • print and online versions of Encyclopaedia Britannica • print and online versions of World Book Encyclopedia • Wikipedia. Consider: • How large is the article? • Are there links to other topics? • When was the article written? • Who wrote it? • What sort of reader is it written for?
Architecture
Pompeii
Mexico City
Sikhs
The Red Cross
Jane Austen
Trombones
Halley’s Comet
Albert Einstein
Weightlifting
Topic 1: Encyclopedia 1
Encyclopedia 2
Encyclopedia 3
Chapter 4 Wikipedia
Topic 2: Encyclopedia 1
Encyclopedia 2
Encyclopedia 3
Wikipedia
ENCYCLOPEDIAS
59
60 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
Which Encyclopedia? When selecting an encyclopedia to use: • Consider the question carefully and decide if the information is likely to be in a general or a subject-specific encyclopedia. • Determine how much information is required. Some questions will be answered adequately in a general single-volume encyclopedia (e.g., Where was Alexander the Great born?) If the patron asked for a list of campaigns in which Alexander fought and a description of the major battles including maps of the battlefields, a more detailed encyclopedia such as Encyclopaedia Britannica may be required. • Decide whether the question indicates a particular subject or country. For example, if the patron wants information on a technical topic, a scientific encyclopedia rather than a general encyclopedia would be more appropriate. • Think about how recent the information is. A current affairs question is more likely to be addressed online than in print.
E XER CISE 4.4 - I N TE R NE T E N CY CLOPE DI AS Search the Internet to find a range of encyclopedias. Write the titles and brief notes for five encyclopedias below. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter 4
E XER CISE 4.5 - E XA MP LE S
OF
ENCYCLOPEDIAS
61
E N CY CLO PE DI A
Choose examples of encyclopedias in print or electronic form from the list below or select your own. Fill in the details for five titles. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1.
Canadian encyclopedia Compton’s encyclopedia Concise Columbia electronic encyclopedia Dictionary of art Encarta Encyclopedia Americana (internet) Encyclopedia of library & information science Encyclopedia of religion Gale’s encyclopedia of multicultural America Grzimek’s animal life Grolier’s encyclopedia International encyclopedia of the social sciences McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science and technology New book of knowledge The new Encyclopaedia Britannica (print) World book encyclopedia Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
2.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
62 LEARN REFERENCE WORK Arrangement
Special features
3.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
4.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
Chapter 4 5.
ENCYCLOPEDIAS
63
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
E XER CISE 4.6 - T YPE S
OF
E N CY CLOP E DIA
Using familiar resources suggest a t yp e of encyclopedia likely to provide the answers to the following questions, e.g., a general encyclopedia. (It is not necessary to give the exact title or bibliographic details.) 1.
Who was Eugene Ysaye?
2.
My fifth-grade child wants some information on flags of the world.
3.
When was the Shakespeare Company established?
4.
Where is Sherbrooke located and what two rivers meet at the city?
5.
Who wrote the American national anthem “The Star-Spangled banner”?
6.
I am writing an essay on nuclear structure and need some information on this topic.
64 LEARN REFERENCE WORK 7.
I would like a complete list of the works written by Charles Dickens
8.
Can you find some illustrations of battles fought during the American Civil War?
9.
How do fluorescent lights work?
10.
What was the PEI Land Question?
11.
Where is Amritsar and what is it famous for?
12.
My child is very interested in elephants and would like some background reading on this topic.
13.
When was television first seen in the United States?
14.
A graduate student is writing a thesis on the family in society and would like to find detailed information on this topic, including a bibliography of relevant publications.
15.
Who was Rehoboam?
16.
I would like read a major book or article about the history of museums.
17.
What does a gorilla eat?
Chapter 4
ENCYCLOPEDIAS
65
18.
Could you find some detailed information on nuclear reactors?
19.
Why did the United States enter World War II?
20.
Where would I find some information on Henry Savery, author of the first novel written, printed and published in Australia?
E XER CISE 4.7 - U S IN G E N CY CLOPE DI AS Find the answer to these questions using encyclopedias. Name the source and give the bibliographic details. 1.
Why is Amy Johnson famous?
2.
I want some information on Alaskan folklore.
3.
Sir Alexander Fleming won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1945. Who shared the prize with him?
4.
Where is Ndola?
66 LEARN REFERENCE WORK 5.
I would like to find a list of works written by John Locke, the English philosopher and political theorist.
6.
Where can I find some information on the United States Postal Service?
7.
I am about to start my thesis on East Asian arts and would like some background information.
8.
My primary school child needs some information on the Olympic Games.
9.
Where can I find an encyclopedia article on metadata and the World Wide Web?
10.
What is the French name for the city Aachen?
11.
Where can I find information on a French family of artists named Corneille?
12.
I need some detailed information on Greek and Roman civilizations.
Chapter 4 13.
What is the history of middle schools in the United States?
14.
Does your library have any information on the theory of social control?
15.
Where would I find detailed information on rocket propulsion?
16.
What was the title of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s autobiography?
17.
Why was the Statue of Liberty built?
18.
I need background information on bone marrow.
19.
What is the population of Iowa’s principal cities?
20.
Where would I find a comprehensive list of books on linguistics?
ENCYCLOPEDIAS
67
Chapter 5 FA ST FACTS: ALMANACS, HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, YEARBOOKS Introduction Almanacs, handbooks, manuals, yearbooks and other resources contain miscellaneous facts, and are used to answer ready reference questions. These sources frequently duplicate information found elsewhere, but the arrangement facilitates speedy access to the information. Although they vary in layout and content, most have the following points in common: • Information is presented in abbreviated form, with an emphasis on statistical information. • The arrangement reflects the specific purpose and intended use. It may be alphabetical, chronological or topical. • Extensive indexes enhance the work. Yearbooks may be classified by subject if they are specific, with the original work if they are updates, or with general almanacs if they are generic. General almanacs are classified in 000s (DDC) or AY (LCC). Technically, an almanac is a type of yearbook. Handbooks and manuals are most often subject-specific and are classified by the subject they address. Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) subject headings are available for each of the following: Yearbook, Almanacs, Manuals, and Calendars. Access may also be provided using LCSH standard subdivisions, such as Chemistry—Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Alma nacs An almanac is an annual calendar with astronomical information and other data, a miscellany of useful facts and statistical information. Almanacs compress a wealth of facts and figures, both current and retrospective, into one volume. Information is often presented in condensed form in lists or tables. The more detailed almanacs include citations to the original sources, and some may include longer, signed articles covering particularly newsworthy developments such as wars and elections. Examples include: Canadian almanac Times almanac with Information please World almanac Almanacs were originally calendars of months and days including special dates and anniversaries, forecasts of weather, and astronomical calculations. They now include more miscellaneous facts, and cover similar subjects to yearbooks.
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LEARN REFERENCE WORK
Handbooks A handbook is a concise ready reference source of information for a particular field of knowledge. Handbooks treat broad subjects in a brief fashion and may be a useful source of information on a field of knowledge such as science, or an occupational area such as librarianship. Examples include Barron’s finance and investment handbook Occupational outlook handbook Physicians desk reference
Manuals A manual is a book of instruction on doing, making or performing something. They cover a wide range of subjects including first aid, car maintenance, or how to run meetings. For example, Merck manual of diagnosis and therapy Robert’s Rules of order (a manual of parliamentary procedure)
Yearbooks A yearbook is an annual publication containing current information in brief, descriptive and/or statistical form. Yearbooks fit into the following types, based on their purpose: • encyclopedia supplements—published once a year to update the main body of the encyclopedia • subject area summaries—indicating recent developments Europa world year book Yearbook of technology and education • general yearbooks—including almanacs, providing miscellaneous facts World almanac • subject-specific resources—for a particular trade or profession Bowker annual library and book trade almanac • statistical information—relating to one or more countries. The tables of statistics often cover a longer time span than one year, and are useful for making comparisons Statesman’s year-book Statistical abstract of the United States
News Summari es News summaries are weekly or monthly loose-leaf digests of news events, designed for storage in binders in chronological order. These summaries are updated and cumulated at regular intervals and include detailed indexes. Most are also available online. Examples include Facts on file and Keesing’s record of world events. By providing access to the date of an event such as a major earthquake, hurricane, or more specifically, the death of Princess Diana, news articles can be found in any paper covering the event.
Chapter 5
FAST FACTS
71
Other Miscellaneou s Tools There are a number of other “fast fact” resources used for ready reference questions. Examples include: • Chase’s Calendar of events—facts and events arranged by calendar date • Consumer reports—buying guide; monthly subscription • Emily Post’s Etiquette—manners, customs, acceptable behavior • Guinness book of world records—records of natural and human phenomena (online at www.guinnessworldrecords.com/) • Kelley blue book—pricing for new and used cars (online at www.kbb.com)
E XER CISE 5.1 – E XA MP LE S
OF
F A ST F A CT R ES O UR CES
Choose examples of yearbooks, handbooks, almanacs and manuals from the list below. Fill in the details for five titles. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1.
American book of days Bowker annual; library and book trade almanac Cambridge factfinder Canadian almanac and directory Daily almanac Emily Post’s etiquette Europa world year book Famous first facts Guinness book of records Information please almanac Merck manual Occupational outlook handbook Statesman’s yearbook Times almanac with information please USA and Canada Whitaker’s almanack World almanac Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
72
LEARN REFERENCE WORK 2.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
3.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
4.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Chapter 5
FAST FACTS
73
Special features
5.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
E XER CISE 5.2 – T YP ES
OF
F AS T F A CT R E SO UR CE S
Using familiar sources suggest a t ype of yearbook, handbook, almanac or manual likely to provide the answers to the following questions, e.g., an international statistical yearbook. (It is not necessary to give the exact title or bibliographic details.) 1.
How many dentists are there in the United States?
2.
Where can I find names of the current administration of Honduras?
3.
What are the functions of the World Health Organization?
4.
What is the currency used in Guyana?
5.
Where can I find names and addresses for all of the trade unions in Poland?
6.
What are the principal crops grown in Portugal?
74
LEARN REFERENCE WORK 7.
Where would I find some information on political organizations in Korea?
8.
I’d like an overview of international organizations. Where can I find one?
9.
I need contact information for diplomatic representatives (embassies) in Spain. Where can I find a list?
10.
What is the address of the Bank of England in London?
11.
Where can I find a chronology of Canada since colonization?
12.
Who is the ruler of Saudi Arabia?
13.
Has the birth rate of Ireland gone up or down in the past five years?
14.
I need a list of major Greek and Roman gods and goddesses of the classical world. Where can I find it?
15.
Where would I find advice on how to use gender-inclusive language?
16.
Who was the King of England in 1770?
17.
What are the principal towns in Malaysia?
18.
Where would I find a list of the Seven Wonders of the World?
19.
I want some statistics on births, marriages and deaths in Italy.
20.
What are the names of the main islands of Japan?
Chapter 5
FAST FACTS
75
E XER CISE 5.3 - F AS T F A CT Q UES TIO N S Find the answer to the following questions using yearbooks, handbooks, almanacs and manuals. Name the source and give the bibliographic details. 1.
Where can I find the national holidays of Germany for the next calendar year?
2.
Where is the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) located?
3.
What are the principal crops grown in Singapore?
4.
Where would I find information on the history of Tonga?
5.
I need to know principal crops of Oman with statistical data for more than one year.
6.
How many kilometers of road are there in Malta?
7.
What is the address of the Indonesia Tourist Promotion Board?
8.
When should I use an apostrophe when writing a report?
9.
What is the national anthem of Japan?
10.
Where would I find a list of the world’s longest bridges?
76
LEARN REFERENCE WORK 11.
What minerals are produced in Ethiopia?
12.
Where would I find some information on the Western Christian calendar?
13.
Where can I find a perpetual calendar?
14.
Where have major earthquakes in the world been located?
15.
Where would I find a list of symbols used when proofreading a manuscript?
16.
Who is the President of Guatemala?
17.
Who invented the ferris wheel and when was it first erected?
18.
Where can I find a list of the Best Books for Young Adults?
19.
Where can I find directions for obtaining an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)?
20.
I need Academy Award winning movies and actors for the past five years. Where can I find that information?
Chapter 6 BIOGRAPHICAL SOU RCES Introduction Biographical sources contain information about the lives of people, usually arranged alphabetically by surname. They may include details of a person’s full name, gender, date and place of birth, a summary of their achievements, details about their personal life, memberships, employment history, publications, offices, positions held, honors, awards, and contact details. Some sources include pronunciations of names, portraits or photographs, and bibliographies leading to more detailed information. These sources, usually called biographical dictionaries, may be classified according to • country • gender • race • occupation or profession • living or retrospective subjects. General biographical reference works are likely to be classified in the 920s for libraries using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and CTs for those using the Library of Congress Classification (LCC). Subject-specific biographical materials are usually classified by subject. In circulating collections using DDC, collective biography (works covering more than one person) is usually in the 920s and individual biography with the subject or occupation of the person. A few years ago it was more common for libraries to keep all biographies together in the biography section and simply classify them with a “B”, “Bio”, or 92, and then arrange them alphabetically by the person’s last name; e.g., all biographies about Abraham Lincoln would be shelved together. Practice varies depending on the needs of users. Library of Congress subject headings (LCSH) recommends Biography as a subheading for groups of people such as Artists—Biography; Canada—Biography.
Biogra phi cal Questions Requests for biographical information are frequently received by library staff. It may be necessary to question a user to find out what is already known about the person, e.g., their nationality, profession, and living or deceased status. To find more information ask the patron for more detail, or use • the catalog • biographical sources such as Biography index or Current biography • periodical indexes, e.g., Reader’s guide to periodical literature or Art index • biographical information written by the person (autobiography) or written about that person (biography)
77
78 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
Types of Biographical Sources Universal or International—These include entries for people from all countries, and may be limited to notable public figures rather than sports personalities or film stars. They may include Biblical, mythological, or legendary people, living and/or deceased people. Examples include International who’s who Chambers biographical dictionary National or Regional—These resources include entries for people from particular countries, states or local areas. Examples for living subjects include Who’s who (British) Canadian who’s who Who’s who in America Examples of deceased (retrospective) subjects include Who was who (British) Who was who in America Subject, Occupation or Special Characteristic—These resources concentrate on a particular subject (e.g., science), occupation (e.g., medicine), or special characteristic such as gender. Focused resources may be more comprehensive. Who’s who of American women How Information is Collected Publishers may rely on historians or subject experts to collect and verify information using primary sources. They may send questionnaires to the people they want to include in their source, and ask them to fill in the details. It is important to check the authority of a publisher, and avoid vanity publications where purchase of the work is a condition of being included. Which Biographical Source? When deciding which biographical source to use: • Listen to or read the question carefully. Is the person alive? The Who’s whos include the living, whereas a title such as Who was who includes only deceased subjects. The titles of biographical reference materials often indicate the coverage. Who’s who and Who was who are British; Who’s who in America and Who was who in America are American. • Determine the nationality or the profession of the person to narrow the search. • Identify the type of information needed such as brief facts, an essay, current or retrospective periodical articles about the person, or a whole book. Other Sources • Biographical information can also be found in other sources such as • dictionaries with special biographical lists • almanacs • newspaper obituaries • encyclopedias These other sources of biographical information may not be current, or provide the depth of information that can be found in biographical dictionaries.
Chapter 6
BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES
79
E XER CISE 6.1 – C OMP AR IN G B I OG RAP HI CA L S O UR CE S Choose two well-known living people and look up their details in two biographical sources, e.g., Who’s who in America and International who’s who. Compare the entries. 1.
2.
E XER CISE 6.2 - B IO GR APHI CA L S O UR CE S
ON TH E I NTE R NE T
Search the Internet to find a range of biographical sources. Answer the following questions using biographical sources on the Internet. 1.
Can you search by profession, such as dentists?
2.
What is Elle MacPherson’s real name?
3.
Who was the French female artist born in 1822?
4.
Which mountaineer wrote the autobiography titled Nothing venture, nothing win?
80 LEARN REFERENCE WORK
E XER CISE 6.3 – E X AMI NI NG B IO GR AP HI CA L S O UR CE S Choose examples of biographical sources from the list below. Fill in the details for five.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1.
American national biography Biography and genealogy master index Biography index Biography resource center Canadian who’s who Chambers biographical dictionary Current biography Dictionary of American biography Dictionary of national biography Dictionary of world biography Encyclopedia of world biography International who’s who Merriam Webster’s biographical dictionary Webster’s new biographical dictionary Who was who in America Who’s who Who’s who in America Who’s who in the twentieth century Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
Chapter 6 2.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
3.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
4.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES
81
82 LEARN REFERENCE WORK Arrangement
Special features
5.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
E XER CISE 6.4 – T Y PES
OF
B IOG RA PHI CAL S OUR CE S
Using familiar sources suggest a t ype of biographical source likely to provide the answers to the following questions, e.g., an American biographical dictionary of the living. It is not necessary to give the exact title or bibliographic details. 1.
I need a list of films directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the American film writer and director.
2.
When did Samuel L. Katz, American professor of pediatrics, serve as instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School?
3.
Kenmore Mathew McManes, a U.S. Naval officer died in the 1970s. Where is he buried?
Chapter 6
BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES
83
4.
Who was Guy Fawkes?
5.
Where was Pope John Paul II born?
6.
Where would I find out how to pronounce the name Hamerik, a 19th to early 20th century Danish composer?
7.
When did Queen Elizabeth II succeed her father King George VI to the throne?
8.
When is Tom Brokow’s birthday and where was he born?
9.
When was Harrison Ford, the American actor born?
10.
I need information about the British Royal Family. Where can I find it?
11.
In what year did Hillary Rodham Clinton receive the Humanitarian Award from the Alzheimer’s Association?
12.
What is Walter Rudolf Hess known for?
13.
When was Rasputin assassinated?
14.
Has Andre Agassi, the tennis player, won at Wimbledon?
15.
Jack McGraw, retired EPA administrator, is an ordained minister in what church?
16.
In what year did Ulysses S. Grant become a general?
17.
When did Rudyard Kipling die?
84 LEARN REFERENCE WORK 18.
When is the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s birthday?
19.
Where was Horatio Nelson, the English naval commander, buried?
20.
Where can I find background information on the actor Toby Maguire?
E XER CISE 6.5 - B IO GR AP HI CA L Q UE STI O N S Find the answer to the following questions using biographical sources. Name the source. 1.
When did Christopher Columbus first reach the New World?
2.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier was the first French Canadian prime minister. What years did he serve in the Assembly of Quebec?
3.
When did Martina Navratilova move to the United States?
4.
What is Elton John’s middle name?
5.
Where would I find some information on Peggy Fleming, the United States skater?
6.
What are the birth and death years for Jean Baptiste Pigalle, an 18th century French sculptor?
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7.
Who made the first ascent of Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary?
8.
Does Judi Dench, the English actress, have any hobbies?
9.
A student needs information including birth and death dates for John Sedgwick Hyde, an early American shipbuilder.
10.
Who was Nicolas Copernicus?
11.
Was Germaine Greer born in Sydney or Melbourne?
12.
Which university did Stephen King, the American author, attend?
13.
When and where was Beethoven born?
14.
What is the title of the first film made by François Truffaut, the French film director, who died in 1984?
15.
Canadian Arthur Willongton Ross was admitted to the bar in 1878. How was that accomplished?
86 LEARN REFERENCE WORK 16.
Where was the actress Penelope Cruz born? What was her father’s occupation?
17.
Where would I find some information on Dizzy Gillespie, the American jazz trumpeter and composer, who lived from 1917-1993?
18.
Where was Edith Mathis, the Swiss opera singer, born?
19.
Where did George Cadbury, the English manufacturer and social reformer, set up his chocolate factory in 1879?
20.
Where did May Hill Arbuthnot receive her education?
Chapter 7 GEOGRAPHICA L SOU RCES Introduction General reference librarians use various types of geographical sources to locate information about places, including towns, cities, villages, rivers, mountains, and lakes. A basic understanding of concepts related to globes, maps, atlases, and gazetteers is useful. Mary Lynette Larsgaard devotes a full chapter to reference services in her text Map librarianship. Basic concepts include such terms as scale, resolution (digital maps), projection, and grid. Political changes require frequent changes to maps and gazetteers. Geographical resources in public, school, and other libraries using the Dewey Decimal Classification place items in the 910s. Academic, special, and other libraries using the Library of Congress Classification put geographical materials in the “G” section. This provides a memory aid for materials related to geographical locations. Library of Congress Subject Headings contain a form subheading Maps, e.g., Canada—Maps; as well as qualified subjects such as Atlases, Canadian.
Geographica l Ref erence Qu esti ons Examples of types of reference questions requiring the use of geographical tools include some of the following. • map of a specific area • current or historical information on a specific subject—e.g., old landfill sites • thematic maps or atlases related to a specific topic—e.g., vegetation, minerals, population • methodology, technology, or history related to spatial data • interpretation of information—e.g., was the “Silk Road” one route or many? • interlibrary loan service.
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Types of Geographic Sources Atlases—An atlas is a collection of maps and related information, usually in book form. They include indexes, similar to but not as detailed as a gazetteer, to help the user find information. Examples of types of atlases include international, national, regional, economic, historical, and road or street directories. General Atlases Times atlas of the world New international world atlas National Geographic atlas of the world Historical Atlases Shepherd’s historical atlas Cartographica extraordinaire: the historical map transformed (also online at www.davidrumsey.com) History of cartography gateway (www.maphistory.info) Library of Congress American Memory Collection (lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.html) Road/Street Directories Local telephone directories Mapquest (www.mapquest.com) Rand McNally Road Atlas (www.randmcnally.com) Student Atlases Goode’s world atlas Hammond citation world atlas Oxford new concise world atlas National Geographic concise atlas of the world Children’s Atlases National Geographic world atlas for young explorers Reader’s Digest children’s atlas of the world Thematic Atlases Oxford new historical atlas of religion in America Rand McNally commercial atlas and marketing guide Digital Atlases The atlas of Canada (atlas.gc.ca) Gazetteers—These are geographical dictionaries listing places and their locations. Gazetteers provide factual information about places. Recent editions describe the place as it is now, and older editions provide historical information. Entries in a gazetteer may include pronunciation, location, area, population, geographical description, physical description, and historical data. Print Merriam Webster’s geographical dictionary Columbia gazetteer of the world (also online—see below) Online Columbia gazetteer of the world (www.columbiagazetteer.org) Getty thesaurus of geographic names online (www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/tgn) Maps—Individual maps indicate elements of the three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface. There are many types of maps including: • aerial—a map made from photographs taken from above the earth or other planet; usually taken from an aircraft, satellite, or space vehicle • aeronautical map or chart—a topographic map with specific navigation information for aircraft pilots. These are legal documents
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astronomical map—a map of planets, stars and other heavenly bodies; synonymous with star map bathymetric chart—a topographic map of the sea floor bird’s-eye-view—a drawing, as if seen from above, usually of a cityscape cadastral map—a map to describe real estate properties for tax assessments cartogram—a simple map which may be altered to illustrate a point celestial map or chart—a map of the sky for astronomers and stargazers chart—a map designed for navigation, meteorology, or heavenly bodies choropleth map—a map with color or shading to indicate density for elements such as population or precipitation city map—a detailed map showing roads, hospitals, schools, parks, and other major features within a city contour map—a topographic map of land showing relief with brown lines connecting points of equal elevation. A bathymetric map shows the same for a sea floor dynamic map, flow map—indicates movement such as migration, battle, weather; synonymous with flow map geologic map—gives detailed geologic information such as rocks, type, fault lines, mineral deposits historical map—shows historical events such as battles, changing boundaries, agricultural evolution, population shifts. The Library of Congress historical map collection (www.memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.html) has good examples hydrologic map—elements related to water, its sources, movements, etc. index map—a map indicating the geographic coverage of a set of more detailed maps inset map—a map within a map; a small map printed inside the borders of a larger map to show greater detail of a specific area. Similar to an ancillary map printed outside the borders of the larger map interactive map—a digital map allowing users to select a specific spot to link to a more detailed presentation multimedia map—a map from an electronic source including audio, video or animation such as National Geographic (www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld) nautical map or chart—indicates ocean or sea features such as coastlines, currents, etc. to aid maritime navigation. These are legal documents photomap—an aerial photograph often overlaid by information such as road networks pictorial map—a map with symbols or small pictorial drawings to indicate particular features. The map legend indicates the meaning of the symbols planimetric map—a map showing horizontal planes with no indication of elevations. Contrast to relief map political—a map showing the political boundaries of countries, states, and counties or other local divisions; generally including names of capital cities, county seats, or other major political sites relief map—a relief map indicates the elevations by showing contour lines (see also contour map) on a flat surface. Relief maps are available from the USGS (United States Geological Survey). A relief model is three-dimensional, and indicates topographical features road map—a road map shows the locations of roads, highways, and distances between towns and cities. Most states provide free road maps star map—a map of planets, stars and other heavenly bodies. Synonymous with astronomical map
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thematic map—a map highlighting specific characteristics of the area such as rainfall, major crops, language, religion, or population topographic map—a relief map showing the features by the use of contour lines; sometimes called a topographic sheet
Census Information—Maps and other geographical information are available to the public at www.census.gov/ and www12.statcan.ca/english/census/ GIS (Geographic Information Systems)—are sophisticated mapping tools used to create maps and manipulate spatial data. Maps produced by GIS differ from traditional maps by being digital rather than analog. They are made up of differing layers of data depending on purpose, e.g., fire route maps layering streets, postal codes, fire hydrant locations. These maps are the basis of navigation systems now used in automobiles. Place Names—also geographic name. A number of books have been written about the origin of names for various regions and features. Library of Congress provides information about domestic and international names at www.lcweb.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/geogname.html. The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is a major source for names of physical features such as mountains, rivers, lakes as well as cities and towns. Books devoted to place names for specific states or regions may give more detail regarding the names of local streets, parks, schools, and other features. City government offices should have records for names of streets and parks while school districts should provide information on the history behind the naming of schools. Travel Guides—Public libraries have many requests for travel guides. There are a number of series appropriate for libraries. Often libraries will place a standing order (automatic) for travel guides so that the latest one will be available as soon as it is published. There are online resources for travelers for most every country, city, or major feature. In addition, there are numerous travel sites including Virtual Tourist (www.virtualtourist.com) Terms Related to Geography and Geographical Resources There are a number of words related to geographical resources. They include cartographer—a mapmaker cartography—mapmaking cartouche—the equivalent of a title page for a map; the ornamental frame includes the title of the map, name of cartographer, scale, date and other descriptive elements globe—a spherical representation of the earth or another celestial body latitude and longitude—imaginary lines established by convention to represent places on earth legend—an explanation of the symbols used on a map or diagram projection—the mathematical formula allowing a flat representation of a spherical surface. There is always some distortion on a flat map. Other Sources of Geographical Information Although maps, gazetteers and atlases are the traditional sources of geographical information, the following sources are also useful: • encyclopedias—descriptions of countries, towns, and cities with maps • yearbooks—name and boundary changes • dictionaries—brief identification of larger places and pronunciation of geographical terms and place names • biographical dictionaries—information on geographers and cartographers • bibliographies—details of books containing geographical information
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carto-bibliographies—lists of maps giving descriptive information periodical indexes—articles on geographical topics statistical sources—geographical information in tabular form
Problems of Geographical Sources • Accuracy—At the time of printing, national boundaries and place names should be accurate, but this information can become out of date very quickly. • Uniform treatment of place names—There may be a problem of transliterating non-Roman alphabets. Many directories follow patterns established by standards bodies. • Balance—A world atlas may give the most emphasis to maps of the country of publication. Evaluating Geographical Sources Consider the following: • authority of the publisher • balanced coverage • clear instructions on use • explanations of map symbols and projections • current information • easy to read maps • additional information such as tables showing the longest rivers in the world or the highest mountains.
E XER CISE 7.1 – C O MP ARI NG G A ZE T TEE RS
AN D
A T LAS ES
Examine two gazetteers. Look at the following features and fill in the details below. Featu re s Title of the gazetteer Scope Place, publisher, and date of publication Is there an explanation of information in the entries? Is the coverage balanced? Does it include a key to abbreviations? Does it include any additional information? Is the item easy to use?
Gaz ette er 1
Gaz ette er 2
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LEARN REFERENCE WORK Examine two atlases. Look at the following features and fill in the details below. Featu re s Title of atlas
Atlas 1
Atlas 2
Scope Place, publisher, and date of publication Is there an explanation of how to use the atlas? Is the coverage of the world balanced? Does it include an explanation of map symbols and projections? Does it include any additional information, e.g., tables? Is the atlas easy to use?
E XER CISE 7.2 - G EO GR APH I CA L Q UE STI ON S Using a gazetteer or atlas from the reference collection, find the country in which the following places are located. You may need to use more than one source. 1.
Parana
2.
Fairborn
3.
Storvik
4.
Strasbourg
5.
Malaut
Chapter 7 6.
Engan
7.
Benevento
8.
Minyip
9.
Mobara
GEOGRAPHICAL SOURCES
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10. Mary’s Harbour
E XER CISE 7.3 – U S IN G G EOG RAP HI CAL S O UR CE S Answer the following questions indicating the type of map or geographic source you would consult. 1.
A library user wants to find directions to the local museum.
2.
A teacher is looking for a map to show the rivers and lakes in western United States.
3.
A theology student needs a map illustrating the religions of the world.
4.
A Cub Scout is needs to identify specific constellations for an astronomy badge.
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A high school student is looking for a map showing the battles of the Civil War.
6.
A senior citizen is trying to locate a village in Germany where his ancestors originated.
7.
A middle school student needs to identify rivers and mountains in Brazil for a class project.
8.
A student needs to compare the elevations of Denver, Colorado and Mexico City.
9.
A grandmother wants to know the origin of the name of the town where she was born.
10.
A library user is trying to locate a map of Paris to plan a trip.
Chapter 8 BIBLIOGRAPHIES AND LIBRARY C ATA LOGS Bibliogra phi es A bibliography is a list of related materials or resources. Public users often think of bibliographies as the list of references at the back of a book, a subject-related separate publication, or simply a page or more of recommended resources. Students think of bibliographies as the list of resources used that must be included at the end of their formal papers. Librarians use a number of other types of bibliographies including library catalogs, bibliographic utilities, trade bibliographies, and national bibliographies. Bibliography as a LCSH entry can be used alone or as a subheading under subjects, for example, Football—Bibliography. Bibliographies are classified in Dewey Decimal Classification in 110 and in Library of Congress Classification in the Zs. Bibliographic Terms Several terms must be clarified in order to understand bibliographies: • bibliographic citation—description of the item; elements for books (author, title, place of publication, publisher, and date); elements for periodical articles (author, article title, publication name, date, volume, issue, and pages); citation format varies by style manual • bibliographic control—describing and organizing information items • bibliographic instruction—instruction in library use • bibliographic index—a bibliography of bibliographies; a list of bibliographies • bibliographic utilities—databases providing a service to libraries by sharing catalog information; they serve as union catalogs with holdings from member libraries • bibliographic verification—confirming publication facts for an item including author, title, publisher, place of publication, dates, etc. Uses of Bibliographies Bibliographies are consulted for several reasons: selection, identification, verification and location of materials. Bibliographies may help librarians and researchers by indicating what is available. Examples include bibliographies on specific subjects, author works, or formats. Identification and verification are important to librarians, and sometimes to users, to confirm publication details including the author’s name, complete title, edition, place of publication, publisher, collation, ISBN, and price. This checking (usually called bibliographic verification) is important for acquisitions, interlibrary loans, preparing bibliographies for users and other reference work. Location of materials is important to clients who want to use the materials. These sources of information are most often in electronic format, as it is less expensive and easier to update than hard copy print. Many of the databases used for bibliographic verification are available online.
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Types of Bibliography Nat i on al Bibliogra phi es
A national bibliography • provides a list of publications published in one country or in one language • includes items received under legal deposit and cataloged by a national agency or by its authorized agencies • is usually arranged in classified order with detailed indexes. Until recently, many countries produced printed national bibliographies used for acquisitions and cataloging. However, some national bibliographies, e.g., National union catalog of manuscript collections, Canadiana—are no longer produced in hard copy. National libraries are developing alternatives to provide access to nationally produced and nationally focused material. Electronic bibliographies provide many access points, such as author, title, publisher, ISBN, date, and subject headings. Uni on Cat alog s
A union catalog shows the holdings of a large number of libraries. School districts, public library systems, and other related libraries or those with a consortia agreement often merge library catalog databases to form a union catalog. Bi bli ogr ap hic Ut ilitie s
Major (and many minor) libraries have for many years contributed information about their holdings to a central database for utility reasons. These databases originated as a service for sharing catalog information but have evolved to become union catalogs used for interlibrary loan, collection development, and reference. These large union catalogs are called bibliographic utilities. The largest and best known in the United States are OCLC and RLIN. OCLC (Online Computer Library Center, www.oclc.org) has more than 41,500 members. OCLC’s WorldCat global library network lists more than one billion holdings. In 2001 OCLC merged with WLN (Western Library Network), longtime bibliographic utility serving members primarily in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Canada, and Australia. RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) serves many special library members. RLG (Research Libraries Group, www.rlg.org) is a not-for-profit membership corporation with more than 150 universities, national libraries, archives, historical societies, and other institutional members. In 2006 OCLC and RLG announced a merger. Integration of RLG resources into OCLC is to take place by mid-2007. Although bibliographic utilities began as a service to support cataloging, the resulting product, WorldCat, provides a valuable bibliographic resource for reference and research. Li br ary Cata logs
Electronic catalogs for individual libraries, systems, and consortia provide the same type of bibliographic support but on a smaller scale than the bibliographic utilities. Many library catalogs (often called OPACs) are accessible via the Internet. The Library of Congress (catalog.loc.gov) and the British Library (catalogue.bl.uk) are among the library catalogs now available. In addition, university and state libraries, the libraries of federal
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government and many state government departments, and a growing number of public libraries are online. Most online catalogs are searchable via the World Wide Web. Most of the bibliographic citation information is available on the catalog record but in some cases it may be helpful to look at the MARC record. It is common for library catalogs to have a link to the MARC record. The MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) record is the standard format used to record the bibliographic characteristics of information items, and is used when cataloging library materials. To learn more about MARC records see the Library of Congress publication Understanding MARC (www.loc.gov/marc/umb) Trade Bibli ogr a phi es
A trade bibliography is intended primarily for book retailers and acquisitions staff in libraries. A trade bibliography shows which books are available for sale (in print) and gives details needed to order them. Trade bibliographies should not be treated as authoritative. Trade bibliographies are produced from information supplied by publishers. Information may not conform to library cataloging standards. They include inprint works irrespective of the date of publication. This means they are a good place to start if you do not know the date of publication. Each trade bibliography focuses on one form of material—books, periodicals, spoken word cassettes, computer software, videos and so on. There is often a national or regional emphasis although some bibliographies are international. As with other bibliographic tools, printed trade bibliographies are now being supplemented, or even replaced, by online databases. Libraries use different tools for bibliographic verification. Some library staff now rely heavily on tools such as Global books in print, or BookFind—as well as a range of publishers’ and suppliers’ websites. Su bject Bi bli ogra ph ies
There are thousands of subject bibliographies in many formats. Academic libraries have examples of many print bibliographies on subjects to support the curriculum of their universities. Additionally bibliographies, recommended resources, and reading lists are available on the websites of libraries, associations, and special interest groups.
Bibliogra phi c Control Bibliographic control is the process of organizing information for access. Traditionally access was provided by author, title and subject. In card catalogs a card was made and filed for each access point (author, title, and subject), generally including two or three subjects provided by a standard subject heading list such as Library of Congress subject headings (LCSH) or Sears list of subject headings. The use of standard subject headings ensured that the terminology was consistent. Cross references were made from related and unused terms. Additional access points were made for joint authors, illustrators, alternate titles, etc. With the development of electronic records and online catalogs it became easy to provide access for other elements such as publisher, date, classification number, and ISBN. The MARC record has specific fields for recording information describing the item. Any searchable field in a database can provide additional access. In addition, OPAC software generally provides an opportunity to search by keyword.
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Access to electronic information presents a challenge to librarians to organize the information. The issue of describing non-traditional sources relates to cataloging and bibliographic control concepts. The development of a standard was suggested by a group of catalogers resulting in a format called Dublin Core. The elements include some of the same elements as the MARC record such as title, creator, subject, description, publisher, and date, and other elements as well. Catalogers continue to discuss and develop ways to provide controlled access for users. Classification of Library Materials The two classification systems used by most libraries are Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC). Public and school libraries typically use Dewey Decimal Classification while academic and many special libraries use Library of Congress Classification. The systems are similar in that they arrange materials by subject. LCC uses a combination of letters and numbers while DDC uses numbers. Dewey numbers always have three whole numbers but may have any number of decimal numbers to the right of the decimal point. Summaries of the classes and an exercise are provided in this chapter.
E XER CISE 8.1 - E X AM INI NG B I BLI OG RAP HI ES Choose two bibliographies to examine. Note the type of information each contains and the way they are arranged. Read the introduction and fill in the tables. 1. Title of bibliography Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication (monograph) or Frequency (serial) Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
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2. Title of bibliography Author or editor (if there is one) Edition Place of publication Publisher Date of publication (monograph) or Frequency (serial) Purpose of work Arrangement (e.g., alphabetical listing) Example of a question it might answer
E XER CISE 8.2 - C ATA LOG Q UE ST IO NS Find answers to the following questions using a large library catalog. 1.
Who are the other authors of Anthony Onwuegbuzie’s book Library anxiety?
2.
Who wrote the book The client?
3.
What is the ISBN for the second edition of the book Reference and information services by Richard E. Bopp?
4.
I want to buy a copy of Stedman's medical dictionary but need to know who published it.
5.
What are the author and title of the book with the ISBN 9781596040632?
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What is the full title of the book Searching and researching on the Internet?
7.
Where was the book Speaking of books (2001) published?
8.
When was the book The mapmaker’s wife published by Basic Books?
9.
Who wrote the book The bookman’s promise?
10.
Is the book The rule of four illustrated?
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BIBLIOGRAPHIES & LIBRARY CATALOGS
Library of Cong ress Cla ssificati on The main classes are:
A
General Works
B
Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
C
Auxiliary Sciences of History
D
History (General) and History of Europe
E-F
History: America
G
Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
H
Social Sciences
J
Political Science
K
Law
L
Education
M
Music and Books on Music
N
Fine Arts
P
Language and Literature
Q
Science
R
Medicine
S
Agriculture
T
Technology
U
Military Science
V
Naval Science
Z
Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources (General)
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Dewey D ecima l Classification DDC uses ten very broad classes—one for general works and nine for subject disciplines. Each class is divided into ten divisions. Each division represents a part of the discipline. 000 010 020 030 040 050 060 070 080 090
Computer science, knowledge & systems Bibliographies Library & information sciences Encyclopedias & books of facts [Unassigned] Magazines, journals & serials Associations, organizations & museums News media, journalism & publishing Quotations Manuscripts & rare books
500 510 520 530 540 550 560 570 580 590
Science Mathematics Astronomy Physics Chemistry Earth sciences & geology Fossils & prehistoric life Life sciences; biology Plants (Botany) Animals (Zoology)
100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190
Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Parapsychology & occultism Philosophical schools of thought Psychology Logic Ethics Ancient, medieval & eastern philosophy Modern western philosophy
600 610 620 630 640 650 660 670 680 690
Technology Medicine & health Engineering Agriculture Home & family management Management & public relations Chemical engineering Manufacturing Manufacture for specific uses Building & construction
200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290
Religion Philosophy & theory of religion The Bible Christianity & Christian theology Christian practice & observance Christian pastoral practice & religious orders Christian organization, social work & worship History of Christianity Christian denominations Other religions
700 710 720 730 740 750 760 770 780 790
Arts Landscaping & area planning Architecture Sculpture, ceramics & metalwork Drawing & decorative arts Painting Graphics arts Photography & computer art Music Sports, games & entertainment
300 310 320 330 340 350 360 370 380 390
Social sciences, sociology & anthropology Statistics Political science Economics Law Public administration & military science Social problems & social services Education Commerce, communications & transport Customs, etiquette & folklore
800 810 820 830 840 850 860 870 880 890
Literature, rhetoric & criticism American literature in English English & Old English literatures German & related literatures French & related literatures Italian, Romanian & related literatures Spanish & Portuguese literatures Latin & Italic literatures Classical & modern Greek literatures Other literatures
400 410 420 430 440 450 460 470 480 490
Language Linguistics English & Old English languages German & related languages French & related languages Italian, Romanian & related languages Spanish & Portuguese languages Latin & Italic languages Classical & modern Greek languages Other languages
900 910 920 930 940 950 960 970 980 990
History Geography & travel Biography & genealogy History of ancient world (to ca. 499) History of Europe History of Asia History of Africa History of North America History of South America History of other areas
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E XER CISE 8.3 - C LAS SI FI CA TIO N S CH EM ES Answer the following questions using the tables provided for Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). Assume that LCC is used in academic and special libraries, and DDC is used in public and school libraries. 1.
What classification number would you expect to find materials on earth sciences in a public library?
2.
What is the subject of a book classified in 330?
3.
In a seminary library where would you find books about the Methodist Church?
4.
A student wants to browse through the math books in his school library. Where would he be directed?
5.
In a public library where would you expect to find stories about American folklore?
6.
A university nursing student needs a medical dictionary. Where would it be found?
7.
Where would one find chemistry books in a public library? In an academic library?
8.
An art teacher looking for books in the public library will find them in the 750s. Where would they be found in the university library?
9.
Where would you expect to find books on diseases in a medical library?
10.
Where would you expect to find an encyclopedia of animals classified in the public library?
103
Chapter 9 DIRECTORIES Introduction Directories are the major source of information about people and organizations. Many directories list organizations alphabetically by the name of the organization or individual, with a subject index. Some directories are arranged by subject with an alphabetical index under name. Directories of organizations and companies include elements such as the full name, address, telephone number, fax number, email address, website, names of personnel or officers, the function or purpose, and additional information such as a brief history, date of establishment, activities, services, and publications. Electronic directories have the advantage of providing multiple access points and frequent updates. The local telephone directory is one of the most important resources in most libraries. City directories with references by name, number, and address are well-used, especially in public libraries. Polk City Directories, from infoUSA, have been published annually in the United States since 1870. Directories were often referred to as the “Polk directory” or the “crisscross” directory. Older volumes may be found in archival collections and are used for local history or family research. Information about them is available online at www.citydirectory.com/ Directories are usually classified in the reference or ready reference section but may be placed under subject rather than format. The Dewey Decimal Classification provides number-building directions to indicate directories of persons and organizations. General directories in Dewey collections may be in the 000s; Library of Congress libraries classify general directories in AY. Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) include Directories to be used either as a subject or as a subheading. Examples include Directories; Journalists—Directories; Australia— Directories; Libraries—Directories.
Desirable Qualities In order to be effective, a directory should • be current • be updated regularly • include sufficient information • allow easy retrieval of information • provide uniform entries.
Uses Directories are used to identify and contact organizations and people. Companies use directories to draw up mailing lists. Market researchers use them to select random samples for opinion surveys. Researchers use directories to find current information about organizations, associations, and people. Older directories may be used for historical research.
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It is important to examine an unfamiliar directory carefully before use, because content and arrangement vary. There may be several publications covering the same subject field. There are hundreds of directories. When a library selects titles to acquire, the following factors should be taken into consideration: • budget/cost • space available • relevance for library’s users • changing national and international circumstances • quality.
How is Inf orma tion C ollected? Information is usually collected by sending questionnaires to organizations and people eligible to appear in the directory. A form may be sent annually for updates. The accuracy of the data depends on the response of the people surveyed.
Organizati on of Directories Directories are typically easy to use reference tools. Generally arrangement is in one of several ways: alphabetical by name or subject, geographical, or numerical by some code. Entries are usually concise and easy to understand although it may be necessary to consult the key to abbreviations. The variation in alphabetical order may be confusing. Alphabetical Order Variations 5 Any alphabetical listing can be arranged word by word or letter by letter. Many resources use word-by-word arrangement but if an entry is not found, then letter-by-letter order can be checked. The difference is that spaces (nothing) come before letters in word-by-word arrangement; spaces are disregarded in letter-by-letter arrangement. Letter by letter
Word by word
sand Sandburg, Carl San Diego sandstone San Francisco Sanger, Margaret sanitation San Jose Sanskrit Santa Cruz San Tomas
San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Tomas sand Sandburg, Carl sandstone Sanger, Margaret sanitation Sanskrit Santa Cruz
• 5 For an in-depth discussion see “Alphabetizing for an index is more complex than it appears”, EditPros news at www.editpros.com/news0702.html
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E XER CISE 9.1 – O RGA NI ZA TI ON A L D IR E CT ORI ES Choose examples of organizational directories from the list below. Fill in the details for five titles. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1.
Americanlibrary directory Directories in print Directory of physicians in the United States Encyclopedia of associations Gale directory of publications & broadcast media (formerly Ayer directory of publications) International literary market place Literary market place Martindale-Hubbell law directory Official congressional directory Official museum directory Peterson’s college database Research centers directory Standard & Poor’s register of corporations, directors and executives Thomas register of American manufacturers Toll free phone book World of learning Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
2.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
107
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3.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
4.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
5.
Title
Place, publisher, date
Chapter 9
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109
Intended user group
Arrangement
Special features
E XER CISE 9.2 – T YPE S
OF
D I RE CTO RIE S
Using familiar sources, suggest a t yp e of directory likely to provide the answers to the following questions, e.g., a business directory. It is not necessary to give exact title or bibliographic details. 1.
Which universities offer education courses by distance education?
2.
What is the circulation of the Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain news newspaper?
3.
How many people are members of the American Library Association?
4.
Where can I find the average daily temperatures in tourist cities?
5.
What is the metric conversion for yards to meters?
6.
Who won the Kentucky Derby in 1950?
7.
How many people belong to the National Association of Pizza Operators based in Santa Claus, Illinois?
8.
What is the density of population by state or province?
9.
Where can I find a copy of the United States Constitution?
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LEARN REFERENCE WORK 10.
I need a list of abbreviations for states in the United States of America.
11.
Who is the President of the American Baptist Historical Society?
12.
Where is Jamie LaRue library director?
13.
When was the University of Oxford founded?
14.
Does Bird City, Kansas have a public library? If so, what is the name of the library?
15.
I need a list of major book publishers in Mexico.
16.
I am looking for the address of the Golestan Palace Museum in Iran.
17.
Does Alaska have a consortium or network of libraries? If so, what is it called?
18.
I need a directory of dentists. Does one exist?
19.
Where can I find a list of literary agents?
20.
What is the mailing address for the Harrison Memorial Library in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada?
E XER CISE 9.3 - D I RE CTO RY Q UE ST IO NS Find the answer to the following questions using directories. Name the source and give the bibliographic details. 1.
Who is the President of the Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia?
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DIRECTORIES
2.
How many daily newspapers are there in Illinois?
3.
I would like a list of magazines about disability issues published in the United States.
4.
What is the address of the Academie des letters du Quebec?
5.
Does Bunton Development Ltd, which is based in Hong Kong, own any companies?
6.
When was the Houseboat Association of America founded?
7.
What is the address of the Universitat de Barcelona?
8.
What is the Sunday circulation of the Denver Colorado Rocky Mountain News?
9.
Does the University of Oklahoma offer a graduate degree in library science?
10.
What is the telephone number of the Controceni National Museum in Bucharest, Romania?
11.
Is the Alaska Library Directory for sale? If so, how much is it?
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How many TV stations are there in Nova Scotia?
13.
Is there a directory of mobile home dealers? If so, how often is it updated?
14.
What is the contact information for the International Gas Turbine Institute?
15.
Find the telephone number for the Tillsonburg news in Tillsonburg (Ontario, Canada).
16.
The Ulster countrywoman is a publication in Belfast, Northern Ireland with a circulation of approximately 6,000. What is the subscription rate?
17.
I need the name and address of the director of the Laboratory for Cancer Research at Rutgers University.
18.
Can you find the fax number for the Library of Congress Center for the Book?
19.
I recently met Christine Davitt at a conference and I need to know the name of the research institute where she works.
20.
Where can I find a calendar of association meetings in the library and information science industry?
Chapter 10 INDEXES & ABSTRACTS Introduction Periodical indexing, abstracting, and full-text services are important resources for all libraries. Many requests for information involve locating periodical literature. The information in periodical articles, newspapers and conference proceedings is usually more up-to-date than information in monographs. Most periodical indexing and abstracting services are available electronically, but library staff may still need to refer to printed copies to locate older material. For example, a library may subscribe to an electronic periodical index covering the last twenty years, but for earlier articles users need to refer to the print version. The terms current and retrospective are used in discussing periodical indexing and abstracting resources. Current refers to recent indexing while retrospective refers to earlier or older resources. Academic and research libraries are more likely to have retrospective coverage. Retrospective coverage can be expensive as producers have had to convert print resources to electronic formats. Print indexes are located in the reference section of most libraries. For libraries using the Dewey Decimal Classification general periodical indexes are classified at 050; Library of Congress classifies indexes at AI. Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) include Indexes as a subject as well as a subdivision; for example Indexes; Newspapers—Indexes; Periodicals—Indexes; Drama— Indexes; Poetry—Indexes. Related subject headings include Abstracting and indexing services; Citation indexes; Permutation indexes.
Indexi ng Services An indexing service, or periodical index, is a publication that regularly and systematically indexes the contents of periodical and sometimes other forms of publication, either of a general nature or within specified subject fields. Periodical indexes include the bibliographical citation and subject headings. Types of indexes are: • General—cover many periodicals in a wide subject field such as Academic search premier Readers guide to periodical literature • Subject-specific—cover many periodicals in a particular subject area such as Education index • Others—indexes published at the end of a volume of a periodical or separately: New York Times index—a newspaper index Play index—index to collections of plays Book review index—index of book reviews
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Abstra cti ng Servi ces An abstracting service provides a summary of the contents of each article, report or book as it is indexed. The length of abstracts varies. Brief abstracts may be only a couple of phrases or sentences—25 words or less. Most abstracts are 50 to 75 words but longer abstracts may be 150 words. There are three basic types of abstracts: • indicative abstract—a short abstract written to enable readers to decide whether or not they should read the original article or publication • informative abstract—a summary of the principal arguments and information of the original publication or article. It can serve as a substitute for the original publication • evaluative abstract—comments on the worth of the original article or publication. Terms Related to Indexes and Abstracts There are many ways to arrange materials in an index. Examples include: • alphabetical—a common method of arranging indexed entries according to the alphabet. In some cases there may be a subject index, title, first line, keyword, author in separate indexes but sub-arranged alphabetically • book—most people are familiar with the index in the back of books which typically arrange terms alphabetically and give a page location • citation—a citation index to the bibliographies in articles (works cited) • classified—arranged by subject or division; most often use with specialized topics • coordinate (precoordinate)—combines terms such as American and poetry, or elm and trees • cumulative—combined indexes or combined number of years • faceted—showing the many sides or parts • first line—poetry is commonly indexed by first line • hypertext—electronic text indexed with links to and from related resources • Internet—indexes on the Internet may be in a variety of forms including traditional and automatic • multimedia—links to multimedia are often integrated into electronic resources • periodical—some periodicals originally provided individual indexes, such as the National Geographic index; typically periodical indexes are available in databases and searchable across databases. • permuted—a permuted title or subject index shows each word of the entry in relationship to other entries using the same word • string index—a series of words in a phrase rotated so that each term is searchable in an electronic index • word index—an index that includes every word and name is sometimes called a concordance.
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E XER CISE 10.1 - P E RIO DI CA L I N DEX ES Try to find examples of different formats for a periodical index. Compare the access and coverage. P rint
Onlin e
Other
Title Publisher Place of publication Subject coverage Frequency Does it contain a list of abbreviations? Does it list the periodicals indexed? Does it include book reviews?
Full-T ext S ervices Once library users experienced electronic indexes and abstracts they wanted immediate access to the full text of the articles they found. As soon as users had remote access to library catalogs, users and librarians demanded Web access to full-text databases. Now with so many resources available online from home or dorm rooms, students and other library users often do not make the effort to use anything that is not full-text online. Unfortunately many excellent resources are overlooked. Characteristics of Journals and Magazines • Scholarly journals—expert authors; rigorously reviewed; bibliographies; lengthy articles; written for scholars; use academic terminology. • Refereed journals—expert authors; peer reviewed (evaluated); bibliographies; in-depth articles; written for researchers; use vocabulary of the field. • Trade magazines—reporters or practitioner authors; rarely have bibliographies, brief or indepth articles; written for practitioners; may use trade jargon. • Popular magazines—feature authors; reviewed by editor only; usually no bibliographies; short articles; written for the public; easy to understand.
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E XER CISE 10.2 - I N DEXI NG
AN D
A BS T RA CT ING R ES O URCES
Try to find an indexing and abstracting resource in more than one format and identify the following information. P rint
Onlin e
Other
Title Publisher Place of publication Subject coverage Frequency Does it contain a list of abbreviations? Does it list the periodicals indexed? Does it include book reviews?
How to Use Periodical Indexes and Abstracts In order to use periodical indexes and abstracts efficiently: • consider the topic and choose the most appropriate indexes and abstracts to consult • select the year or range of years most appropriate to the topic • determine relevant terms • note the details of the most relevant entries • record the indexes and abstracts searched, including dates and terms used • check the library’s catalog to see whether the periodicals you want are held.
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E XER CISE 10.3 - I DE NT IFY ING A BST RA CTI N G
INDEXES & ABSTRACTS
AN D I N DEXI NG
117
S E R VI CE S
Look in Ulrich’s periodicals directory under “Abstracting and indexing services”, or search Ulrich’s online to see the range of periodical indexes and abstracts published. Find the title of an indexing or abstracting service on the following subjects. Subj e ct
Title of In dexi ng, Ab str acti ng, and/ or Full-text
Availabl e onli ne ?
Libraries Book reviews Geology Social work Education
Electroni c Sources Many information sources are available in electronic form. Before the availability of databases on the Web, many libraries used CD-ROMs on stand-alone workstations for single use or local area networks with multiple workstations. Now most electronic resources are available on the Web. Providing access involves an understanding of the technology as well as licensing and pricing agreements. It can be a complex issue requiring a great deal of time and expertise. Consortia arrangements involving multiple library systems, multi-type libraries, statewide licensing, and multi-state agreements are constantly developing and changing. Advantages of these arrangements include economy of time, shared expertise, and lower costs. Most library users are familiar with automated library catalogs. However many still need advice or assistance when using electronic sources of information because of the wide range of databases, many of which are searched differently. Users often need help planning the best search strategy to ensure information is obtained quickly and efficiently. In some circumstances library staff complete a search on behalf of the user. Generally electronic resources are not free. Libraries select databases and pay for purchase or access. Choices vary by library. When Web-based resources became available, the issue of “access vs. ownership” was discussed extensively by librarians. Library professionals committed to the principle of preserving information were uncomfortable paying for access when resources would no longer be available if/when the subscription was discontinued. Maintaining print subscriptions further complicated the issue as libraries essentially would pay twice for the same resources. Subscriptions and licensing agreements continue to be a complex and difficult issue for libraries.
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Online Services An online service is one in which users search files of machine-readable information using a computer. Information is stored on a host computer and users retrieve information from the databases by means of interactive searching software. The obvious advantage of Web access is that the vendor, not the institution, manages the host computer. A disadvantage is that once access is discontinued there are no back files available to users. For this reason some libraries have continued their print subscriptions, though many have discontinued print in order to afford online, off-site access for patrons. Types of Databases Bibliographic—These are usually the machine-readable form of periodical indexes or abstracts containing citations to periodical articles, conference papers or chapters of edited books. They may also include abstracts of items. Some bibliographic databases cover a wide range of subjects. Others concentrate on one subject only. Directory—These usually have a business focus and contain information about organizations, people, research projects, etc. Full-text—These contain the entire text of publications and documents. Newspapers were among the first resources available as full-text databases. Now most periodical databases provide full-text for most or all of the resources indexed. Features of Databases Some online services allow the user to search one database at a time. In others, groups of databases can be searched. Most online services include ways in which phrases and other combinations of words can be retrieved. Users enter terms and link them with the Boolean operators, AND, NOT and OR to describe their search. AND is a limiting command requiring all search terms to be included; OR is an expanding command and brings up everything with either term; NOT is restricting results to all except the identified term. Most allow the user to limit a search by fields such as date, language or document type. The options are generally available in an “advanced” search option. Librarians and users may find it helpful to use a Database Search Guide (see the example on the next page) to plan searches. Subscriptions to electronic resources are expensive and all libraries must choose the titles most appropriate for their users. Occasionally there is a need to access other databases. There are thousands of databases available on a cost-per-search basis to supplement the resources the library subscribes to. Because of the costs involved and the need to develop a structured search strategy, many libraries arrange for a librarian to search the online database rather than the library user. Users need to discuss their information needs with the librarian to ensure that time is not wasted. Typically cost-per-search charges are passed on to the user for databases not available in the library.
Chapter 10
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E XAM P LE - D AT A BA SE S E AR CH G UIDE Topic:
Discrimination against women and girls in sport
Concept #1 Term:
women
OR
Term:
girls
Concept #2
Notes:
Professor wants: • recent full-text articles • statistics • media coverage Databases searched:
AND
sport
Concept #3
AND
discrimination
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Using an Online Service Online services provide fast access to a vast quantity of information. They include information unavailable in printed sources. They enable users to locate terms too recent or concepts too narrow to be identified in printed sources. A major advantage is being able to combine search terms and to access multiple fields in the same search. It is important to read the documentation for the service, e.g., a user manual, before starting a search. Planning a search strategy is important to ensure an efficient search. When searching any electronic database librarians and users should be aware of the concepts related to efficient use—precision and recall. Precision indicates the effectiveness of the search— specifically the ratio of relevant documents retrieved to the total number of documents retrieved. Recall indicates the ratio of the total number of relevant documents in the database to the number of relevant documents retrieved. Electronic databases are only as good as the process for creating them—and the individual executing the search! The costs of an online service include a joining and/or annual fee, online connect fees, charges for viewing and printing information, and telecommunications costs. The online charging rate varies according to which databases are searched. An important feature of online services is the option for updating searches at regular intervals as new material is entered on the database. Online services used by library staff and users to locate and obtain copies of periodical articles on a wide range of subjects include: • Current Contents—Current Contents Connect is a multidisciplinary current awareness Web resource providing access to complete bibliographic information from over 8,000 of the world's leading scholarly journals and more than 2,000 books. scientific.thomson.com/products/ccc/ • Dialog—The earliest Dialog system was completed in 1966 and now provides more than 900 databases. The Thomson Corporation now owns Dialog. www.dialog.com/ • FirstSearch—FirstSearch is an OCLC online service that gives library professionals and end users access to a rich collection of reference databases. www.oclc.org/firstsearch/ • IngentaConnect—This service provides access to more than 30,000 works covering a wide range of subjects. Documents can be ordered online and faxed for a fee. www.ingentaconnect.com/
CD-ROMs CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) was developed to store vast quantities of information. Many libraries developed CD-ROM networks during the 1980s and 1990s enabling several users to access the information from a number of locations. Most local area networks have been replaced by Web access to resources. There are still some CD-ROM resources that may enhance the library’s collection. Libraries encourage their users to do their own searching on CD-ROM resources. Librarians provide initial instruction, training courses and user guides to assist the users to search efficiently. It is an advantage for users to undertake their own searches by following the menu-driven options without having to construct detailed search strategies.
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Citing Sources When information is located for a user, it is important that the full bibliographical citation is included. Users often want to refer to the source for additional information. It can be very frustrating trying to find a source with no identification. The information in the citation remains the same although the style may vary depending on the required form. Style Manuals The correct form for citing sources is often a problem for students because there are many different styles available. Each academic discipline may demand a different style. Most reference collections have the most current edition of several popular style manuals. Examples of popular styles include APA (American Psychological Association) for psychology, education and other social sciences; MLA (Modern Language Association) for arts and humanities; and Chicago for books, magazines and other non-scholarly publications. Book s
APA Style Nesbeitt, S. L. & Gordon, R. S. (2002). The Information Professional’s Guide To Career Development Online. Medford, N.J.: Information Today. MLA Style Nesbeitt, Sarah L. and Rachael Singer Gordon. The Information Professional’s Guide to Career Development Online. Medford, N.J.: Information Today, 2002. Chicago Style Nesbeitt, Sarah L. and Rachael Singer Gordon. 2002. The information professional’s guide to career development online. Medford, N.J.: Information Today. Jour na ls
Many journals include the title printed on each page, but it is necessary to check that all of the required information is recorded including the author of the article, title of the article, title of the journal, volume and issue, and page numbers. APA Style Tate, M. & Alexander, J. (Nov/Dec. 1996). Teaching critical evaluation skills for World Wide Web Resources. Computers in Libraries 16 (10) 49-55. MLA Style Tate, Marsha and Jan Alexander, “Teaching Critical Evaluation Skills for World Wide Web Resources.” Computers in Libraries 16:10 49-55 (1996). Chicago Style Tate, Marsha and Jan Alexander, 1996. Teaching critical evaluation skills for World Wide Web resources. Computers in Libraries 16 (10): 49-55.
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E XER CISE 10.4 - Q UE STI ON S U SI NG I N DE XES
AN D
A BST RA CTS
Find the answer to the following questions using a periodical index/abstract. 1.
Find a full-text review of one of Robert Ludlum’s books. List the title of the book, the index used, and the citation for the full-text article.
2.
Find an article on childhood diabetes. Give the full citation.
3.
Identify a database appropriate to use for research in psychology.
4.
Find an article about the opening of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Give the full citation of the article and the title of the index used.
5.
Name two periodical indexes covering education. How are they different?
6.
Identify a free index to public health information. How can you access it?
7.
Where can you find the ERIC database? What does ERIC stand for?
8.
Name a popular general periodical index. Find one public library that provides the index.
9.
Find an article about John Steinbeck. Include the name of the index and the full citation.
10.
A user wants information on the Alaska earthquake in the 1960s. Find an article and provide the name of the index and full citation of one article.
Chapter 11 GOVERNM ENT DOCUMENTS Introduction In this book we examine various types of reference tools including dictionaries and encyclopedias; directories, biographical and geographical sources; almanacs, handbooks, manuals, and yearbooks; bibliographies, indexes and abstracts. Government documents are produced in the same formats but the source is unique. Government publications are produced by a wide range of bodies. Each country produces government reports and documents; states, provinces and local governments also produce documents that are important for libraries. Government publications provide information frequently not available in other publications, and they are therefore unique sources of information. This chapter emphasizes United States and Canadian documents, but also addresses publications from states, provinces and local governments, other countries, and the United Nations.
United States Gov ernm ent Documents The United States Government Printing Office (GPO) has been described as the largest publisher in the world. U.S. government documents can be cataloged by libraries and classified using Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal classification. However, libraries with large collections of federal documents generally use the classification system of the Superintendent of Documents (SuDocs). This classification system was developed over several years from 1895 to 1903 and was issued by the Superintendent of Documents in 1904. It is designed to organize publications by the same government author or agency. The table overleaf shows the general class breakdown. For a detailed explanation of the SuDocs Classification see the website at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/pubs/explain.html
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Superi ntend ent of Documents C lassification System Superintendent of Documents (SuDocs) Classification System arranges materials by issuing agency, not by subject. Agency Agriculture Department
Code A
Agency Code Arms Control and Disarmament Agency AC
National Archives and Records Administration
AE
Commerce Department
C
Federal Communications Commission
CC
Civil Rights Commission
CR
Defense Department
D
Energy Department
E
Education Department
ED
Environmental Protection Agency
EP
Fine Arts Commission
FA
Farm Credit Administration
FCA
Federal Emergency Management Agency FEM
Federal Housing Financing Board
FHF
Federal Maritime Commission
FMC
Federal Reserve System Board of Governors
FR
Federal Trade Commission
FT
Foreign-Trade Zones Board
FTZ
General Accounting Office
GA
Government Printing Office
GP
General Services Administration
GS
Health and Human Services Department HE
Housing and Urban Development Department
HH
Interior Department
I
U.S. Information Agency
IA
Interstate Commerce Commission
IC
International Trade Commission
ITC
Justice Department
J
Judiciary
JU
Labor Department
L
Library of Congress
LC
National Labor Relations Board
LR
Merit Systems Protection Board
MS
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NAS
National Capital Planning Commission
NC
National Credit Union Administration
NCU
National Foundation on the Arts and the NF Humanities
National Mediation Board
NMB
National Science Foundation
NS
Overseas Private Investment Corporation OP
United States Postal Service
P
Peace Corps
PE
Personnel Management Office
PM
President of the United States
PR
Executive Office of the President
PREX
Vice President of the United States
PRVP
Railroad Retirement Board
RR
State Department
S
Small Business Administration
SBA
Securities and Exchange Commission
SE
Smithsonian Institution
SI
Social Security Administration
SSA
Treasury Department
T
Transportation Department
TD
Veterans Affairs Department
VA
Congress
X
Congressional Publications
Y
Chapter 11
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS
E XER CISE 11.1 - S U D O CS I DE NTI FI CATI ON Identify the source of the following SuDocs numbers using the table on the opposite page. 1.
C 3.24/8:IN23
2.
NAS 1.2:FR 76
3.
NS 1.53:990
4.
D 1.2:EX83
5.
I 29.6/4
6.
SI 1.1/A:AE82/5
7.
A 67.7/3:11/5
8.
ED 1.109
9.
Y 4.P93/1:1P/
10.
PREX
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SuDocs Number A SuDocs number consists of a class number and a book number. It is written using letters, numbers, and one or more separators (slashes, colons and periods). When the date is included in the book number, the year is often abbreviated by dropping the first number—e.g., 986 for 1986 (the publication date). A SuDocs number may include: • the source of the document (mandatory) • the type of document (circular, serial, etc.) • serial details (volume, issue, etc.) • whether it is part of a series • the date of publication. To find an item using its SuDocs number, it is helpful to recognize the various parts of the number. Here is an example: I 29.6/4: B86/986 class number: book/item number Call numbers may be written vertically or horizontally: I 29.6/4: B86/986
or
I 29 6/4 B86/986
In the number above: I = Interior Department (issuing agency) 29 = National Park Service (section of the issuing agency) 6 = National Parks Information Circulars (type of document) 4 = National Rivers, Information Circulars (more specific type of document) B = Buffalo (first word of title) 86 = Buffalo National River: official map and guide (specific title) 986 = 1986 (publication date)
Availability of Federal D ocum ents The Federal Depository Libraries program ensures that federal government documents are available to the public through various libraries. Federal Depository Libraries are located in every state. More than 1,500 libraries receive documents, at no charge, according to a specific profile. Public, university, college, or special libraries may become depository libraries. Most depository libraries are selective, and receive only documents in particular categories. There are at least two depository libraries in each congressional district. In addition, about 50 regional depository libraries receive all materials available for deposit. Documents in the federal depository libraries are available to all U.S. citizens. Government documents are available in various formats including paper, CD-ROM, microfiche, and online. A large number of current documents are available online. More information on the depository program can be found at www.gpoaccess.gov/fdlp.html
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U.S. Gov ernment Document T ools Various agencies in the federal government outsource the printing of some of their publications. This practice complicates the tracking and acquisition of federal publications. Government documents are free of copyright so some information is also available from commercial publishers such as Congressional Quarterly (CQ), Bernan, and others. These publishers repackage the information with “value added” features or provide easier access and indexing. Federal documents are available in all types of reference tools. There are also many commercially produced tools to assist in sourcing U.S. documents. Some have been mentioned in earlier chapters as important resources for reference work. Major titles may be repeated here. Many are available via the Internet. Fast Facts including Statistical Information and Statistical Indexes Statistical abstract of the United States (C 3.134/7:2006) from the Census Bureau is one of the most widely used reference tools from the government. This annual publication is often found in ready reference collections. The single volume includes popular statistical data from all federal agencies as well as from non-government sources. It is complemented by commercial publications such as the World almanac and the Europa world yearbook. www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract.html Crime in the United States, also known as Uniform crime reports, (J 1.14/7-8) (www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm) and the Sourcebook of criminal justice statistics (J 29.9/6-2) are valuable statistical reports from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Encyclopedia of educational statistics, a website from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (nces.ed.gov/), links several major Education Department publications including the Digest of Educational Statistics (K-12 and postsecondary education), the Condition of education (ED 1.109) and Projections of education statistics. Congressional Information Service (CIS) is a commercial publisher that provides three important statistical indexes. These indexes are also available from LEXIS-NEXIS as the Statistical universe. • American statistics index (ASI) is an index and abstract of federal government statistical sources. • Statistical reference index (SRI) is an index and abstract of state, industry and non-federal statistical publications. • Index to international statistics (IIS) indexes and abstracts international organizations’ statistical resources. Handbooks, Manuals, and Yearbooks United States government manual (www.gpoaccess.gov/gmanual/) is the official handbook of the federal government. The Manual (AE 2.108/) is published annually and provides a description, mission, and relationships or reporting lines for agencies and offices as well as names of key personnel with contact information. The Standard industrial classification (SIC) code was used for many years to provide a numeric symbol for aspects of industries. The Code was sponsored by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). In 1997 the NAICS codes replaced the SIC codes for most purposes. NAICS— North American industry classification system is sponsored by the Bureau of Census. The use of the codes is essential in business research.
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Other handbooks of note include: • Occupational outlook handbook from the Bureau of Statistics, describing careers (GP 3.22/2:270/) • Social security handbook, Social Security Administration (SSA 1.8/3: ) www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/ • World factbook from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) PREX 3.15: www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html • Area handbook series (Country Studies) from the Department of the Army provides political, economic and social information on other countries in a series of monographs that are updated occasionally. Biographical Resources • Official congressional directory (www.gpoaccess.gov/cdirectory) is a very valuable source. It contains information about each of the senators and representatives including biographical information as well as official committee appointments. Y 4.P93/1:1/ • Congressional pictorial directory (www.gpoaccess.gov/pictorial) provides pictures of the President, Vice President, each member of the House of Representatives and the Senate and House and Senate officers and officials. Y 4.P93/1:1P/ Geographical Information The United States Geological Survey (USGS) produces thousands of maps and provides an invaluable resource for map collections. Maps in digital format, geographical data layers and place name information are also publications of USGS. Background notes (www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/), prepared by the Department of State, provide geographical information on foreign countries as well as history, culture, government, politics and economics. These pamphlet-style notes complement the Country Studies books discussed under Manuals. Bibliographies Two important bibliographies of U.S. Government publications are: • Catalog of U. S. government publications (catalog.gpo.gov/F)—the basic bibliography for identifying documents. • Monthly catalog of United States government publications (MOCAT)—the print version of the Catalog of United States government publications. It can be found through GPO access at www.gpo.gov. Directories Several directories stand out as important sources for reference work. • Official congressional directory (www.gpoaccess.gov/cdirectory/), mentioned above, is a directory for and about Congress. Brief biographies are provided for each senator and representative along with contact information, and committee assignments. This tool is heavily used. • Washington information directory, a commercially produced publication, provides information from the Congressional directory and the U.S. government manual (see below) but also includes non-government groups including foundations, lobbying organizations, and associations. • Zip code directory (National Address and ZIP + 4) from the United States Postal Service is another popular directory.
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Indexes and Abstracts There are hundreds of government-produced periodicals available for subscription. AGRICOLA, created by the National Agricultural Library, is another major catalog and database index produced by the federal government. The index includes monographs and journal articles in the areas of agriculture, plant and animal sciences, forestry, entomology and others. ERIC (Educational resources information center) (www.eric.ed.gov/) was established in 1960 to handle education materials. Today it is an Internet-based digital library of education research and information sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education. ERIC provides access to bibliographic records of journal and non-journal literature indexed from 1966 to the present. MEDLINE, from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), is the standard index to medical literature; the paper equivalent is IndexMedicus. Two free public access versions of MEDLINE are PubMed and Internet Grateful Med. MEDLINE is also available through several commercial vendors. The differences are in the software provided. Census Information The United States takes a census at the beginning of every decade. Census information is available via the Web and in many depository libraries. The Statistical abstract of the United States provides a great deal of concise statistical information from the census. General demographic information is available soon after the completion of the census. United States Census Bureau is available online at www.census.gov/ Legislative and Judicial Information Thomas is a website of the Library of Congress providing links to various sources of information on legislative government. Named for Thomas Jefferson, it is found at www.thomas.gov/.
State and L ocal Documents U.S. state and local governments generally have websites. Documents not available electronically from the websites are often located through the local library. There are several sites that provide links to local and state government web pages. GovLinks Index: Local Government—This service is provided by Congressional Quarterly and provides links to city and county governments. www.governing.com/govlinks/glocal.htm Local government—GovEngine.com provides links to local governments including courts at www.govengine.com/localgov/index.html
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E XER CISE 11.2 - U.S. G O VE RN ME NT D O CUME NT S Indicate the U.S. government document where you would expect to find information on the following topics. 1.
Biographical information about the senators representing your state
2.
Information about Social Security
3.
Ordering information for a specific document
4.
Periodical articles on agriculture
5.
Demographics of the city in which you live
6.
Legislative information on a current bill
7.
Statistics regarding violent crime in your state
8.
Sample curriculum for third grade math
9.
Current information about childhood cancer
10.
Information about Cuba
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E XER CISE 11.3 - U.S. G O VE RN ME NT I N TE RN ET S I TE S Look at the following U.S. Government Internet sites and suggest a question that might be answered from each site. 1.
Statistical Abstract of the United States www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract.html
2.
ERIC Database www.eric.ed.gov/
3.
United States Government Manual www.gpoaccess.gov/gmanual/
4.
PubMed www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?DB=pubmed
5.
Thomas www.thomas.gov/
6.
U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov/
7.
Official Congressional Directory www.gpoaccess.gov/cdirectory/
8.
Catalog of U. S. Government Publications catalog.gpo.gov/F
9.
GPO Access www.gpo.gov.
10.
Background Notes www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
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Canadian Gov ernment D ocum ents The publisher of Canadian government documents is Canadian Government Publishing (CGP). CGP also administers Crown Copyright and Licensing agreements. CGP is the reference source for 100,000 free and priced Government of Canada titles spanning two decades. You may order available titles at publications.gc.ca/control/publicHomePage?lang=English On every publication page of the website there is a link to a list of Libraries to help locate the nearest library that carries government publications. Information on Canadian and international bookstores that sell CGP documents is also available on the website.
Availability of Federal D ocum ents As part of Publishing and Depository Services (within Public Works and Government Services Canada) the Depository Services Program (DSP) acts as the Government of Canada’s “information safety net”. DSP issues a weekly checklist of the latest government publications and supplies publications to over 900 public, institutional and governmental libraries in Canada and abroad. It also provides ISBN and catalog numbers for publishers and government departments. Preparing Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) records has been moved from DSP to the Library and Archives Canada. Additional information is available online at dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/indexe.html. The Depository Services Program ensures that Canadian government documents are available to the public through its depository libraries. The Publications Canada and DSP websites provide access to their publications, searchable by title, subject, publication number, corporate author and catalogue number. Many government documents are now issued in electronic format. The DSP website offers links to its e-collection of electronic publications available on the DSP server. As in the main catalog, items can be searched by title, subject and corporate author. Some publications are available only to depository libraries. However, the e-list contains only those items that are part of the electronic library maintained by the Depository Services Program in support of the Depository Network. A more complete listing may be found by searching the DSP catalogue or the Canada Site (canada.gc.ca/). There are links on the Publications Canada website to sources of provincial government documents. Information on the Parliament can be found by accessing LEGISinfo. This is a research tool for locating information on legislation currently before the Canadian Parliament. This tool provides electronic access to a wide range of information about individual bills, such as • the text of the bill at various stages; • government press releases and backgrounders (for government bills); • legislative summaries from the Parliamentary Information and Research Service. LEGISinfo also provides a reading list and other related Web links for House of Commons and Senate government bills. By bringing these sources together, LEGISinfo offers easy access to legislative information and reduces time spent researching these matters.
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LEGISinfo is a collaborative effort of the Parliamentary Information and Research Service and the Information and Document Resource Service of the Library of Parliament. It is available at www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISINFO/. The Department of Justice provides access through its website at laws.justice.gc.ca/en/index.html, and index to Consolidated statutes and Consolidated regulations. It also provides Constitutional texts (the Constitution and the Charter of rights and freedoms) as well as frequently accessed statutes such as the Criminal Code, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Income Tax Act, Copyright Act, Privacy Act, and Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
Selected Canadian Gov ernment D ocument Tools The Publications Canada catalog can be seen at publications.gc.ca/control/browseOurCatalogue The 2001 Census of Agriculture may be seen at www.statcan.ca/english/agcensus2001/ Statistical Information and Statistical Indexes The census provides a statistical portrait of Canada and its people. The most recent census was on May 16, 2006. It is carried out by Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada is the source of all census and statistical data. The Index of downloadable Statistics Canada publications is also available through the Depository Services Program (dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collections/Statcan/index-e.html). They are indexed by subject and Statistics Canada catalog number. Handbooks, Manuals, and Yearbooks The Canada year book is published annually by the Communications Branch of Statistics Canada. First published in 1867, the Canada year book is the premier reference work on the social and economic life of Canada and its citizens. Presented in almanac style for ready reference, the 2006 edition contains 400 pages of tables, charts and succinct analytical articles on every major subject in Statistics Canada's areas of expertise. Biographical Resources Canadian government biographies index is an unofficial online source for information on some Canadians who have served the government. There are profiles of prime ministers and provincial premiers. canadaonline.about.com/od/canadiansingovernment/a/biographieslist.htm Geographical Information The Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) produces thousands of maps and the Atlas of Canada online (atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site). These provide a valuable source of geographic information for map collections. The digital data of these maps is available to qualifying libraries through the Depository Services Program. Since 1897 the Canadian Geographic Names Board has made decisions about names for Canadian maps. It supports the Canadian geographic names database that allows users to search for information on any place name in Canada.
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Bibliographies The Catalogue of publications Canada and the Weekly checklist of the Depository Services Program are the two best sources of information on Canadian government printed and electronic resources. On each website there are links to provincial government documents.
E XER CISE 11.4 - C A NA DIA N G OVER N ME NT D OCUME NT S T OO LS Indicate the government document tool which you would use to help you find answers to the following questions. Note that all federal and some provincial web sites are bilingual and have information in both English and French. You will probably want to select the English portals. 1.
A member of the City Council wants to compare the number of family violence cases in your community with other communities in the province.
2.
A library user needs the telephone number for the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
3.
A mother has just heard about the possibility of an avian flu epidemic. Where can she find information about it?
4.
Find information on how to start a small business in Ontario.
5.
A Ukrainian-born farm buyer wants to find the ethnic balance of homeowners in the province of Saskatchewan.
6.
A college professor wants to know the status of Bill C-282 of the 39th Parliament of Canada. The bill is entitled “An act to amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act”.
7.
An engineer has just become unemployed. He has heard that there is work in Alberta, but would like the security of a government position. Where can he find out more?
8.
An elementary school teacher is looking of ideas for teaching about ancient Egypt. Where can she find a comprehensive guide to the topic?
9.
A recent widow needs information on the Social Security benefits available from her husband.
10.
An elementary principal would like to know about recent trends in the teaching profession in order to decide when to retire.
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E XER CISE 11.5 - D E PO SIT OR Y S E RVICES P ROG RA M C A TA LO G UE You have an Emergency Preparedness reference section in your public library. Search the catalog on the Depository Services Program website by subject for publications about earthquakes (publications.gc.ca/control/simplePublicSearchCriteria). Select the titles that you think would be suitable for this section in your library.
United Nations Documents The United Nations Official Document System (ODS) is a system for storing and retrieving United Nations documents, It allows users to search for and retrieve documents via the Internet. United Nations (UN) documents are available in the six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Some documents are available in German. Documents are stored in text format or as PDF files. The following will assist in locating UN documents: • Checklist of United Nations Documents • United Nations Documents Index (UNDI) • United Nations website (www.un.org) • Additional information about United Nations documents can be found by consulting the research guide at www.un.org/Depts/dhl/resguide/ Classification of UN Documents UN documents are initially classified according to origin, such as General Assembly, Economic & Social Council, Security Council, Trusteeship Council, Secretariat, and various committees or programs. Further divisions indicate departments or series. The classification number is a combination of letters, numbers and slashes. For example: A/ General Assembly E/ Economic & Social Council S/ Security Council T/ Trusteeship Council ST/ Secretariat CCPR/ Human Rights Committee DP/ UN Development Program Exa mp le s
A/52/100 – General Assembly document from the fifty-second session S/1997/100 – Security Council document issued in 1997 E/1997/100 – Economic and Social Council document from the 1997 sessions ST/AI/405 – Administrative instruction issued by the Secretariat
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Databases UN-I-QUE (UN Info Quest)—a ready-reference file created by the Dag Hammarskjöld Library designed to provide quick access to document symbols/sales numbers for UN materials (1946 onwards). It also provides answers to frequently asked questions. It does not give full bibliographic details and does not replace other UN databases. UNBISnet (United Nations Bibliographic Information System)—the catalog of UN documents and publications indexed by the Dag Hammarskjöld Library and the Library of the UN Office at Geneva. The catalog also references commercial publications and other non-UN sources held in the collections. Find the catalog at unbisnet.un.org/ Search O pti ons
The user can select any of the six official languages on the screens. Field searching is available for most documents: • by document symbol • by publication or release date • by words from the title • by subject • by agenda item number • by session • by job number • full-text. For other databases, see the United Nations website at www.un.org.
Chapter 12 THE INTERNET What i s the Internet? The Internet is a global network of computers linked by telephone wires, optical fibers, wireless and satellite links, and other technologies. This “network of networks” is used to disseminate information, to seek information, to communicate, to teach and learn, and to conduct business. Since its widespread use in the 1990s information and services available on the Internet have exploded. Library staff must be able to instruct patrons on using it efficiently. Critical evaluation of sources is particularly important. Because of the publicity about the Internet some users think that it is the best (or only) source to answer their questions. However, it has not replaced all sources used by reference staff. In many situations, particularly when answering ready reference questions, it may be faster to use a printed source. Many libraries bookmark important websites for their users. When a useful website is found many librarians bookmark it so staff and users can find it easily. Internet addresses change so bookmarks must be verified periodically. Some computers, such as the one you may have at home, may connect to the Internet in order to send and receive email, and search the World Wide Web. Other computers, permanently connected to the Internet, store information which Internet users may access. Computers that store information and make it available to outside users are called servers. The Internet is made up of several different technologies. The most popular of these is email, or electronic mail, closely followed by the World Wide Web (WWW).
Email This is the most widely used Internet technology. It enables you to exchange messages with others who have access to the Internet. Organizations frequently use programs such as Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes, which contain an email component. Most web browsers have a built-in email package. Many people prefer to use a stand-alone package such as Eudora, Pegasus, or Mozilla Thunderbird, or rely on a web-based service such as Yahoo! mail, hotmail, or gmail. Alerting Services You may use your email account simply to exchange messages with the people you know. You may also use it to subscribe to alerting services that keep you up-to-date in your field of interest. Alerting services help you to update your knowledge and skills as a reference worker. Three such services are listed below, as examples. They are most useful in information services, as they alert subscribers to new sites and resources.
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To subscribe, go to the website where the service is produced. Here are instructions on subscribing (usually this means sending your email address to the site). Bookmark it, as you may want to return to that site later to see how to send a message, or to unsubscribe. Once you have subscribed, you may receive a message requesting you to confirm your subscription. You need to reply to this message, usually within 48 hours. You will probably then get a message welcoming you to the service. Make sure you keep this message, as it may tell you how to unsubscribe (which you may want to do when it all gets too much!). Alternatively the welcome may come directly, without the need for a confirmation. From now on messages will start to arrive in your mailbox. You could set up a special folder for each of the services you subscribe to, and move messages for each service into its folder as you receive them. This will help you to keep control of your mailbox, and make it easier to find the messages you want. You will generally be told how to unsubscribe at the website for the service. Finally, each email you receive from the service may contain unsubscribe information. Sample Alerting Services 1. The Scout Report: “The Scout Report is the flagship publication of the Internet Scout Project. Published every Friday both on the web and by email, it provides a fast, convenient way to stay informed of valuable resources on the Internet. Our team of professional librarians and subject matter experts select, research, and annotate each resource.” http://scout.wisc.edu/Reports/ScoutReport/about.php 2.
LIIWEEK: “Librarians' Internet Index (LII) is a publicly-funded website and weekly newsletter serving California, Washington state, the nation, and the world. Every Thursday morning we send out our free newsletter, New This Week, which features dozens of high-quality websites carefully selected, described, and organized by our team of librarians. Topics include current events and issues, holidays and seasons, helpful tools for information users, human interest, and more.” http://lii.org/pub/htdocs/about_overview.htm
3.
Neat New Stuff I Found This Week: selects and briefly reviews “a dozen great informational sites each week.” http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html
The World Wide Web The World Wide Web is what most people think of when they use the term “Internet”. The Web consists of a huge number of pages, which may combine text, graphics, sound, animation and video. These pages are linked to other pages using hypertext (usually indicated by underlining and/or a distinct color). Clicking on hypertext will activate the link, and you will be transferred to the linked page. A collection of related pages hosted by an organization or a single user is called a site. Each site will probably have a home page that acts as a gateway, table of contents, or index to the rest of the site.
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To view and navigate through web pages requires a piece of software called a web browser (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, Opera, Mozilla Firefox). URLs All pages (sites and documents) on the World Wide Web have a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). This is the address at which that resource can be found on the Web. A typical URL is: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ This may be decoded as follows: http:// www bbc co uk
(hypertext transfer protocol)—tells the computer to transmit data in a format that can be displayed on the Web. Most browsers do not need you to enter this part of the URL indicates that the site is located on a World Wide Web server, a computer that makes websites and documents available to the network indicates the organization whose server it is indicates the type of website indicates the country of origin
Domain Names In the example above, bbc.co.uk is an example of a domain name. A domain name is that part of a URL that identifies the particular website. Top Le ve l Domai n Na mes ( TLDs)
There are a number of top level domain names, the most common being: .com Usually indicates a commercial organization (in some countries .co is used) .edu Educational organizations (in some countries .ac is used) .gov Government bodies (in some countries .govt is used) .org Organizations (nonprofit) Other TLDs include: .asn Associations .mil Military bodies .aero Air-transport industry .biz Businesses .coop Cooperatives .info Unrestricted use .museum Museums .name Individuals .pro Accountants, lawyers, and physicians Top level domain names also include two letter country codes: .ac Ascension Island .ad Andorra and so on. U.S. websites rarely show the .us country code. For a complete list of TLDs and country codes see Norid: Domain name registries around the world, at http://www.norid.no/domenenavnbaser/domreg.html
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It is important to be able to decode a domain name, to assess the relevance and quality of the website: could this site have a country bias? is this site trying to sell me something? does this site come from a university? and so on. More about URLs A typical URL for a file held on a site is: http://www.cbc.ca/weather/map.jsp weather/ map.jsp
indicates the folder or directory in which the file is located on the site indicates the name of the file
A typical URL for a personal home page is: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm the ~ (tilde) symbol indicates a personal home page of someone identified as woolflm, hosted by the organization identified as webster.edu
E XER CISE 12.1 - URL s Try to identify the name of each organization or person represented by the following URLs. What else can you determine about the organization? 1.
http://www.gramophone.co.uk
2.
http://www.un.org
3.
http://www.nytimes.com
Navigating a Website The following exercises aim to develop your skills in finding your way (“navigating”) to and around websites and individual web pages. In these exercises you may need to use your browser’s Back button, or the drop-down “Go” list to return to your starting point within a particular site.
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W EBSI TE S
Visit each site and follow the instructions and/or answer the questions. 1.
2.
3.
A personal home page: www.webster.edu/~woolflm a.
Find the page on aging.
b.
Complete the “Knowledge of Aging Quiz”.
c.
Where did Linda Woolf complete her BA?
National Library of Australia: www.nla.gov.au Follow the links to the Australian Libraries Gateway. a.
Find a list of law libraries in NSW (the Australian state of New South Wales).
b.
Which of these have web-based catalogs?
Lyrics World: http://ntl.matrix.com.br/pfilho/summer.html a.
Find the lyrics to the song “Blue suede shoes”.
b.
Find the lyrics to any song which was a number 1 hit in 1932.
Evaluating Information on the Web There are hundreds of millions of pages on the Web. Many are of very poor quality. To decide whether the information is reliable, use the same criteria you would use to assess information found elsewhere. • Check whether the information is supplied by a reliable authority. Is it possible to identify the sponsoring body? Is there a street or mailing address, and a phone number, not just an email address? • Decide whether the author is well-qualified. Can you identify the author or producer and his/her organization? What are the author’s credentials? • Are the sources for any quoted information clearly identified? • Is there evidence of bias in the information? • How recent is the information—i.e., when was the website last updated? Are the links in the document regularly maintained? • Is the site well structured and easy to navigate?
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Online Resources for Evaluating Internet Sources For excellent materials on evaluating information on websites visit: Wolfgram Memorial Library, Evaluate web pages http://www3.widener.edu/Academics/Libraries/Wolfgram_Memorial_Library/Evaluate_Web_Pages/659/ Many other university libraries have online guides for evaluating Web sources including the following examples: • Johns Hopkins University Milton Library, Evaluating information found on the Internet www.library.jhu.edu/researchhelp/general/evaluating • University of California Berkeley Teaching Library, Critical evaluation of resources including books, articles, and websites www.lib.berkeley.edu/Help/search.html • New Mexico State University Library, The good, the bad, & the ugly; or why it’s a good idea to evaluate web sources lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/evalcrit.html
Finding Ref erence Information on the Web There are two broad approaches to finding reference information on the Internet: • If you know the URL for a particular reference tool, you can go to that tool directly, or if you know a website that provides collections of reference tools, you can search that site for an appropriate tool. • You may choose to search for the information directly, by using a web search tool, either a web directory or a web search engine. Collections of Reference Tools Many libraries compile collections of web reference tools for their clients. An excellent example is: Purdue University Libraries - Quick Reference http://www.lib.purdue.edu/eresources/readyref/Other Other collections of web reference tools include: Bartleby.com. Great books online http://www.bartleby.com/ Librarians’ Index to the Internet. Ready reference & quick facts http://search.lii.org/index.jsp?more=SubTopic10 The Internet Public Library. Reference http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/browse/ref00.00.00
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E XER CISE 12.3 – W E B R EFER EN CE T O O LS 1.
Find out if your library has a web page with a collection of web reference tools. If not, choose a library where you study or work, or another library you are familiar with, which does have such a page. Take some time to study it and observe which reference tools have been chosen.
2.
Browse a university library’s reference guide and select tools to answer the following questions:
3.
a.
Who was the goddess Artemis?
b.
What does the acronym FEMA stand for?
c.
On what day of the week will September 11 fall in 2011?
d.
What is the latitude and longitude of Manhattan, N.Y.?
e.
I would like a brief summary of the Nicaraguan economy.
Use one of the other collections of web reference tools listed above to find Biogaphy.com, then answer the following questions: a.
Why was Eleanor Roosevelt famous?
b.
Where was Genghis Khan born?
c.
Emma Thompson won a BAFTA award for which BBC TV series?
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Use Bartleby.com: Great books online to find Bartlett’s quotations, then answer the following questions: a.
Who wrote “Nearer, my God, to Thee”?
b.
Who said “England expects every man to do his duty”?
c.
Who said “A blessed companion is a book—a book that fitly chosen is a life-long friend”?
Search Tools Sometimes you may not be able to find a relevant reference tool on the Web. In this case you may need a web search tool to help answer your question directly. There are many millions of sites on the Web, with many more millions of attached pages. A number of tools have been developed to make it easier to find the desired information. Three types of tools to consider are subject directories, keyword search engines, and metasearch engines. Sometimes all three categories are referred to as search engines, and sometimes this term is reserved for the second category only. In fact, these two types are converging: it is increasingly common to find subject directories providing a keyword search tool, and for keyword search engines to provide access to a subject directory. Thus the search engines Google and Yahoo! both have directories attached.
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Subject Directories Subject directories group websites into subject categories. The categories may then be organized into hierarchies, or the categories may be listed alphabetically, or in Dewey order. Subject directories are compiled and maintained by humans—subject specialists, academics, volunteers. There is usually some effort to evaluate the sites included in the directory. These tools are useful if you want to investigate a broad topic, rather than find a specific piece of information. They help you to get a feel for the range of resources available on a topic. Yahoo! is a hierarchically organized directory (dir.yahoo.com/). To identify sites that provide information on the type of poetry known as “haiku”, you select the broad Yahoo! category Arts and Humanities, then Humanities, then Literature, then Poetry, then Poetic forms then Closed forms, then Haiku. This displays a list of sites devoted to that topic. This process of moving through narrower categories is sometimes referred to as “drilling down”. Here is the initial directory screen.
Here is the final screen, which you reach by drilling down through the categories.
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Yahoo! also provides a search engine for searching across its categories. In the example above you can see that there is a choice to search “the Web” or “just this category”. The Google directory uses similar methods. It may be found at: http://www.google.com/dirhp
E XER CISE 12.4 - D I RE CT OR IE S 1.
Use the Google directory (www.google.com/dirhp), or the Yahoo! Directory (dir.yahoo.com/) to “drill down” to find WWW resources on the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope. Write down the hierarchy of Google or Yahoo! categories which led you to the section on the Hubble Telescope.
2.
Use the Yahoo! directory to find information on the art movement Dadaism. Practice using the “drill down” method, and also using the Yahoo! directory search box to search within the Yahoo! categories.
3.
Use the Yahoo! Australia directory (au.dir.yahoo.com/) to find materials on Australian Aborigines.
Li mitat i on s of Su bject Direct orie s
The strength of subject directories is also their weakness. Because sites are evaluated and incorporated by hand, there is a backlog of sites waiting to be listed. It is not usually clear on what criteria sites are included or rejected. You cannot rely on subject directories, then, for a comprehensive coverage of your topic. Subject directories provide only a fraction of the resources available on the Web.
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Search Engines Search engines attempt to index the Web without human intervention. Search engines rely on a web robot or spider, a program that periodically moves around the Web, indexing the key words on each page. Because keyword search engines mechanically index words, not concepts or ideas, a search on a word such as ”Alzheimer’s” could return you a list of all the pages featuring this word. As there are reputedly hundreds of millions of documents on the Web, you can imagine the flood you are likely to receive on this popular topic. To try to stem this flood it is important to plan how you are going to search. Searchers talk about a search strategy, that is, a plan to structure and limit the search. U.S. web search experts sometimes call this “search engine math”. It is also known as “search engine syntax”. One of the most popular search engines is Google. Google provides two fundamental ways to search. In simple search, you type in your query, using the form below:
For advanced search, you use this template:
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You should practice using the advanced search. The advanced search gives you many ways to control the quality of your search results, and prompts you to think of the most appropriate search strategy for your topic. For example, to find web pages containing reviews from New Zealand sources of the film Master and commander: With the exact phrase “Master and commander”
With at least one of the words “review” “reviews”
Only return results from the site or domain “.nz” To achieve the same results with a Google simple search you would have to type in review OR reviews “master and commander” site:nz Most people find it difficult to remember how to construct a search like this without the help of a template.
E XER CISE 12.5 – A DVA NCE D S E AR CHIN G Go to www.google.com and select the advanced search. Complete the following searches. Use the template provided with each question to plan your search. 1.
I would like brief information about a breed of cattle known as Belted Galloways.
Find res ul ts
with all of the words with the exac t phra se with a t leas t one of the words wi tho ut the words
… Do main
Only return results from the site or domain
e.g. google.com, .org
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I am looking for a description of the symptoms of someone who has contracted the ebola virus.
Find res ul ts
with all of the words with the exac t phra se with a t leas t one of the words wi tho ut the words
… Do main
Only return results from the site or domain
e.g. google.com, .org 3.
I need reliable information on Edwards Syndrome. I need a brief explanation of what it is.
Find res ul ts
with all of the words with the exac t phra se with a t leas t one of the words wi tho ut the words
… Do main
Only return results from the site or domain
e.g. google.com, .org 4.
Are there Canadian support groups for parents of children with attention deficit disorder?
Find res ul ts
with all of the words with the exac t phra se with a t leas t one of the words wi tho ut the words
… Do main
Only return results from the site or domain
e.g. google.com, .org
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Other Search Engines Google is not the only search engine. There are several other excellent search engines available on the Web, and skilled reference workers will frequently use more than one search engine when looking for information on a topic. The University of California Berkeley Library, a major center for advice on web searching, recommends the following search engines in addition to Google Advanced: Yahoo1 Ask.com
http://search.yahoo.com/web/advanced http://www.ask.com/webadvanced
In each case, the advanced search is recommended. For further information see the University of California Berkeley’s “Search the Internet” website: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/Help/search.html
E XER CISE 12.6 – U SI NG S E AR CH E NGI NE S Practice using the search engines listed above to find information on the topics in Exercise 12.5.
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Genera l Sea rch Tips Different search engines require you to format your search strategies in different ways. The following is a general guide to alternative ways of formatting your search strategies. However, for each tool you must use its Search help or Search tips page to find out the correct syntax to use. Phras e Se arch ing
• •
Enclose the phrase in double quotation marks e.g., “phases of the moon” Use the search box labeled “exact phrase” or “phrase”
Boolea n A N D
• • • •
Use AND as part of the search statement e.g., snakes AND rabbits Use the search box labeled something like “must contain all the words” Use + in front of each desired word—e.g., +bells +whistles (note: no space after +) The search tool may default to AND
Boolea n O R
• • •
Use OR as part of the search statement e.g., snakes OR rabbits Use the search box labeled something like “contains at least one of the words” The search tool may default to OR
Include a Word
To make sure a certain word is included in a search: • Use + e.g., +human (note: no space after +) • Use the search box labeled something like “must contain all the words” Exc lude a Word
To exclude a certain word from the search: • Use e.g., -human (note: no space after -) • Use the search box labeled something like “must not contain the word” Li mit th e Se arch
To limit the search to a particular domain: • Use domain: in the search statement e.g., “football injuries” domain:ca • Use the search box labeled something like “domain” Li mitat i on s of Ke yw ord Searc h E ngi ne s
There are many keyword search engines, with many different features, and (unfortunately) many different techniques that the user has to learn. You cannot rely on one engine alone if you are serious about your research. Because of differences in software, different search engines retrieve different sets of documents from the same search, with varying degrees of overlap. For serious research, you can only get thorough coverage by using a number of keyword search engines. Not only that, you have to read and learn the instructions for each one. It is definitely worth printing these out.
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Metasearch Engines These search engines transmit your search simultaneously to a list of major keyword search engines. The results are usually returned very quickly. Some metasearch engines sort the results, so that duplicates are stripped out, and the remaining list is sorted by relevance. These features make metasearch engines very attractive. They offer a great saving in time, as they save you from having to construct and submit a search to many separate search tools. They very quickly enable you to get a feel for the information that is “out there” on the terms that you submit. A good example of a metasearch engine is Dogpile Web Search at http://www.dogpile.com/ Dogpile also has an advanced search page, but not all of the search engines it draws on may be compatible with the advanced search techniques it employs.
E XER CISE 12.7 – M ETA SE AR CH E NGI NE S Using the advanced search techniques in D ogpil e find information on the following topics: 1.
The Nuremberg trials
2.
Camel trekking in Egypt
3.
U.K. material on plagiarism in schools
4.
Incidences of Japanese encephalitis in Papua New Guinea
Li mitat i on s of Meta searc h T ools
It is not possible to construct a complex search strategy. You are offered only a few options. Certain conventions, such as quotation marks around phrases, will not work with some of the tools searched by the metasearch engine, and you will get some garbage in your results. For a careful, systematic, and comprehensive search, you will need to search some of the main stand-alone keyword search engines separately, using the strategies enabled by each of those tools.
Note on URLs In this chapter we have used the prefix http:// since it is part of the full URL of sites on the World Wide Web. However, it is increasingly common for it to be omitted when citing URLs, and we have used this practice in the rest of the book.
Chapter 13 RESEARCHING AND DELIVERING INFORM ATION The Philosophy of Reference Work The style and substance of problem-solving and delivering information vary depending on users’ expectations, library policy, and the level of library services. For example, librarians working with students in school and academic libraries will lead the user through the problem-solving process to help them to become independent learners. Many public library users also wish to be selfsufficient, so it is appropriate to talk them through the search process. Information providers in special libraries often do the research and present the material themselves.
Researching Questions The steps in problem-solving include: • task identification • topic selection • exploration • formulation • collection • presentation • evaluation Well-known models of information-seeking are the works of • Carol Kuhlthau (Information seeking process) • Michael Eisenberg and Robert Berkowitz (Big6) • Barbara Stripling and Judy Pitts (Research process)
Information-S eeking M od els Kuhlthau Information Seeking Process
Eisenberg & Berkowitz Big6
Stripling & Pitts Research Process
1. Initiate task 2. Select topic
1. Identify task
3. Formulate focus 4. Explore
2. Information-seeking strategies
5. Collect . 6. Present 7. Access
3. Locate and access 4. Use information 5. Synthesize 6. Evaluate
1. Choose broad topic 2. Overview of topic 3. Narrow the topic 4. Develop purpose 5. Formulate question 6. Plan for research 7. Analyze, evaluate 8. Evaluate evidence 9. Make conclusions 10. Create, present 11. Reflect
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Information literacy includes the ability to access information efficiently, evaluate it critically and use it accurately and creatively. Social responsibility standards emphasize the importance of information in a democratic society, and ethical behavior in regard to information. Librarians and school library specialists incorporate information literacy standards into work with their users. Delivering the Information The method of preparing and packaging information will depend on the nature of the inquiry and the type of library. It may be delivered via email, fax, snail mail, or in person. School library users often require material found in encyclopedias, journals, or books, on the library’s shelves or on appropriate Internet sites. Ideally the librarian and teacher work together to guide the students through the research process. The staff may also prepare reading lists or bibliographies for students and teachers. Research library users usually have more specialized needs. Many research libraries enable users to access the library catalog and resources from their own desks. Librarians may create links or bookmarks for important Internet sites. They communicate with their users electronically rather than expecting them to come into the library. Special library users often ask library staff to search databases to locate information. They give staff precise instructions on the required information, and expect staff to make judgments about the quality, reliability, and currency of any material they locate. Packaging Information The major factors affecting the way information is packaged are cost, time, and policy or legal restrictions. Some libraries have documentation relating to the levels of assistance provided to users and ways of explaining this to users. Frequently database searches are requested by users who cannot or do not want to do their own searches. When this service involves an extra charge to the library, the added expense is sometimes passed on to the user. Corporate libraries frequently have to “charge-back” database searches and sometimes even staff time on a task. Often providing the printout or email of the citations and/or full-text articles is sufficient in delivering information. Typically results are presented in a variety of forms with a combination of one or more of the following elements: citation, abstract, full-text. Libraries must consider licensing agreements for databases and copyright restrictions for full-text articles. These considerations can be complex. Libraries repackaging information must consider bibliographic format and style manuals. In general books require the author, title, place of publication, publisher, and date of publication while periodicals and newspapers require the name of publication, title of article, author (if applicable), volume, issue, and pages. Each discipline requires a specific style for research articles, such as The American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), and University of Chicago. There are also repackaging considerations for the order of presentation of a list of resources. RUSA’s Guidelines for the preparation of bibliographies is a helpful guide.
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Service Points for Inhouse and Remote Users Some busy libraries provide a tiered service or differentiated services to make the best use of the reference librarian. The traditional model for providing reference service is the reference desk. Libraries offering a tiered service often provide an information desk where directional questions are answered. Routine reference questions are directed to the traditional reference desk, and research questions may be handled by appointment. The differentiated services model expands the tiered concept to include technical assistance and instructional services. Most reference departments provide some services in each of the categories. • • • • •
Directions or general information can be provided by support staff. Technical assistance is best provided by “roving” staff available to respond to users positioned at workstations. Reference questions can be addressed at the traditional reference desk. Research questions or consultation require longer encounters and should be handled by “on call” librarians or by appointment. Instruction can be handled in a variety of ways. Differentiated services will help to avoid a bottleneck at a busy reference desk. Many users will not wait at a reference desk for more than a few minutes. Libraries can anticipate peak times and staff accordingly or have support available to call when there is a rush.
Technology has expanded the options for providing service to remote users. Telephone reference has been available in most libraries for many years. Busy reference desks often provided a nonpublic workspace for librarians responding to telephone questions. Email, fax, and snail mail questions are still options for remote users. The most recent service for many libraries is virtual reference and 24/7 service. Most public libraries still do telephone research. Larger systems of public libraries are moving to provide telephone reference though call centers, allowing smaller branches to focus on programming and readers’ advisory services. Practice in the research and delivery of reference information is difficult to simulate in a short exercise. We include optional simulations that require some time to complete.
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E XER CISE 13.1 A library user asks you to locate ten books about education in Mexico published in the last five years. You are to: • prepare a list of the books giving full citation including author, title, place, publisher and date of publication • locate libraries in your state holding copies of these books • provide details of how much each book costs and whether it is available in hard copy as well as paperback. Include the relevant information to meet the user’s requirements and package the information in a clear, legible style. Describe your search strategy and list the sources you used to find this information.
E XER CISE 13.2 A library user wants you to locate ten periodical articles on the use of voting machines in elections. You are to: • write down the questions you would ask the user to determine exactly what information is required • find ten articles on this topic • include the relevant information to meet the user’s requirements • package the information in a clear, legible style • describe your search strategy • list the sources you used to find this information.
E XER CISE 13.3 A library user needs recent statistics on the numbers of United States citizens who travel overseas. You are to: • write down the questions to ask the user to determine exactly what information is required • find statistics on this topic • include the relevant information to meet the user’s requirements • package the information in a clear, legible style • describe your search strategy • list the sources you used to find this information.
E XER CISE 13.4 Work with a fellow student or colleague to conduct a role-play. One will be the reference person and the other will be a user who requires an annotated list of references on a particular topic. • interview the user to establish their requirements • prepare and package the information • follow a recognized citation style such as American Psychological Association (APA) or Modern Language Association (MLA) • present the information clearly and legibly.
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E XER CISE 13.5 Consider the following situations. Describe how to handle each request and how to package the information to suit the user’s needs. 1.
A child comes into a public library and asks for information on earthquakes.
2.
An adult comes into a public library and asks for information on earthquakes.
3.
An adult comes into a special geological library and asks for information on earthquakes.
Chapter 14 EVALUATION How Good is the Ref erence S ervi ce? Evaluation of reference should consider services, collections and staff. There are ways to evaluate each, in order to provide excellence. Services Evaluation User feedback on the range and quality of services can be obtained by surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. Libraries should remember non-users when getting input. RUSA established Guidelines of information services in 1990 and revised them in 2000. The Guidelines are statements related to reference services in the areas of services, resources, access, personnel, evaluation, and ethics. Resource Evaluation Assessing materials is an aspect of collection management closely related to reference services. A quality reference collection contains useful, up-to-date resources. Checking standard lists of recommended materials is helpful in choosing and evaluating resources. Criteria for selecting reference materials are addressed in the introductory chapter. De-selection, or weeding, involves many of the same elements. Many reference titles are updated on a regular schedule depending on budgets and user needs. Maintaining current electronic and print reference tools is essential. Allocating funds for personnel is part of resource evaluation. Scheduling appropriate numbers of staff for the reference desk is essential. Providing enough workstations, photocopy machines, email access, and other equipment also relates to the reference service. Although good reference service may be provided in poor facilities, the building, space allocation, and arrangement make a strong impression on user perceptions. Staff Evaluation Evaluation of the performance of the reference staff is another consideration. Competencies for excellence have been identified by RUSA, Professional competencies for reference and user services librarians. The competencies focus on the “abilities, skills, and knowledge that make the reference and user services librarians unique from other professionals”. The document identifies goals and strategies: • Access—develop responsiveness to users; provide organization and design of services to meet the needs of the community; and employ critical thinking and analysis of information sources and services • Knowledge Base—conduct environmental scanning to update developments in reference and user services; use new knowledge to enhance reference practices; share expertise with colleagues; contribute to improving professional practice through projects and independent learning • Marketing/Awareness/Informing—assess reference services; communicate reference services; and evaluate marketing efforts and information services
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Collaboration—partner with user in seeking information; collaborate with colleagues to provide quality service; establish relations within the profession; maintain professional partnerships beyond the library Evaluation and Assessment of Resources and Service—survey users; assess information services; evaluate resources; determine technology needs; consider options in format, access, and presentation; and measure staff performance.
An excellent reference staff is one that is focused on improving continuing education, participating in associations, attending conferences, learning new resources, and practicing retrieval skills. Interaction with users can be evaluated and improved through peer review, selfevaluation, role-playing, and team coaching. Reference transactions can be evaluated by obtrusive or unobtrusive techniques. Obtrusive measures include user surveys, questionnaires, interviews, observations and statistics. Unobtrusive evaluation can be accomplished by sending “secret shoppers” to ask questions to be measured for correct and complete answers. Unobtrusive evaluations received attention in the early 1980s when studies showed that only 55% of reference questions were being answered correctly and completely. The knowledge and skills of the librarians were not usually the problem. The major problem was that communication between staff and user contributed to a failure to “completely answer the question”. RUSA first issued Guidelines for behavioral performance of reference and information services professionals in 1996. An update is in progress. Forms Most reference departments maintain some records to measure how busy they are, or to justify staffing levels. Often libraries have a printed form to record the number of questions. Some use a form to record the details of a search such as the sources used, the time taken to answer the inquiry and whether the search was successful. In an ideal situation, reference staff should record all details of an information search and maintain appropriate statistics of these enquiries. The types of record vary with different types of library. We include several forms with different approaches.
Chapter 14
EVALUATION
E XER CISE 14.1 – R E FE RE N CE S TA TIS TI CS Look at the reference statistics sheets on the next 3 pages and fill in the table below. 1.
What information is being collected? Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
2.
What are the benefits of this form? Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
3.
What are the problems with this form? Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
4.
Which form do you like best and why?
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Example 1—A Public Library REFERENCE AND DIRECTIONAL STATISTICS Library
Day
Date
Reference Questions Example
Directional Questions
Water conservation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Total Staff member
Total Supervisor
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EVALUATION
Example 2—An Academic Library REFERENCE QUESTIONS Month Monday
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Up to 3 minutes
Over 3 minutes
Monday Up to 3 minutes
Over 3 minutes
Monday Up to 3 minutes
Over 3 minutes
Monday Up to 3 minutes
Over 3 minutes
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Example 3—A University Library REFERENCE QUESTIONS Date:
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Chapter 14
EVALUATION
E XER CISE 14.2 – R EFER EN CE S TA TI STI CS Look at the reference statistics sheets on the next 3 pages and fill in the table below. 1.
What information is being collected? Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
2.
What are the benefits of this form? Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
3.
What are the problems with this form? Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
4.
Which form do you like best and why?
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Example 4—A Special Library REFERENCE QUESTION Date: Name: Organization: Address: Telephone number: Estimated date required by: Details of inquiry:
Fax:
email:
Sources checked: [ ] Catalog [ ] WorldCat [ ] Internet [ ] Other Result/response:
User: [ ] Internal [ ] External [ ] Government [ ] Student [ ] Researcher [ ] Business [ ] Media [ ] Other
Form of response: [ ] Face-to-face comment [ ] Letter [ ] Suggestion box note [ ] Fax [ ] Telephone [ ] Email Date completed: Signature:
Chapter 14
EVALUATION
Example 5—An Information Center
INFORMATION REQUEST FORM Name: Branch:
Section:
Location: Telephone number:
Fax number:
Date of request:
Date information required by:
Information required:
This information is required for:
Types of information wanted (Please circle the ones you are interested in): Journal articles / Books / Videos/DVDs / Internet sites / Other (Please specify): Time period to be searched (e.g., last five years): Geographic areas (e.g., Texas only; U.S. only)
DATE COMPLETED:
COMPLETED BY:
TIME SPENT:
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Example 6—A Special Library REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Name Telephone number Division
Branch
Section
Location
Date received
Date required
Received by
Handled by
Request statement
Key words
Retrospective
Current
Manual
Electronic
From (year)
ILL
Search (including sources with comments)
Chapter 14
EVALUATION
E XER CISE 14.3 – R EFER EN CE S T ATI ST I CS Look at the reference statistics sheets on the next 3 pages and fill in the table below. 1.
What information is being collected? Example 7
Example 8
Example 9
2.
What are the benefits of this form? Example 7
Example 8
Example 9
3.
What are the problems with this form? Example 7
Example 8
Example 9
4.
Which form do you like best and why?
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Example 7—A Special Library ELECTRONIC RESOURCES SEARCH PROFILE Name: Division: Telephone: The search topic:
Suggested keywords:
Any known significant references:
Preferred form of output (hard copy, email, other): Signed: Date:
Chapter 14
Example 8—A Special Library
ELECTRONIC SEARCH REQUEST FORM Name:
Telephone:
Section:
Date:
Narrative description of topic:
Date required: Known authors: Known Papers or Articles: (list on reverse) Types of Materials of Interest: All Articles:
Reports:
If not “All,” please specify: Patents:
Standards and specifications:
Conference papers:
Other:
Languages of Interest: All If not “All,” please specify those of interest: Years to be covered (only if such a limit is necessary): How many relevant items do you think might be found? Maximum amount of time to be spent: Maximum amount of money to be spent (if applicable):
EVALUATION
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Example 9—A Special Library ELECTRONIC SEARCH REQUEST Name: Section:
Location:
Date:
Date search required by:
Short title of search: Years to be covered: English only? [ ] Yes [ ] No Other languages: Abstracts required (if available) Suggested databases:
REQUEST STATEMENT Please describe subject of search as fully as possible. Define ambiguous or specialized terms. List keywords. List known authors, organizations or journals of particular interest:
Please note any aspects of the topic NOT wanted:
LIBRARY USE ONLY
ANSWERS There is often more than one source suitable for answering a reference inquiry. Sources given should be treated as examples only.
E XER CISE 1.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
ready reference or research depending on how much information the patron wants readers’ advisory directional ready reference or research research ready reference or research depending on how much information the patron wants instruction ready reference or research depending on how much information the patron wants. Make sure the patron is not in need of medical treatment ready reference directional ready reference ready reference or research depending on how much information the patron wants research directional ready reference instruction ready reference ready reference ready reference research
E XER CISE 1.3 1. Your only requirement is to identify the relevant materials, if any, held by the library, and, if they are insufficient, to identify any materials which may legitimately be requested on interlibrary loan, and any other information agencies which the client could legitimately approach. 2. Your best response would be to point out the range of atlases held by your library, the qualities the library looks for in an atlas, and the recommendations contained in atlas buying guides, and guides to reference works. Invite the client to look at the library’s atlases and find the publications which best suits his or her needs. If you have had a lot of supervised reference experience with atlases why not point out the strengths and weaknesses you have found in various atlases. If you are unsure about any of this, why not ask a more experienced staff member to run through some of the issues? 3. You should refer the client to the legal section of your library's collection and assist the client to identify relevant material. 4. You should inform the client about the copyright legislation which would or would not allow him or her to copy the three chapters. There should be a notice near the library’s copiers outlining the fair use or fair dealing provisions of the copyright legislation.
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E XER CISE 2.3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
an atlas or gazetteer; clue—information about a place (also almanac and encyclopedia an almanac; clue—information about the calendar an encyclopedia; clue—information about an historical event a dictionary of initialisms; clue—information on initials or acronyms a biographical dictionary; clue— information about a person a dictionary of antonyms; clue—information on an antonym a biographical dictionary; clue—information about people an atlas or gazetteer; clue—information about a place a business directory; clue—information about a business a style manual; clue—information on writing style a bibliography or library catalog; clue—information about books a children's encyclopedia; clue—information relating to a child's interests periodical index or database; clue—information about articles a statistical yearbook; clue—information on statistics a bibliography or library catalog; clue—information about books a business directory; clue—information about companies a government directory; clue—information about government an encyclopedia; clue—information relating to school work a yearbook, encyclopedia, almanac or gazetteer; clue—information about a country an encyclopedia; clue—you do not have a particular name to search so a biographical directory is no use. Try a general encyclopedia.
E XER CISE 3.2 The correct spellings are: graffiti diphtheria proceed consensus commitment
anomaly accommodate receive rhythm preceding
E XER CISE 3.6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
a science dictionary a general dictionary a dictionary of phrases a dictionary of slang a medical dictionary dictionary of usage a dictionary of synonyms; a thesaurus a dictionary of acronyms a dictionary based on historical principles a scientific dictionary a dictionary of synonyms; a thesaurus a dictionary based on historical principles an American dictionary a dictionary of slang a dictionary of abbreviations a Spanish dictionary a dictionary of usage a dictionary of quotations a general English dictionary a medical dictionary
ANSWERS 175
E XER CISE 3.7 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
mind, psyche, mentality a thesaurus such as Roget’s thesaurus of English words and phrases network of nerves situated behind the stomach that supply the abdominal organs a dictionary such as Collins concise dictionary 1562 a dictionary such as Shorter Oxford English dictionary a deep purplish red a dictionary such as Webster’s third new International dictionary drunk or drug intoxicated; mentally exhausted a dictionary of slang such as New Partridge dictionary of slang and unconventional English “How would you find him for a son-in-law?” a dictionary based on historical principles such as Shorter Oxford English dictionary imaginary means not real; imaginative means inventive, original a dictionary of usage such as Fowler’s modern English usage an electrical instrument which sums up the value of the quantity measured with respect to time a science dictionary such as Chambers science and technology dictionary FERPA= Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act a dictionary of acronyms such as Dictionary of acronyms and abbreviations a sailor’s short, heavy woolen overcoat a general dictionary such as American heritage dictionary or Random House dictionary or Webster’s third new international dictionary a type of high-backed rocking chair a general or unabridged dictionary such as Webster’s third new international dictionary ascension, lift, upward motion, gaining height a thesaurus such as Roget’s thesaurus of English words and phrases bureaux a dictionary of usage such as Fowler’s modern English usage an orange to brown gum resin from southeast Asian trees; a strong yellow a general dictionary such as Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary domani—Italian an Italian dictionary such as Cassell’s Italian-English, English-Italian dictionary morgen—German a German dictionary such as Cassell’s German-English, English-German dictionary to get or buy something on hire purchase a dictionary of phrases such as Brewer’s dictionary of phrase and fable rire a French dictionary such as Cassell’s French-English, English-French dictionary the technical name of a “cold in the head” a medical dictionary such as Black’s medical dictionary Lord Byron - described by Lady Caroline Lamb. a book of quotations such as Oxford dictionary of quotations Ned Ludd, an English laborer who was supposed to have destroyed weaving machinery with other British workers resisting change (1811-1816) a general dictionary such as American heritage dictionary or Webster’s third new international dictionary
E XER CISE 4.6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
a general encyclopedia a general encyclopedia suitable for children a general encyclopedia a general encyclopedia an American encyclopedia a scientific encyclopedia an encyclopedia with detailed information
176 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
LEARN REFERENCE WORK an American encyclopedia a scientific encyclopedia a Canadian encyclopedia a general encyclopedia a general encyclopedia suitable for children a general encyclopedia an encyclopedia of the social sciences a general encyclopedia an encyclopedia with detailed information a general encyclopedia a scientific encyclopedia an American encyclopedia an Australian encyclopedia
E XER CISE 4.7 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
She was the first woman to make a solo flight from England to Australia a general encyclopedia such as World Book encyclopedia a general encyclopedia such as Encyclopedia Americana Sir Howard Florey and Ernst B. Chain a general encyclopedia such as World Book encyclopedia It is the second largest town in Zambia a general encyclopedia such as The new Encyclopaedia Britannica a general encyclopedia or International encyclopedia of the social sciences a general encyclopedia such as Encyclopedia Americana a subject encyclopedia such as Dictionary of art a general encyclopedia such as World Book encyclopedia an encyclopedia of library and information science such as Encyclopedia of library and information science (Drake) Aix-la-Chapelle a general encyclopedia such as The new Encyclopaedia Britannica a subject encyclopedia such as Dictionary of art a general encyclopedia such as The new Encyclopaedia Britannica an American encyclopedia such as Encyclopedia Americana a social sciences encyclopedia such as International encyclopedia of the social sciences a science encyclopedia such as McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science and technology a detailed encyclopedia such as The new Encyclopaedia Britannica It commemorates the alliance of 1778 between France and the U.S. an American encyclopedia such as Encyclopedia Americana a detailed encyclopedia such as The new Encyclopaedia Britannica an American encyclopedia such as Encyclopedia Americana a detailed encyclopedia such as The new Encyclopaedia Britannica
E XER CISE 5.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
a statistical yearbook such as Statistical abstract of the United States a yearbook such as Europa world year book a almanac or yearbook such as World almanac or Statesman’s yearbook a yearbook such as Europa world year book a yearbook such as Europa world year book a yearbook such as Europa world year book a yearbook such as Europa world year book a yearbook such as Statesman’s yearbook an almanac or yearbook such as Time Almanac or Statesman’s yearbook a yearbook such as Europa world year book an almanac or yearbook such as Statesman’s yearbook or World almanac
ANSWERS 177 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
an almanac or yearbook such as World almanac or Europa world year book an almanac such as World almanac a handbook of mythology or an almanac a handbook of communication an almanac such as Time almanac Europa world year book an almanac such as World almanac a yearbook such as Europa world year book an almanac or yearbook such as World almanac
E XER CISE 5.3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
a yearbook such as Europa world year book Washington, D.C. a yearbook such as Statesman’s yearbook plants, vegetables and orchid flowers a yearbook such as Europa world year book a yearbook such as Far East and Australasia or Europa world year book dates, tomatoes, bananas, watermelon and onions a yearbook such as Europa world year book 2,222 (currently) a yearbook such as Europa world year book Wisma Nugra Santana, 9th Floor, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman 8, Jakarta a yearbook such as Far East and Australasia or Europa world year book a style manual or almanac Kimigayo Statesman’s yearbook Guinness book of world records World almanac or Europa world year book or Statesman’s yearbook World almanac World almanac World almanac or Europa world year book a style manual or almanac such as World almanac a yearbook or almanac such as Europa world year book, Statesman’s yearbook or World almanac an almanac Bowker annual Bowker annual World almanac
E XER CISE 6.2 1. 2. 3. 4.
Yes Eleanor Gow Marie Rosalie (Rosa) Bonheur Sir Edmund Hillary
E XER CISE 6.4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
a biographical dictionary of filmmakers a biographical dictionary for the medical profession a biographical dictionary of the dead a general biographical dictionary an international biographical dictionary of the dead a biographical dictionary of musicians a British biographical dictionary of the living such as Who’s who
178 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
LEARN REFERENCE WORK an American biographical dictionary of the living an American biographical dictionary of the living a British biographical dictionary of the living an American biographical dictionary of the living a biographical dictionary of the dead a general biographical dictionary an international biographical dictionary of the living an American biographical dictionary of the living a general biographical dictionary a general biographical dictionary a British biographical dictionary of the living such as Who’s who a biographical dictionary of the dead an American biographical dictionary of the living such as Current biography
E XER CISE 6.5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
1492 Chambers biographical dictionary 1871-1874 Oxford dictionary of national biography 1975 International who’s who Hercules Who’s who International who’s who of women 1714-1785 Encyclopedia of world biography or Webster’s biographical dictionary Tenzing Chambers biographical dictionary or others Yes—sewing, drawing and catching up with letters Who’s who or International who’s who 1887-1942 Who was who in America a Polish astronomer and the founder of modern astronomy Chambers biographical dictionary Melbourne International who’s who University of Maine International who’s who 1770 in Bonn Chambers biographical dictionary Une Visite (1955) International dictionary of films and filmmakers; Volume 2 Directors A special act of the legislature. Dictionary of Canadian biography Madrid, Spain Auto mechanic Current biography Who’s Who in the Twentieth Century or New Groves Dictionary of Jazz. Lucerne International who’s who of women Bournville Dictionary of world biography or Dictionary of national biography University of Chicago and Columbia University Who was who in America
ANSWERS 179
E XER CISE 7.2 The answers were found in a general atlas such as Times atlas of the world 1. Parana, Brazil 2. Fairborn, USA 3. Storvik, Sweden 4. Strasbourg. France 5. Malaut, India 6. Engan, Norway 7. Benevento, Italy 8. Minyip, Australia 9. Mobara, Japan 10. Marys Harbour, Canada
E XER CISE 7.3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
MapQuest or a local map general atlas thematic map star map or celestial map historical atlas or historical map general atlas general atlas relief map place names book city map
E XER CISE 8.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Qun G. Jiao, Sharon L. Bostick John Grisham 0585091587 (electronic book); 156308130X (cloth); 1563081296 (paper) Houghton Mifflin Susanne Bradley, Global warming Searching and researching on the Internet and the World Wide Web Crown Publishers 2004 John Dunning Yes
E XER CISE 8.3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
550 Economics B’s 510 390’s R’s Public library: 540’s and academic library: Q’s N R 590’s
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E XER CISE 9.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
a directory of colleges and universities a directory of newspapers such as Gale directory of publications & broadcast media a directory of associations such as Encyclopedia of associations an almanac an almanac an almanac a directory of associations such as Encyclopedia of associations an almanac or yearbook an almanac an almanac a directory of associations such as Encyclopedia of associations a directory of libraries such as American library directory a directory of colleges and universities a directory of libraries such as American library directory International literary marketplace a directory of museums a directory of libraries a directory of directories International literary marketplace a directory of libraries such as American library directory
E XER CISE 9.3 Specific answers are not given when answers are likely to change frequently. 1. World of learning 2. Gale directory of publications & broadcast media 3. Ulrich’s periodicals directory 4. 4070 Rue Saint-Hubert, Montreal, Qc H2l4a8 World of learning 5. Who owns whom 6. 1971 Encyclopedia of associations 7. Gran Via de les Cortes Catalanes 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain World of learning 8. 552,085 (2006) Gale directory of publications & broadcast media 9. Directory of higher education 10. (21) 637-46-11 World of learning 11. Yes. $25 annually Directories in print 12. Gale directory of publications & broadcast media 13. Yes. Updated annually Directories in print 14. World of learning 15. (519) 688-6397 Gale directory of publications & broadcast media 16. Gale directory of publications & broadcast media 17. Research centers directory 18. (202) 707-0269 Washington information directory 19. Electron microscopy center at Washington State University Research centers directory 20. Bowker annual (a handbook)
ANSWERS 181
E XER CISE 11.1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
C—Commerce Department NAS—National Aeronautical and Space Administration NS—National Science Foundation D—Defense Department I—Interior Department SI—Smithsonian Institution A—Agriculture ED—Education Department Y—Congressional Publication PREX—Executive Office of the President
E XER CISE 11.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Official congressional directory Social security handbook Catalog of U.S. government publications or Monthly catalog of United States government publications AGRICOLA database U.S. census Thomas website Crime in the United States ERIC database PubMed or MEDLINE Background notes or Country studies
E XER CISE 11.4 1.
Search the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.c). for “family violence”. Search under “Publications”. Select the reference entitled Family violence in Canada: a statistical profile.
2.
Search the Canada site at (canada.ca). Click “English”. Then search under “Departments and Agencies”. Click on “F”. Choose “Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade”. Choose “Ministers” under “About the Department”. Peter Gordon MacKay.
3.
Search the Health Canada Home Page (www.hc-sc.gc. ca). Click “Search for”. Under “Enter search terms” enter “avian flu”. There are links to several articles about the subject. A general one that you might select is “Avian influenza (Bird flu)”. The URL for the article is: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dcma/avia/index_e.html.
4.
Search the website of the Ontario Ministry of government services at www.mgs.gov.on.ca/. Select “English”. Scroll down to “Popular topics”. Select “Starting a business”.
5.
Search the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.ca). Select Population and demography, then Ethnic origin. Select “Population by selected ethnic origins, by province and territory (2001 Census)”.
6.
Search the quasi government website of LEGISinfo (www.parl.gc.ca/legisinfo/) Choose Parliament “ and follow the links to C-282.
7.
Search the Government of Alberta’s Alberta Public Service website at www.pao.gov.ab.ca/jobs
8.
Search the website of the Museum of Civilization (www. civilization.ca) Follow the links to “Educational and teacher resources”, then “Resources for educators” , then “Teaching”. On the page “Educators – Teaching” scroll down until you find the resource entitled “Mysteries of Egypt, Teachers guide”.
“39th
182 9.
LEARN REFERENCE WORK Search the home page of Human Resources and Social Development Canada at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml. Scroll down until you find “How do I…”. Choose a subject from the pull down menu such as “…obtain information on Disability benefits?” or “…obtain information on the Canada Pension Plan?” Click “Find” and you will be taken to one or other of the information sites.
10. Search the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.ca). Select “English”. In the “Search the site” line at the top of the page, search for “teaching profession trends”. Choose the article “The teaching profession: trends from 1999 to 2005”.
E XER CISE 12.1 1.
Gramophone, a UK company
2.
The United Nations
3.
The New York Times
E XER CISE 12.3 2a. Goddess of wild animals, etc Use one of the resources listed under Mythology, or under Encyclopaedias & Factfinders 2b. Federal Emergency Management Agency Use one of the resources listed under Acronyms 2c. Sunday Use one of the resources listed under Calendars 2d. Use a gazetteer listed under Gazetteers & Maps in Geographical & Country Resources 2e. Use one of the general resources listed under Geographical & Country Resources, e.g., The CIA world factbook 3a. She was a U.S. First Lady 3b. Temujin 3c. Fortunes of War 4a. Sarah Flower Adams 4b. Horatio Nelson 4c. Douglas Jerrold
E XER CISE 12.4 1.
Science Astronomy Research Observatories Telescopes Space-Based Hubble Space Telescope
ANSWERS 183
E XER CISE 12.5 Some strategies are suggested below. There may be other appropriate strategies, as web searching is not an exact science! You often need to experiment to come up with the best strategy. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Belted Galloways in exact phrase symptoms in “with all of the words” and ebola virus in exact phrase Edwards syndrome in exact phrase and either .gov or .edu in domain attention deficit disorder in exact phrase, and parents support in “with all the words”, and .ca in domain.
E XER CISE 14.1 1.
Example 1: collecting information on the total number of reference questions and of directional questions in one day. Also includes a brief description of the topic of the reference questions. Example 2: collecting total number of reference questions each day for a month. Example 3: collecting total number of reference questions for 2 days.
2.
Example 1: Benefits—clear layout, can trace who answered the questions. Example 2: Benefits—fits one month on a sheet so economical use of paper. Example 3: Benefits— easy to fill in because you just cross out a number.
3.
Example 1: Problems—no indication of how long the questions took or who wanted the information. Only one day on a sheet so would use lots of paper. Example 2: Problems—not much room to write in. Only breaks questions into 2 categories—does not allow for longer questions. Example 3: Problems—cluttered layout. Uses lots of paper.
E XER CISE 14.2 1.
Example 4: collecting details of one inquiry including who wants the information, details of the inquiry, which sources were checked and how the library responded. Example 5: collecting details of who wants the information, the information required and why it is required and the type of information wanted including time period and geographic areas. Example 6: collecting details of who wants the information, a request statement including suggested key words and comments on the search and sources used.
2.
Example 4: Benefits—includes a lot of information so easy to analyze who requested the information and which sources are used most frequently. Example 5: Benefits—narrows down the type of information required. Includes time spent on search. Example 6: Benefits—asking for key words would help to narrow down the search. It is helpful to include comments on the search in case you receive a similar request in the future.
3.
Example 4: Problems—would take a long time to complete. Example 5: Problems—would take a long time to complete. Example 6: Problems—would take a long time to complete.
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E XER CISE 14.3 1.
Example 7: collecting information on online and CD-ROM search. Example 8: collecting information on online and CD-ROM search. Example 9: collecting information on online and CD-ROM search.
2.
Example 7: Benefits—asks for a general description of the search and also suggested keywords and any known significant references. Example 8: Benefits—allows for a narrative description of the search and asks for lots of detail on the type of information required. Includes the amount of time and money to be spent. Example 9: Benefits—asks for a short title of the search and also a more detailed description. Includes space for any aspects of the topic not wanted.
3.
Example 7: Problems—does not include when the information is required by. Example 8: Problems—would take a long time to complete. You would probably need to guide the user through the responses. Example 9: Problems—would take a long time to complete.
G LOSSA RY This glossary contains the main terms used in the book. For a comprehensive glossary, see Mortimer, Mary, LibrarySpeak: a glossary of terms in librarianship and information management. abbreviati on
A shortened form of a word abridg ed Shortened version abstra ct A summary of the essential points of an article or literary work; may be indicative, informative, or critical abstra cting s ervi ce A bibliographic service that provides summaries of periodical articles, conference papers and chapters of edited books acad emi c li brary A library serving the information needs of the students and staff of a university or college access The ability of a user to connect with information resources physically and/or intellectually acq uisitions Selecting, ordering, receiving, and processing new materials for the library collection; the department responsible for the acquisitions; these materials acrony m A word formed from the initials of the name of an organization, system or service adjacen cy An indication of how close words are together in a string; see also proximity almanac 1. An annual calendar with astronomical information and other data. 2. A miscellany of useful facts and statistical information analytical ent ry An entry for a part of a publication—e.g., part of a collection of works including anthology, essays, chapters, or articles annotation A note of explanation or comment annual Once a year annual rep ort An official publication reviewing the activities of an organization for a year annual revi ew A publication which reviews the literature or current research on a topic for a year antonym The opposite of—eg ‘good’ is the antonym of ‘bad’. Cf synonym AP A styl e A format for citing sources used in the social sciences established by the American Psychological Association (APA) appendi x Complementary material added at the end of a written work; appendices (plural) articl e A contribution to a serial written by one or more authors asynchron ous Occurring at different times; the opposite of real time atlas A volume of maps or charts with or without explanations aut hor The person chiefly responsible for the intellectual or artistic content of a work—e.g., writer of a book, compiler of a bibliography, composer of a musical work, artist, photographer auto biogra phy The story of a person’s life written by him/herself BI See bibliographic instruction biannual Twice a year bibliograp hi c Related to books or other library materials bibliograp hi c citati on A short description of an item. Elements for books include author, title, place of publication, publisher, and date; elements for periodical articles include author, article title, publication name, date, volume, issue, and pages
185
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bibliograp hi c contr ol
The creation, organization, and management of records to describe items held in libraries or databases, and to facilitate user access to those items bibliograp hi c instr u ction Helping people to derive the most benefit from using a library bibliograp hi c veri fica tion Confirming publication facts for an item including author, title, publisher, place of publication, dates, etc. bibliograp hy A list of related library materials or resources, usually subject-related; separate publication or part of a book bibliom etri cs The use of statistics to study the usage of materials and library services bibliot h erapy A personalized reader’s advisory using reading as an aid to helping users with problems; requires special training in psychology and/or counseling biennial Every two years bilingual Fluent in or dealing with two languages bimont hly Every other month; six per year biograp hi cal di ctionary Also biographical directory. A listing of people, usually in alphabetical order of surname, providing information about the person such as dates, titles, birthplace, family, education, and career biograp hy 1. A written account of a person’s life. 2. The branch of literature concerned with individual lives boo kmar kin g Making a link to an Internet site so that you can return to it later Bool ean logi c Use of the terms ‘and’, ‘or’, ‘not’ to formulate online search commands, to represent any logical possibility Bool ean o pera tors Words (AND, OR, and NOT) used in the formulation of search strategies for the retrieval of online information. AND: retrieves only items with both terms. OR: retrieves items with either term. NOT: retrieves items with one term and not the other broad er t erm A concept used in subject analysis and thesaurus or controlled vocabulary construction to indicate a hierarchical relationship; a term higher in the classification; more general; see also narrower term and related term brows e 1. To examine a collection of library materials in an unsystematic way. 2. To look through a list of names, subjects etc., rather than going straight to a particular term BT See broader term bull etin A publication of an organization with information for members and/or users call n um ber A number on a library item consisting of a classification number, a book number, and often a location symbol cart ograp hy The study of maps and map making catal og A list or database of library materials in a collection, a library or a group of libraries, arranged according to some definite plan catal oging -in-p ubli cati on CIP. Cataloging data produced by the national library or other agency of the country of publication, included in the work when it is published CD- ROM Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. A computer disc on which data is recorded and read using a laser. CD-ROM discs provide very large storage for computer programs and data, including audio, video and graphics censors hip Prohibition against publishing or distributing material that is considered objectionable for social, political, religious or other reasons; see also intellectual freedom cha rg e A record of a loan of library materials cha rging des k See loans desk cha t ref eren ce Electronic reference communication in real time CIP See cataloging in publication
GLOSSARY cir cula tion d es k
187
The place in the library where materials are checked out; generally near the
door citati on Reference to a text or part of a text from which a passage is quoted, or to a source regarded as an authority for a statement or argument citati on ind ex A list of articles that, after the appearance of the original article, refer to or cite that article citati on p earl growin g A technique in database searching for expanding citations by linking from terms in a relevant article classifi cati on A system for organizing information by some system often by subject such as Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Classification classifi ed catalo g A catalog of records arranged in order according to the classification system such as Dewey Decimal Classification or Library of Congress Classification clien t 1. A person who is served by an information agency. 2. In a network, a personal computer that requests information or applications from the network server colla tion The physical description of an information item such as a book, indicating the number of volumes, pages, illustrations, format, size, etc. col op hon A note at the end of the text or on the verso of the title page, identifying printing details such as the printer’s name, font type and size, paper, binding, logo, etc. co mpa ct dis c r ead -only memory See CD-ROM co mpendiu m An outline or condensed form of the work competency The specification of the knowledge and skill and the application of that knowledge and skill to the standard of performance required in employment con cis e Short or brief con co rdan ce An alphabetical index of the important words in a book, or the works of an author, with references to the phrases and passages in the text con fer en ce pro ceedings The published papers given at a conference con fid entiality Respect for the individual’s privacy; law in most states and provinces protects confidentiality of library records con ten ts pag e The page at the front of a book or serial which lists the contents in the order in which they appear; see also parts of a book con troll ed vo cab ulary Terms found in an authoritative list of terms—e.g., Library of Congress Subject Headings, a database thesaurus copy rig ht The exclusive right given by law to authors, composers or publishers to sell, reproduce or publish a work during a stated period of time. It is a form of protection for works, such as novels and journal articles, which result from the skill and labor of a creator, and for other subject matter which results from the investment of a producer, such as a film copy rig ht n oti ce The copyright symbol with the year of publication, copyright holder, and phrase “all rights reserved,” placed on the verso of the title page cros s refer en ce Direction from one term or entry to another cu rren cy Up-to-dateness cu rren t awar eness b ull etin A publication provided by a library to keep users up-to-date with information in their interest areas cu rren t awaren ess s ervice A service provided by a library to keep users up-to-date with information in their interest areas databas e A collection of records, usually in machine-readable format, each record being the required information about one item
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dedica tion
A personal choice of the author to devote the work to a person or persons; usually found after the title page; see also parts of a book dep osito ry library A library designated to receive all or a portion of the government publications produced by the U.S. Government Printing Office or the Government of Canada derivati on Tracing a word to its source or root des crip tion Information about a work that can be derived from the work itself, including title, statement of responsibility, edition, publication details, physical description, series, and ISBN des crip tive Records words in a dictionary as they are used (and misused) without passing judgment. Cf prescriptive des crip tor The term often used in electronic databases for subject headings, terms, or controlled vocabulary; often indicated in the record as the DE field dicti onary An alphabetically arranged publication containing information about words, meanings, derivations, spelling, pronunciation, syllabication and usage diff er entiat ed s ervi ce See tiered service digest An abridgment or condensed version digital library A library containing machine-readable materials directi onal inquir y A question about where something is located direct ory A list of names of residents, organizations or firms in a city, region, country or internationally, providing various details such as addresses, telephone numbers, email, fax; a list of members of a particular profession or trade discussion gro up See newsgroup disinterm ediati on Delivery of information without the help (mediation) of a librarian do cu men t d elivery The physical or electronic delivery of documents, usually articles, on request domain na m e The address for a specific site on the Internet. The three parts of the domain name are the protocol (e.g., www), the institution or organization (e.g., ala=American Library Association), and the domain code indicating the type of entity (e.g., org=organization, edu=education, gov=government). Countries outside the United States use a country code at the end—e.g., ca=Canada downl oad To transfer a file from another computer to one’s own computer e-b oo k Electronic book. A digital (machine-readable) book editi on All the copies of a work produced from the same original edit or Person who prepares another person's work for publication e-j our nal Electronic journal; also called e-zine email Electronic mail. A method of sending and receiving messages electronically en crypti on A process of coding sensitive electronic material being transmitted via public channels to make it more secure en cyclop edia Also encyclopaedia (Canadian, British, Australian spelling). A systematic summary of significant knowledge; a summary of the knowledge of one subject. Usually arranged alphabetically end user The person who will be using the results of the information search ep hemera Materials such as pamphlets, flyers, and clippings of interest for a short time epilo gu e Statement at the end of a work epony m A word based on a person's name, e.g., Braille, Wellington boot e-r es erv e Electronic reserve. Item on reserve in an academic library available online errata A list of errors found after the book was printed; printed separately and “tipped in,” or pasted in, at the beginning of the book; erratum (singular form of the word) et hics Rules of behavior or conduct
GLOSSARY ety mol ogy
189
The derivation of a word, its origin and history Ex cit e A service which locates information on the World Wide Web ex haus tivity The level to which the content is described for retrieval fair d ealing The concept in Canadian copyright law that allow users to make single copies of portions of works for "research and private study". Cf fair use fair use The concept in United States copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, such as for scholarship or review. Cf fair dealing false drop An irrelevant entry retrieved in database searching when using keywords FAQ Frequently Asked Questions. Answers to commonly asked questions; usually on a website file In database searching, a collection of related information records First Sear ch An OCLC service that provides access to a set of databases form 1. The way in which bibliographic text is arranged—e.g., dictionary. 2. Type of literary work—e.g., poetry, drama forma t 1. Appearance of a publication—its size, paper, type, binding etc. 2. Layout or presentation of items in machine-readable form free vs . f ee-bas ed servi ce A service offered by some libraries where library staff do extended research or provide extra services for a fee; may include in-depth research or copying articles; also provided by information brokers in for-profit businesses free t ex t sear ching A technique for searching the entire text using natural language frequ en cy The interval of publication of periodicals such as daily, weekly, semimonthly, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannually, and annually frontispi ece An illustration in a book facing the title page fugi tive mat erial Publications difficult to locate, generally because of small publishing quantities full t ex t Complete document full t ex t data base Database which contains the complete text of the items included gaz ett eer A geographical directory listing places, their locations and information about them genr e li tera tur e Categories of literature based on themes such as fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, and western glossary An alphabetical list of definitions of terms related to a specific subject often at the back of a book Goo gle An Internet search engine Gover nm ent Printin g Of fice ( GP O) United States agency that publishes and distributes official documents gov ernm ent do cum ent A document prepared for or by a government agency which is published and distributed for public information GPO See Government Printing Office half ti tle The brief, or sometimes full, title of a book printed on the right hand side of the page preceding the title page; see also parts of a book handb oo k A concise ready reference source of information for a particular field of knowledge Hansard The official report of proceedings in parliaments and provincial legislatures hits Database searching: the number of items retrieved; Internet searching: the number of times a site is visited hol dings The resources found in a library collection ho me pa g e A starting screen on the Web with links to related pages; usually gives information such as the title, author or creator, date or update, and copyright notice
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hyp ert ex t
Information connected via links in the text, with a computer automating movement from one piece of information to another IL L See interlibrary loan imprint Publisher’s name, and date and place of publication index 1. An alphabetical list of terms or topics in a work, usually found at the back. 2. A systematically arranged list that indicates the contents of a document or group of documents indexin g servi ce A periodical publication that regularly and systematically indexes the contents of periodical and sometimes other publications informa tion ag en cy An organization that provides access to information—e.g., a library, an archive informa tion br oker An information provider working for a fee informa tion des k A desk located near the entrance of the library to provide assistance to library users; small libraries generally combine an information desk and a reference desk informa tion r etri eval Finding information in a library or collection ingenta A commercial document delivery service in which users pay to order documents online and have them faxed. Previously known as UNCOVER initialism See acronym intell ect ual f reed om The right of any person to read and express views that may be unpopular or offensive to others interlibra ry loan A loan made by one library to another for the use of an individual, including the provision of a photocopy of the original work requested Int ernational Standar d Bo o k Nu mb er A number intended to be unique, assigned by an agency in each country to all books published. Identifies the publisher, language and title. Adopted internationally in 1969 Int ernational Standard Serial N um ber An internationally recognized number assigned to each serial publication by the International Serials Data System (ISDS), a network of national centers sponsored by UNESCO Int ern et A world-wide network of computer networks all linked together Int ern et Ex plor er Computer software that enables users to browse the World Wide Web, and move from one site or document to another introd u ction A preliminary section which introduces a work; see also parts of a book ISB N See International Standard Book Number ISSN See International Standard Serial Number jargon 1. The terminology of a profession or group. 2. Slang journal A periodical issued by an institution, corporation or learned society containing current information and reports of activities or works in a particular field keywor d A significant term found in a document that identifies subject content langua ge di ctiona ry A dictionary with words in one language and definitions in the other; may be in two parts with words in the second language and definitions in the first as well large prin t Materials which are published in a larger than usual print to help people who are visually impaired LC SH See Library of Congress Subject Headings let ter -by -l ett er alp hab etizin g An approach to alphabetizing where spaces are ignored legal dep osit The law (part of the Copyright Act) which requires publishers to deposit copies of all Australian publications with the National Library of Australia, state libraries and other designated libraries lexi con A dictionary, most often of ancient languages; from the Greek lexis meaning word
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A person with a library qualification recognized as professional, such as a masters degree—usually MLS or MLIS—from an accredited program; working at a professional level librarianship The profession of the people who staff libraries, and the management of libraries and library services library 1. A collection of books and other materials for reading, study or reference. 2. A place housing a collection of materials for reading, study or reference, or from which to borrow Library o f Con gr ess Subj ect Hea dings (LCSH) Standard words and phrases used in cataloging to indicate the subject of the work; available in a multi-volume set of printed subject headings and online library t echni cian A person with a qualification in librarianship recognized as paraprofessional by the relevant library association, or working at a paraprofessional level link A keyword, phrase or graphic on the Web that connects to another web page LI ST SERV The first electronic mailing list software application. The term is often used generically to indicate any discussion list literat ur e s earch A systematic and thorough search for information on a topic loan A recorded transaction in which a borrower removes an item from a collection for a stated period of time loans d es k The area of the library where staff handle loans local area networ k (LAN) A small networked computer system, often within one building; used for communication and access to electronic information loca tion sy mbo l The notation, generally preceding the call number, indicating the place where material is housed—e.g., REF for reference, YA for young adult, or CD for compact disc machin e-r eadab le Needing a computer to process or interpret manual (adj) Without the use of a computer. (n) A book of instruction on doing, making or performing something map A representation, normally to scale, of an area of the earth’s surface or another celestial body MA RC MAchine-Readable Cataloging. A standard for describing bibliographic characteristics of information items, used in cataloging library materials media sp ecialist A person who works with nonprint media as well as print; often used for teacher-librarian mediat ed sear ch An information search in which a librarian, the intermediary, assists the library patron men u- driven p rog ram A computer program which provides menus for choosing options metasear ch engin e A search engine that passes a query on simultaneously to several other search engines, and then combines the results. Examples include Ixquick Metasearch, Vivismo ML A styl e A standard format for citing information sources developed by the Modern Language Association; generally used in the humanities micr ofi ch e A microfilmed transparency about the size and shape of a filing card, which may have on it many pages of print mono grap h A publication either complete in one part or in a finite number of separate parts. Cf serial narrower t erm NT. A concept used in subject analysis and thesaurus or controlled vocabulary construction to indicate a hierarchical relationship; a term lower in the classification; more specific; see also broader term (BT) and related term (RT) national bibli ograp hy A listing of the publications of a country, about that country, by the residents of that country, in the language of that country
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A library maintained by government funds and serving the nation as whole. It is usually the country’s legal deposit library, and collects and preserves the nation’s literature national uni on catalo g A listing of the holdings of a large number of libraries in a particular country natural lan g uag e Terms used in a document without being modified; computer programming language that resembles human language Nets cape Computer software that enables users to browse the World Wide Web, and move from one site or document to another netw or k 1. A group of computers connected together to transmit information to each other. 2. Two or more libraries or other organizations which exchange information newsg ro up A group communicating on the Internet which can form on any topic or subject. Messages (news) can be sent electronically to the group to read and comment on news su mmar y A weekly or monthly looseleaf digest of news events, designed for storage in binders in chronological order notation Symbols such as letters or numbers representing classification; may be alphabetic, numeric, or alphanumeric NT See narrower term obit uary Notice of a person’s death often including a biographical sketch; included in biographical tools such as Biography index OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) A bibliographic utility providing a variety of services to libraries including cataloging, acquisitions, and interlibrary loan as well as access to online databases (FirstSearch) and e-books (netLibrary) off -sit e stora g e Storage of low usage materials away from the library generally for space reasons; generally available by request within 24 or 48 hours online Having direct access to information stored in a computer, having interactive communication with a computer OPA C Online public access computer. The library’s online catalog orien tation In libraries, an introduction to the facility, services, and resources paraphras e To express the same thing in other words paraprof essional Having a community college or equivalent qualification in library studies, and performing work at a paraprofessional level parliamen tary pap er A document presented to a Parliament and ordered by Parliament to be printed, including annual reports of government departments and agencies and reports commissioned by the government for discussion in Parliament parts o f a b oo k Generally the order is—half title, frontispiece, title page, printer’s imprint, copyright notice, dedication, preface, acknowledgments, contents, illustrations list, introduction, errata, text, appendices, notes, glossary, bibliography, index, and colophon; contributors’ list may be in the front or back matter path find er A brief guide to literature on a particular subject to aid information users in finding relevant information sources peer-r evie wed Articles in scholarly journals which have been evaluated by experts before acceptance for publication pen nam e An assumed name or pseudonym perio dical A serial with a distinctive title intended to appear in successive parts at stated and regular intervals. Often used as a synonym for serial perio dical in dex A subject index to a group of periodicals, usually in a general subject area phon eti c According to the sounds of spoken language
GLOSSARY plagiarism
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Copying without giving credit to the original author; from the Latin word plagiarius meaning “kidnap” point- of -us e instr uction Instructional aid placed with the resource, for example on screen, at the workstation, or in the front of the book positional s ear chin g See proximity precision The term used in database searching to indicate the effectiveness of the search; specifically the ratio of relevant documents retrieved to the total number of documents retrieved prefa ce The author’s or editor’s reasons for the book. It appears after the title page and before the introduction pres criptiv e Defines words in a dictionary and lays down standards of acceptability and usage. Cf descriptive pres ervation Changing the state of library material in order to protect the content—e.g., microfilming newspapers primary so urce Information providing first-hand, or original, knowledge of the topic such as personal papers or transcripts. Cf secondary sources proactive r ef er en ce s ervi ce Reference service where staff initiate contact with users prof essional Having a university or equivalent qualification in librarianship or information management, and working at a professional level profil e An outline of the interest area(s) of a user or a group of users. Used by the library to identify new information of interest to particular users projection A particular way of representing the earth (three-dimensional) on a map (twodimensional) proto col An agreed set of rules by which messages passed from one computer system to another are encoded and interpreted proximi ty A command in database searching to indicate how close certain words must be to each other pseudon ym A fictitious name used by an author such as Mark Twain used by Samuel Clemens; see also pen name publi cation The issuing of copies of a book or other item to the public publi cation da te The year when the work was published; may vary from the copyright date; usually found on the verso (back) of the title page; also called imprint date publi c library A library funded by government that provides library services to all sections of the community publis her A person or body which issues copies of a book or other item to the public quo tation bo o k Reference book containing famous words; may be indexed chronologically or alphabetically by subject, author, or first line rea ctive r efer en ce servi ce An approach to service whereby librarians communicate with users only when approached or asked for help read ers ’ a dvisor A library staff member who advises readers on their choice of books and generally assists in the use of the resources of the library ready r ef er en ce qu ery A question requiring factual information from one simple source real tim e Simultaneous or actual time recall In database searching the term indicates the ratio of the total number of relevant documents in the database to the number of relevant documents retrieved recipro cal b orrowin g An arrangement between library systems allowing users to check out materials from other systems
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The right hand (front) page of a book; verso (back or reverse) is the left hand side of the title page ref er eed Peer reviewed ref er en ce b oo k See reference work ref er en ce col lecti on A collection of resources intended to be referred to rather than read. Usually not for loan outside the library ref er en ce d es k The area of the library where staff provide assistance in using the library, and answer requests for information ref er en ce int erview The face-to-face exchange between a library staff member and a user to communicate, refine or clarify a reference inquiry ref er en ce s ervices Services to library users including instruction, meeting requests for specific information and assistance, and the management of the use and circulation of library materials and equipment ref er en ce s trat eg y The process of finding answers to reference queries in the fastest, most efficient way ref er en ce w ork 1. A work intended to be referred to rather than read. 2. The work of the library which provides assistance to users seeking information relat ed t erm A similar subject heading or descriptor; not to be confused with a hierarchical relationship indicating a “broader” or “narrower” relationship rem ot e access Access by users from outside the library; often requires authorization by name, number and/or password repro grap hy A generic term for reproduction including the use of a photocopy machine or reader/printer res ear ch qu ery A question requiring complex information which cannot be obtained from a single source reso ur ce sharin g Formal or informal arrangements of libraries to share information; arrangements sometimes referred to as consortia or networks RL G Research Libraries Group RL IN Research Libraries Information Network role play 1. Performing an imaginary role, especially as a method of instruction or training. 2. Acting out real-life situations RO M Read-only memory. Memory that can be read only and remains after the power is turned off rotat ed in dex An index showing each major term of the subject phrase in alphabetical order; permuted index roving A proactive technique of reference where the librarian moves around the library or reference area, offering help RT See related term R USA Reference and User Services Association. The division of the American Library Association concerned with reference services schoo l library A library in a school that provides library service to students and staff scop e no t e A note in subject indexing describing the use of the term SDI Selective dissemination of information. See current awareness service sear ch engin e Software that locates information in a database or set of databases, especially on the Internet; examples include Google and Yahoo! sear ch his tory A useful feature of some databases allowing the user to see all of the elements of the current search and previous searches
GLOSSARY sear ch st rat egy
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1. The approach adopted to finding information on a particular topic. 2. The search statements used to answer a question sear ch t er m A word, phrase or number entered by a user to find the records on a database that match the term secon dary so ur ce Information based on information other than original sources see also r ef erence A direction from one heading to another when both are used see r ef erence A direction from one heading, which is not used, to another heading which is used sel ective dissemination of inf ormati on See current awareness service sel ective ind exing The term used in indexing of periodicals where choices are made regarding what to index from an issue; the opposite of cover-to-cover indexing where everything in the issue is indexed; for example ERIC does selective indexing of many titles whereas Education Index indexes fewer journals but does cover-to-cover indexing semi -m ont hly Twice a month (every half month) semi -w eekly Twice a week (every half week) serial A publication issued in successive parts and intended to be continued indefinitely. Cf monograph sh elf lif e The period of time an item is useful sh elflist ord er In the same order as the books on the shelf special librar y A library specializing in a limited subject area. Usually maintained by a corporation, association or government agency specifi cations A detailed description of requirements standard An established measure of quality and value; a precise statement of criteria necessary to ensure that a product, material or procedure is fit for its purpose statisti cs Numerical facts often presented in a table stemming See truncation style man ual A guide to citations and other issues of style (e.g., punctuation, hyphenation) for bibliographies and research papers; often found at ready reference desks. Examples include Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, MLA handbook for writers of research papers, and Chicago manual of style subj ect biblio grap hy A publication listing references on a topic subj ect h ea ding A heading that describes a subject and provides subject access to a catalog Su Do cs nu mb er The classification number used on all United States federal documents Su perin ten d ent o f Do cu men ts nu mb er See SuDocs number surro gat e A substitute; for example, a surrogate record represents the work itself; an electronic record, abstract, or copy is a surrogate for the original synonym A word with the same meaning as another. Cf antonym synopti c Summary; including summaries or abstracts (synopses) technical library A library or collection that contains resources to support applied sciences such as engineering teln et A protocol for access to text-only databases on the Internet, especially used for access to library catalogs. Now largely superseded tex t The body or main part of a book; see also parts of a book th esau rus (Plural thesauri) 1. A work containing synonymous and related words and phrases. 2. A list of controlled terms used in a database tier ed s ervi ce Degrees or levels of service title A word or phrase which names an item
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title chang e
A change in the official title, e.g., of a journal; indicated in the notes section of the bibliographic record title pag e The page which provides the most complete information about the author and title, and is used as the most authoritative source of cataloguing data topi cal 1. Relating to matters of interest of the day. 2. Relating to a subject tracings Additional search headings used for an information item such as subject, joint author, illustrator, or series trad e bib liograp hy A listing of books available for sale in a country, together with details of publishers etc. needed for purchase trun cati on An electronic search feature allowing a symbol (often an asterisk*) to substitute for the end of a root word. Example: educat* would retrieve all words with the root “educat” including education, educator, educational, etc. See also wildcard Ulri ch’s P erio dical Dir ectory Trade bibliography for serials published by Bowker. Lists all current serials published anywhere in the world unabrid ged Complete, not shortened unifor m r eso ur ce l oca tor See URL union catalo g Catalog of the holdings of more than one library URL Uniform Resource Locator. The address of a site on the World Wide Web user A person served by an information agency user-f rien dly A generic term for making library functions easy to use by patrons vanity publi cati on Work financed by the author; self-published vend or A supplier of library materials and/or equipment, including library systems verso The reverse side of the title page; usually includes the name of the publisher, place of publication, date of publication, ISBN, copyright notice, and other publication details virtual library Digital (electronic) format; library without walls virtual r ef er ence Reference service without walls Web See World Wide Web web brows er A program which enables the user to access the World Wide Web, e.g., Netscape, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Mozilla Firefox web dir ector y A web search tool in which websites are collected and evaluated by human beings, and organized under appropriate subject headings or categories, e.g., Yahoo!, Academic Info, Infomine web s erv er A program that stores documents on the World Wide Web and associated files, databases and scripts, and makes them available via a web browser websit e A location on the Internet that houses a set of linked pages or screens weig htin g An algorithm-based system for predicting relevance of documents retrieved in an electronic search wildcar d A database feature permitting the substitution of a symbol (such as # or ?) to represent a letter or letters within a word, for example wom#n or wom?n would retrieve the words woman or women word -by -wor d alpha betizing Alphabetizing system where spaces come before the letter “a” World Wid e W eb A collection of sites on the Internet in which users can move easily from one document or site to another by means of hypertext links WWW See World Wide Web Yah oo! A service that locates information on the World Wide Web yearb oo k An annual publication containing current information in brief, descriptive and/or statistical form
REFERENCES References in each chapter are included as well as some additional relevant titles and websites. Editions are generally the latest at the time of writing but frequent updates are typical for most reference materials. Similarly, Internet addresses (URLs) were correct but may have changed.
Chapter 1—Reference Services Definitions of a Reference Transaction. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/definitionsreference.htm Gers, Ralph and Lillie Seward. 1985. Improving Reference Performance: Results of a Statewide Study. Library Journal 110: 32-35 Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinesbehavioral.htm Guidelines for Cooperative Reference Services. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinescooperative.htm Guidelines for Implementing and Maintaining Virtual Reference Services. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/virtrefguidelines.htm Guidelines for Information Services. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinesinformation.htm Guidelines for Liaison Work in Managing Collections and Services. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinesliaison.htm Guidelines for the Introduction of Electronic Information Resources to Users. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/rusa/stnd_electron.html Jennerich, Elaine Z and Edward J. Jennerich. 1997. The Reference Interview as a Creative Art. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services Librarians. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/professional.htm Project Wombat: a popular reference discussion list for difficult questions project-wombat.org Ronan, Jana Smith. 2003. Chat Reference: A Guide to Live Virtual Reference Service. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited
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Chapter 2— Ref erence S ources General American Reference Books Annual. Annual. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Balay, Robert, ed. Guide to Reference Books. 11th ed. 1996. Chicago: American Library Association Bopp, Richard E. and Linda C. Smith, eds. 2001. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed., Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Cassell, Kay Ann and Uma Hiremath. 2006. Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century. New York: Neal-Schuman Duckett, Bob, Peter Walker and Christinea Donnelly. 2004. Know it All, Find it Fast: An A-Z Source Guide for the Enquiry Desk. 2nd ed. London: Facet Evans, G. Edward and Margaret R. Zarnosky. 2005. Developing Library and Information Center Collections. 5th ed. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Hysell, Shannon Graff. Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries and Media Centers. 2005. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Janes, Joseph. 2003. Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age. New York: Neal-Schuman Katz, William A. 2002. Introduction to Reference Work. 2 vols. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Kennedy, Scott E. 1999. Reference Sources for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries. 6th ed. Chicago: American Library Association Lane, Nancy D., Margaret Chisholm and Carolyn Mateer. 2000. Techniques for Student Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Using the Library. New York: Neal-Schuman New Walford: Guide to Reference Resources. 2005-. London: Library Association Riedling, Ann. 2005. Reference Skills for the School Library Media Specialist: Tools and Tips. 2nd ed. Worthington, Ohio: Linworth Van Orden, Phyllis and K. Bishop. 2001. The Collection Program in Schools: Concepts, Practices and Information Sources. 3rd ed. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Special Topics Amborgi, Robert J. 2004. Essential Guide to the Best (and Worst) Legal Sites on the Web. New York: ALM Anderson, P.F. and Nancy J. Allee, eds. 2004. Medical Library Association Encyclopedic Guide to Searching and Finding Health Information on the Web. New York: Neal-Schuman Boorkman, Jo Ann and Fred W. Roper, eds. 2004. Introduction to Reference Sources in the Health Sciences. 4th ed. New York: Neal-Schuman Encyclopedia of Business Information Sources. 2006. Detroit, Mich.: Thomson Gale
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Guidelines for Medical, Legal and Business Responses. 2001. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinesmedical.htm Medical and Health Care Books and Serials In Print. Annual. New York: Bowker Moss, Rita W. and Diane Wheeler Strauss. 2004. Strauss’s Handbook of Business Information. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Worlely, Loyita. 2006. BIALL Handbook of Legal Information Management. Burlington, Vt.: Ashgate Reference—General Periodicals These are examples and will not be available in every library. American Libraries. Chicago: American Library Association. Each May issue includes “Outstanding Reference Books of the Year” Booklist Including Reference Books Bulletin. Semi-monthly. Chicago: American Library Association www.booklistonline.com (subscription) Choice. Monthly. Chicago: American Library Association Horn Book Magazine. Bimonthly. Boston: EBSCO Library Journal. Semi-monthly. New York: Bowker Media & Methods. Monthly (except June-August). Philadelphia: North American Publishing Co. Reference & User Services Quarterly. Chicago: American Library Association School Library Journal: The Magazine of Children’s, Young Adult, and School Librarians. Monthly. New York: Bowker Readers’ Advisory These are examples and will not be available in every library. Burgin, Robert. 2004. Nonfiction Readers' Advisory. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Carpan, Carolyn. 2004. Rocked by Romance: A Guide to Teen Romance Fiction. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Cords, Sarah Statz and Robert Burgin. 2006. The Real Story. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Dawson, Alma and Connie Jean Van Fleet. 2004. African American Literature: A Guide to Reading Interests. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Herald, Diana Tixier and Wayne A. Wiegand. 2006. Genreflecting: A Guide to Popular Reading Interests. 6th ed. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited
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Herald, Diana Tixler and Bonnie Kunzel. 2002. Strictly Science Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Johnson, Sarah L. 2005. Historical Fiction: A Guide to the Genre. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Mort, John. 2002. Christian Fiction: A Guide to the Genre. Greenwood Village, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Niebuhr, Gary Warren. 2003. Make Mine a Mystery: A Reader’s Guide to Mystery and Detective Fiction. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Pearl, Nancy. 2002. Now Read This II: A Guide to Mainstream Fiction, 1990-2001. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Reisner, Rosalind. 2004. Jewish American Literature: A Guide To Reading Interests. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Saricks, Joyce G. 2001. Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction. Chicago: American Library Association Saricks, Joyce G. 2005. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library. 3rd ed. Chicago: American Library Association Shearer, Kenneth D. and Robert Burgin. 2002. Readers’ Advisor’s Companion. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Smith, Sharron and Maureen O’Conner. 2005. Canadian Fiction: A Guide to Reading Interests. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited
Chapter 3— Di ctionari es These are examples and will not be available in every library. General American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. 2006. 4th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Available in print and CD-ROM. Barnhart, Robert K. and Sol Steinmetz. 2000. Chambers Dictionary of Etymology. Edinburgh: Chambers Barber, Katherine. 2004. Canadian Oxford Dictionary. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press Freesearch Online British English Dictionary www.freesearch.co.uk/dictionary (free) Collins English Dictionary. 2004. 6th ed. New York: HarperCollins Dictionary www.dictionary.com (free)
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Macmillan Dictionary for Children. 2001. 4th ed. New York: Simon & Schuster Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. 2003. 11th ed. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster www.m-w.com (free) Oxford English Dictionary. 1989. 2nd ed. 20 vols. New York: Oxford University Press. Available in print, CD-ROM and online www.oed.com (subscription) Random House Webster’s College Dictionary. 1997. 2nd ed. New York: Random House Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 2002. 5th ed. 2 vols. Oxford: Oxford University Press Ultimate Visual Dictionary. 2002. Rev. ed. New York: DK Publishing Webster’s New World College Dictionary. 1999. 4th ed. New York: Macmillan Webster’s Third New International Dictionary. 2002. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster member.m-w.com/subscribe.php (subscription) Specialized Dictionaries and Other Word Books Acronym Finder www.acronymfinder.com (free) Bartlett, John. 2002. Familiar Quotations. 17th ed. Boston: Little, Brown Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2005. 17th ed. New York: Collins Chambers Dictionary of Science and Technology. 2004. New Delhi : Allied Chambers Dictionary of American Slang. 1995. 3rd ed. New York: HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Library History. 1994. New York: Garland Fowler’s Modern English Usage. 2004. Rev. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America. 2000. 2nd ed. 3 vols. Detroit: Gale. Print and e-book Hall, Joan Houston. 2002. Dictionary of American Regional English. Cambridge, Mass.: Belknap Press of Harvard University International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. 1991. New York: Macmillan Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations 2nd ed. www.askoxford.com/dictionaries/quotation_dict/?view=uk (free) McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. 2002. 9th ed. 20 vols. New York: McGrawHill www.AccessScience.com (subscription) Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. 2004. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available online
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Partridge, Eric. 2003. Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English. 8th ed. New York: Routledge Reade M. and Bohdan Romanenchuk. 2006. Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary. 36th ed. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus. 2003. 3rd ed. Rev. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Roget’s International Thesaurus. 2001. 6th ed. New York: HarperResource RhymeZone (rhyming dictionary and thesaurus) www.rhymezone.com (free) Urban Dictionary (slang) www.urbandictionary.com (free) Thesaurus.com www.thesaurus.com (free) Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases. 2003. London: Penguin. Webster's New Explorer Dictionary Of Synonyms & Antonyms. 2003. Springfield, Mass.: Federal Street Press
Chapter 4—Encyclopedias These are examples and will not be available in every library. Most encyclopedias are updated annually. Most online encyclopedias require a subscription. Academic American Encyclopedia. 21 vols. Danbury, Conn.: Grolier Cambridge Encyclopedia. 2000. 4th ed. New York: Cambridge University Press Canadian Encyclopedia. Toronto: Historical Foundation of Canada www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com (free) Chambers Encyclopedia. 2001. Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap Dictionary of Art www.groveart.com (subscription) Encyclopedia Americana. Annual. 30 vols. Danbury, Conn.: Scholastic Library Publishing auth.grolier.com/cgi-bin/authV2?bffs- (subscription) Encyclopaedia Britannica. Annual. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica www.britannica.com/ (free summaries) Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. 2005. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, Fla.: Taylor & Francis
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Encyclopedia of Religion www.gale.com (subscription) Encyclopedia of the Orient. www.lexicorient.com/e.o/ (free) Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America www.gale.com (subscription) Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Annual. Online and CD-ROM. Danbury, Conn.: Grolier www.go.grolier.com (subscription) Grzimeck’s Animal Life Encyclopedia www.galegroup.com (subscription) Encarta. Redmond, Wash.: Microsoft. Online and CD-ROM encarta.msn.com (free summaries) McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. 2002. 9th ed. 20 vols. New York: McGrawHill www.AccessScience.com (subscription) Wikipedia. www.wikipedia.org (free) World Book Encyclopedia. 22 vols. Annual. Chicago: World Book www.worldbook.com (subscription) Reviews Nonprint Encyclopedias www.consumersearch.com/www/software/encyclopedias/index.html
Chapter 5—Fast Facts These are examples and will not be available in every library. American Fact Finder www.census.gov (free) Canadian Almanac and Directory. Annual. Toronto: Micromedia ProQuest il.proquest.com/products_pq/descriptions/canadian_almanac.shtml (subscription) Consumer Reports www.consumerreports.org (subscription) Fact Monster. Information Please (for children) www.factmonster.com/ (free) New York Times 2007 Almanac. Annual. New York: Penguin
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Occupational Outlook Handbook. Biennial www.bls.gov/oco (free) Robert’s Rules of Order. 4th ed. www.rulesonline.com or www.bartleby.com/176 (free) Forum for asking questions: www.robertsrules.com (free) Scholastic Book of World Records 2005. New York: Scholastic Statesman’s Yearbook. Annual. London: Palgrave www.sybworld.com (subscription) Statistical Abstract of the United States. Annual www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ (free) . Time Almanac with Information Please. Annual. Boston: Information Please www.infoplease.com/almanacs.html (free) World Almanac and Book of Facts. Annual. New York: Press Pub. Co. (The New York World) www.facts.com (subscription) Yearbooks, Handbooks, Manuals Bowker Annual: Library & Book Trade Almanac. Annual. Medford, N.J.: Information Today (The popular name is The Bowker Annual) Cambridge Factfinder. 2000. 4th ed. New York: Cambridge University Press Downes, John and Jordan Elliot Goodman. Barron’s Finance & Investment Handbook. 2006. 7th ed. Hauppauge, N.Y: Barron's Educational Series Emily Post’s Etiquette. 17th ed. 2004. (print). The 1922 edition is searchable online at www.bartleby.com/95/ (free) Europa World Year Book. Annual. London: Europa Publications www.worldoflearning.com/ (subscription) Kelley Blue Book: Used Car Guide. Annual. Irvine, Calif.: Kelley Blue Book Library & Book Trade Almanac. See Bowker Annual: Library & Book Trade Almanac. Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 2006. 18th ed. Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 2003. 6th ed. New York: Modern Language Association of America Whitaker’s Almanack. Annual. London: A&C Black
REFERENCES
Chapter 6— Biog raphical Resources These are examples and will not be available in every library. American National Biography www.anb.org (subscription) Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-Present bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp (free) Biography and Genealogy Master Index. Biannual. Detroit, Mich.: Gale www.gale.com (subscription) Biography.com www.biography.com (free) Biography Index. Quarterly. Bronx, N.Y.: H.W. Wilson www.hwwilson.com/databases/bioind.htm (subscription) Canadian Who’s Who. Annual. Toronto: University of Toronto Press Chambers Biographical Dictionary. 2002. 7th ed. Edinburgh: Chambers Current Biography. Monthly issues; annual yearbooks. New York: H.W. Wilson Current Biography Illustrated www.hwwilson.com/databases/cbillus.htm (subscription) Dictionary of American Biography. New York: Charles Scribners Dictionary of National Biography. New York: Oxford University Press www.oup.com/oxforddnb/ (subscription) Encyclopedia of World Biography. Annual supplements. Detroit: Thomson Gale International Who’s Who. Annual. London: Europa Publications, Taylor & Francis Group www.worldwhoswho.com (subscription) Literature Resource Center. Detroit, Mich.: Gale www.gale.com/LitRC (subscription) Merriam-Webster’s Biographical Dictionary. 1995. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. 2004. 60 vols. New York: Oxford University Press www.oxfordonline.com/online/odnb (subscription) Who Was Who in America. Annual. Chicago: Marquis Who’s Who. Annual. New York: St. Martin’s Press Who’s Who in America. Annual. New Providence, N.J.: Marquis www.marquiswhoswho.com (subscription)
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Who’s Who in the Twentieth Century. Annual. Oxford: Oxford University Press oxfordreference.com (subscription)
Chapter 7—Geogra phi cal Resources These are examples and will not be available in every library. Atlas of Canada atlas.gc.ca (free) British Library Map Collection www.bl.uk/collections/maps (free) Cartographica Extraordinaire: The Historical Map Transformed www.davidrumsey.com (free) Centre for Topographic Information of Natural Resources Canada (CTI). Canadian Maps maps.nrcan.gc.ca (free) CIA World Factbook Maps of countries www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook (free) Columbia Gazetteer of the World. 1998. 3 vols. New York: Columbia University Press www.columbiagazetteer.org (subscription) Environment Protection Agency. EnviroMapper maps.epa.gov/enviro (free) Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names Online www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/tgn (free) Google Maps maps.google.com (free) Hammond World Atlas. 2003. 4th ed. Union, N.J.: Hammond Historical Atlas of Canada. 2002. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre History of Cartography Gateway www.maphistory.info (free) Infomine. Selective list of map links for the United States infomine.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/search?maps Library of Congress American Memory Collection lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml (free)
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MapQuest www.mapquest.com Maps. Perry-Castenada Library, University of Texas www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/index.html Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary. 2001. 3rd ed. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster National Atlas of the United States. Interactive geological and topographical maps www.nationalatlas.gov National Geographic Atlas of the World. 2004. 8th ed. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society. Maps for free and for purchase www.nationalgeographic.com/maps Odden’s Bookmarks: Fascinating World of Maps and Mapping. Links to map collections oddens.geog.uu.nl Rand McNally Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide. Annual. Chicago: Rand McNally www.randmcnally.com/ Rand McNally Road Atlas. Annual. Chicago: Rand McNally Terraserver. Maps and aerial photographs of the United States www.terraserver.microsoft.com Times Atlas of the World. 2005. 11th ed. New York: HarperResource United States Bureau of the Census. Census Maps www.census.gov/geo/www/maps (free) United States Geological Survey www.usgs.gov (free) United States Geological Survey. Topozone. Interactive topographic maps www.topozone.com United States National Parks lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml (free) Yale University Map Collection www.library.yale.edu/MapColl/index.html (free) About M ap s
Larsgaard, Mary Lynette. 1998. Map Librarianship: An Introduction. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited
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Chapter 8—Bibli ogra phies and Lib rary Catalogs These are examples and will not be available in every library. Many library catalogs are available online. Several are listed. Books in Print. Annual. New Providence, N.J.: Bowker www.bowker.com (subscription) British National Bibliography www.bl.uk/services/bibliographic/natbib.html (free) Canadiana www.collectionscanada.ca/canadiana/index-e.html (free) Gale Directory of Databases. Annual. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Group www.gale.com/pdf/fats/grrs/pdf (subscription) Guidelines for the Preparation of a Bibliography. American Library Association 2006. www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinespreparation.htm Magazines for Libraries. 2005. 14th ed. New Providence, N.J.: Bowker National Union Catalog (U.S.) www.catalog.loc.gov (free) Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory. Annual. New Providence, N.J.: Bowker www.bowker.com (subscription) Library Catalogs British Library Integrated Catalogue catalogue.bl.uk (free) Library and Archives Canada collectionscanada.ca (free) Library of Congress Online Catalog catalog.loc.gov (free) New York Public Library. CATNYP www.nypl.org (free) WorldCat worldcat. org/ (free)
Chapter 9—Directori es These are examples and will not be available in every library. American Library Directory. Annual. Medford, N.J.: Information Today books.infotoday.com (subscription)
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Books in Print. Annual www.bowker.com (subscription) Directories in Print. 2007. 2 vols. 26th ed. Detroit, Mich.: Thompson Gale Encyclopedia of Associations. Annual. Detroit, Mich.: Thompson Gale Europa World of Learning. 2006. 2 vols. 56th ed. London: Routledge www.worldoflearning.com/ (subscription) FaxUSA. 2005. Detroit, Mich.: Omnigraphics Gale Directory of Databases. Annual. Detroit, Mich.: Thomson Gale Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media. Annual. Detroit, Mich.: Thomson Gale Literary Market Place. 2 vols. Annual. New Providence, N.J.: Information Today books.infotoday.com (subscription) The Local Telephone Directory www.switchboard.com or www.anywho.com Official Museum Directory 2002. 32nd ed. New Providence, N.J.: National Register Publications Publishers, Distributors and Wholesalers of the U.S. Annual www.bowker.com (subscription) Research Centers Directory. 2006. 2 vols. 33rd ed. ed. Detroit, Mich.: Thomson Gale Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory. Annual www.bowker.com (subscription) World of Learning See Europa World of Learning
Chapter 10—Ind ex es and Abstracts These are examples and will not be available in every library. General Academic Search Elite. Birmingham, Ala.: Ebscohost Publishing www.epnet.com (subscription) Dialog Classic www.dialog.com/products/dialogclassic (subscription) Expanded Academic Text www.gale.com/ExpandedAcademic/ (subscription) First Search www.oclc.org/firstsearch/ (subscription)
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Gale Directory of Databases. Annual www.gale.com/pdf/facts.grrs.pdf (subscription) InfoTrac. Gale Group infotrac.galegroup.com (subscription) LexisNexis Academic www.lexisnexis.com/academic/universe/academic (subscription) Magazines for Libraries. Annual www.ulrichsweb.com (subscription) NewJour gort.ucsd.edu/newjour/NewJourWel.html Publishers, Distributors and Wholesale of the U.S. Annual www.bowker.com (subscription) Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature. New York: H.W. Wilson www.hwwilson.com/Databases/Readersg.htm (subscription) SIRS Researcher www.proquest.com (subscription) Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory. Annual www.bowker.com (subscription) Wilson Omnifile Full Text www.hwwilson.com/databases/omnifile.htm (subscription) Specialized American History and Life. ABC-CLIO. Available online by subscription Book Review Digest. Monthly. Bronx, N.Y.: H.W. Wilson. Available online by subscription Book Review Index. Continuous updates. Detroit, Mich.: Gale library.dialog.com/bluesheets/html (subscription) Columbia Granger’s Index to Poetry in Collected and Selected Works. 2004. 2nd ed. New York: Columbia University Press www.columbiagrangers.org/ (subscription) Education Index. Continuous updates. Bronx, N.Y.: H.W. Wilson www.educationindex.com/ (free) ERIC. Continuous updates. U.S. Department of Education www.eric.ed.gov/ (free) History Abstracts. Continuous updates. ABC-CLIO
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LitFinder. Continuous updates www.litfinder.com/ (subscription) MedlinePlus. Continuous updates. National Library of Medicine medlineplus.gov/ Play Index. Continuous updates www.hwwilson.com/print/playind.cfm (subscription) PsycINFO. Weekly updates. American Psychological Association psycinfo.apa.org/psycinfo/ Short Story Index. Continuous updates. Bronx, N.Y.: H.W. Wilson www.hwwilson.com/Databases/storeindec.htm Bibliographic Style Chicago Manual of Style. 2003. 15th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Available online by subscription Gilbaldi, Joseph. 2003. MLA Handbook for Writing Research Papers. 6th ed. New York: Modern Language Association of America Guidelines for the Preparation of a Bibliography. 2001. Chicago: American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinespreparation.htm Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 2001. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association
Chapter 11—Gov ernment Documents These are examples of thousands of United States Government documents available through the Internet. AGRICOLA, National Agricultural Library agricola.nal.usda.gov (free) American Statistics Index. Congressional Information Service www.lexisnexis.com/academic/3cis/cise/AmericanStatisticsIndex.asp (subscription) Background Notes. Department of State www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn Catalog of U.S. Government catalog.gpo.gov/f Crime in the United States, also known as Uniform Crime Reports www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm ERIC. Continuous updates. Department of Education www.eric.ed.gov/ (free)
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Index to International Statistics (IIS). Congressional Information Service www.lexisnexis.com/academic/3cis/cisi/IndexInternationalStatistics.asp (subscription) MedlinePlus. Continuous updates. National Library of Medicine medlineplus.gov/ Monthly Catalog Of United States Government Publications (MOCAT) www.gpo.gov Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Statistics www.bls.gov/oco Official Congressional Directory www.gpoaccess.gov/cdirectory/ Social Security Handbook. U.S. Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov/op_home/handbook Statistical Abstract of the United States. United States Bureau of the Census www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract.html Statistical Reference Index. Congressional Information Service LexisNexis statistical: www.lexisnexis.com/academic/1univ/stat/default.asp (subscription) Thomas. Library of Congress www.thomas.gov/ United States Government Manual www.gpoaccess.gov/gmanual/
Chapter 12—T he Internet Bartleby.com. Great books online www.bartleby.com/ The Internet Public Library www.ipl.org Librarians’ Internet index lii.org/
Chapter 1 3—Resea rchi ng and D eli vering Informati on The resources listed are examples of many resources available on the topics. United States American Association of School Librarians and Association for Educational Communications and Technology. 1998. Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning. Chicago: American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/informationliteracy.htm
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Association of College and Research Libraries. 2003. Guidelines for Instruction Programs in Academic Libraries. Chicago: American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/guidelinesinstruction.htm Association of College and Research Libraries. 2000. Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. Chicago: American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/informationliteracycompetency.htm Association of College and Research Libraries. 2001. Objectives for Information Literacy: A Model Statement for Academic Librarians. Chicago: American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/objectivesinformation.htm Bopp, Richard E. and Linda C. Smith. 2001. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Eisenberg, Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz. 1990. Information Problem-Solving: The Big Six Skills Approach to Library and Information Skills Instruction. Norwood, N.J.: Ablex Katz, William A. 2002. Introduction to Reference Work. 2 vols. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Kuhlthau, Carol Collier. 2004. Seeking Meaning: A Process Approach to Library Information Service. 2nd ed. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited Riedling, Ann Marlow. 2000. Reference Skills for the School Library Media Specialist: Tools & Tips. Worthington, Ohio: Linworth Press Canada About: Canada Online canadaonline.about.com/ (free) Atlas of Canada atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site (free) Canada Year Book. Annual. Ottawa: Statistics Canada Canadian Government Biographies Index canadaonline.about.com/od/canadiansingovernment/a/biographieslist.htm Government of Canada Publications publications.gc.ca/ LEGISinfo. Parliamentary Information and Research Service and the Information and Document Resource Service of the Library of Parliament www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISINFO Statistics Canada www.statcan.ca/ Government Of Canada Publications Weekly Checklist publications.gc.ca/control/weeklyChecklistMain?searchAction=4&searchAction=13&productId=1
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Chapter 14—Evalua tion The resources listed are examples of many resources available on the topics. Bopp, Richard E. and Linda C. Smith. 2001. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Durrance, Joan C. 1989. Reference Success: Does the 55% Rule Tell the Whole Story? Library Journal. 114, 31-36 Gatten, Jeffrey N. and Carolyn J. Radcliff. 2001. Assessing Reference Behaviors with Unobtrusive Testing. In Wallace, Danny P. and Connie Van Fleet, eds., Library Evaluation: A Casebook and Can-Do Guide. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited Gers, Ralph and Lillie Seward. 1985. Improving Reference Performance: Results of a Statewide Study. Library Journal 110: 32-35 Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers. 2006. American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/guidelinesbehavioral.htm Katz, William A. 2002. Introduction to Reference Work. 2 vols. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services Librarians. 2003. Chicago: American Library Association www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/referenceguide/professional.htm Ross, Catherine Sheldrick and Patricia Dewdney. 1998. Negative Closure: Strategies and Counter-Strategies in the Reference Transaction. Reference & User Services Quarterly 38(2): 151163 Whitlach, Jo Bell. 2000. Evaluating Reference Services. Chicago: American Library Association
LIBRA RY OF CONGRESS SU BJECT HEADINGS— USEFU L FORM SUBDIVISIONS FOR REFERENCE SERVICE Bibliography Biography Databases Dictionaries Directories Guidebooks Handbooks Indexes Maps Periodicals Statistics Study Guides Tables
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INDEX abstracting service, 114-120, 129 alerting services, 137-138 almanac, 69 atlas, 88 behavioral performance, 12 bibliographic control, 97 bibliographic utility, 95, 96 bibliographies, 95-97, 128, 134 biographical sources, 77-78, 128, 133 Boolean logic, 118, 151 catalog, 96-97 censorship, 22 census information, 90, 127, 129 citing references, 121 classification, 98-102, 124-126 communication, 13, 17, 160 concordance, 40 confidentiality, 21 copyright, 21 current awareness, 11 databases, 117-120 Depository Services Program, 132 dictionaries, 39-46 directional question, 14 directories, 105-106, 128, 146 domain names, 139-140 duty of care, 22 email, 137 encyclopedias, 55 ethics, 20-21 evaluating information on the Web, 141-142 reference service, 159-160 reference staff, 159-160 reference works, 23-24 Federal Depository Libraries program, 126 full text database, 115-120 gazetteer, 88 geographical sources, 87-91, 128, 133 GIS, 90 glossary, 40 government publications, 123-136 handbook, 70, 127, 133 index map, 89 indexing service, 113-120, 129 information-seeking models, 153 Internet, 137-152
legal publications, 129 requirements, 21-22 legislative publications, 129, 132 lexicon, 40 library instruction, 11 manual, 70, 127, 133 maps, 88-90 metasearch engines, 152 national bibliography, 96 news summaries, 70 online databases, 96-97, 115, 117-120 organizational sources, see directories packaging information, 154 parliamentary publications, 132-133 periodical index, see indexing service privacy, 21 readers’ advisory, 10, 13, 37 ready reference query, 14 reference desk, 19 interview, 17-18 questions, 14 services, 9-22 statistics, 131-142 strategy, see search strategy research query, 14 search engine, 147-151 strategy, 17-18 tips, 151 tools, 144-152 selecting reference works, 23-27 service points, 155 statistics, 27, 70, 127, 133 of queries, 161-172 subject directories, 145-146 SuDocs classification, 124-126 thesaurus, 42 trade bibliographies, 97 training, 12, 19 union catalog, 96 United Nations documents, 135-136 URLs, 139-140, 152 Wikipedia, 57 World Wide Web, 138-152 yearbook, 70, 127, 133
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