Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Biographical, Geographical Sources, Directories, Almanacs, Yearbooks, &...

Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Biographical, Geographical Sources, Directories, Almanacs, Yearbooks, & Handbooks

by

Jason W. Dean


TITLE EVALUATION USE Format Scope Authority Treatment Relation to Similar

Works Main Purposes

3 Reference Questions You Could Answer With This Source

Britannica Macropaedia, Micropedia, Propaedia

Each division (macropaedia, micropedia, and propaedia) offers a “How to use” section. Organized alphabetically within each section. Includes index.

Covers subjects from the entire known universe, written in English. Each entry is covered briefly.

Well-‐respected encyclopedia, with authors being experts in their fields. Contributors and authorities are listed for entire set in propaedia.

Subjects are treated succinctly, and objectively.

Unique in its reputation and role as the most respected encyclopedia. Shares format and information with other encyclopedias.

The purpose of this source is as a form of ready reference for patrons and librarians.

“What is an engine?” “Who was Abraham Lincoln?” “What is a democracy?”

Familiar Quotations

Does not include a section on usage. Entries are listed alphabetically according to the author’s last name. Includes index of quotes arranged alphabetically by first word of quote.

Covers well-‐known quotations, but does not specify amount covered. Includes ancient quotes to modern quotes. Each entry lists quotes by the author, as well as sources.

Well-‐known quotation reference work, with list of contributors being experts in their field.

Subjects are treated according to their number of famous quotes, and all entries are formatted in the same manner, regardless of length.

Shares information with other quotation reference works, and is not unique.

The purpose of this source is to provide an easy method by which users can discover the source of common quotations.

“What are the famous quotes of Abraham Lincoln?” “Who said ‘I think, therefore I am’?” “What are some good quotes about courage?”

World Book Encyclopedia

Includes “How to use” section.” Well illustrated throughout, entries listed alphabetically. Includes index.

Covers entries from the known universe, written in English. Each entry is covered briefly in a readable manner.

Lists contributors, but not considered authoritative. Sources are not listed.

Subjects are treated succinctly, in a easy to read manner, with many illustrations. Written objectively.

Much like other encyclopedias, except for the number of high-‐quality photos and illustrations.

The purpose of this source is to give patrons images along with words from entries.

“What does a Zebra look like?” “What is a skyscraper?” “What is a peanut?”

Oxford English Dictionary

Words listed alphabetically. Key to definitions of words is also available, as well as a list of abbreviations.

Covers only English words. Covers 290,500 words -‐ “the words that have formed the English vocabulary from the time of the earliest records to the present day." Covers each word’s history, definition, and other pertinent information comprehensively.

Highly respected dictionary, published by Oxford University, with a wide array of authors, a majority of whom have advanced degrees.

The information is alphabetically presented in an objective style.

Very unique in its scope, authority, and treatment. However, does not include many modern words.

The purpose of this source is to provide exhaustive information about the words it defines.

“What does the word _____ mean?” “Where did the word ____ come from?” “Did the word ____ mean something different in the past?”

Grove Dictionary of Art

Information on usage is given in the introduction. Organized alphabetically according to topic. Includes index, as well as several helpful appendices.

Covers topics from all periods and areas of art, in English. Illustrated.

Each entry is attributed to its authors, as well as including a bibliography. Also includes cross-‐reference suggestions. No information about the authors or editors is

Each entry follows the same format, presented alphabetically. Each entry is objectively discussed.

Compared to other art reference works, Grove’s is unique, both for its scholarship, as well as its scope.

The purpose of this source is to provide an authoritative first look at topics from all periods and areas of art.

“When was Picasso born?” “What is Pre-‐Raphaelite art?” “Who painted the Mona


given. Lisa?”


American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

Includes information on usage, in the front of the first volume. Organized alphabetically according to word.

Covers many common English words. Demonstrates pronunciation, parts of speech, as well as usage and the heritage of the word.

Contributors and editors are listed, and appear to be authoritative. Each entry is not signed, nor are sources given for the information contained within the dictionary.

Each entry follows the same format, with the same information presented in the same order. Presented objectively, and includes some illustrations.

The work is very similar to other works, but is presented in an easy to manage format.

The purpose of this source is to provide word usage assistance, in one easy to use volume.

“What does the word fibrosis mean?” “Is do a verb?” “How do you pronounce onomotopeia?”

Dictionary of American Biography

Does not include information on usage. Includes helpful indices. Entries are listed alphabetically, according to last name.

Does not include information about scope of dictionary, however all subjects are American, from all time periods pertinent to the United States.

More authoritative biographical dictionary, due to the association with the American Council of Learned Socities. Each entry cites sources, as well as being signed by the author of that entry.

Each entry follows the same format, listed alphabetically. Each entry is discussed objectively.

Unique only for its more authoritative nature than more current biographical resources.

The purpose of this work is to give an authoritative treatment of important Americans.

“What did John Adams do?” “What famous Americans attended Syracuse University?” “What does Louis Comfort Tiffany have to do with Tiffany’s?”

Who’s Who in America

Information on usage is not given. However, several helpful keys to abbreviations and other items help the user to better understand entries. Listed alphabetically, and includes geographic, as well as professional indices.

Covers “important” Americans. Criteria for admission is listed in beginning of first volume.

Respected as an important biographical resource. For each entry, sources are not given, nor are authors.

Each entry follows the same format, with consistent abbreviations and style. Objectivity can be doubted, as presumably subjects write their own entries.

Unique from other biographical reference sources because of the current nature of the subjects.

The purpose of this source is to provide basic biographical and contact information for the subjects listed within.

“Where did Joe Biden go for law school? “How can I contact Jesse Jackson?” “What are some well known physicians in our geographic area?”

Times Atlas of the World

Information on usage is not given. However, keys to symbols, as well as several helpful geographical comparison charts are provided. Listed according to the key shown inside the front cover. Includes index.

Covers all nations and major cities of the world, with reasonable detail in the maps – depending upon their scale.

Authors and editorial board are authorities. Maps are not cites, nor are authors given.

Each map has full color, as well as consistent symbols and markings. Scale is not constant, and is adjusted according to the size of the geographical area illustrated.

Similar to other works in its content and presentation, but is unique due to the authority of the authors and editors.

The purpose of this source is to provide a single-‐volume atlas of the world, with helpful additional geographical information.

“Where is Vladivostok, Russia?” “Is Seattle, Washington near Mt. St. Helens?” “How far is it from Dallas to El Paso?”

Times Atlas of World History

Information on usage is not given. However, keys to symbols are given. Maps are organized chronologically. Includes index.

Covers all major events in world history, with good detail in full-‐color maps.

Contributors are experts in their field, and The Times is well-‐respected as a commonly used geographic source. Sources used are not given, nor are authors names attached to their work.

Each map is in full color, using consistent symbols and markings. Scale is adjusted according to the geographical area illustrated.

Unique in its blend of history and geography. Is an excellent melding of two not dissimilar fields.

The purpose of this work is to give a geographical representation of major events in world history.

“How did MacArthur land at Inchon?” “How did early man move about the world?” “Where did the Mayans live?”


Historical Atlas of the United States

Information on usage is not provided. Keys for each map are given in the map and are not necessarily consistent through the work. Maps are arranged chronologically. Includes index.

Covers important events from American history, from the revolution to modern times with full color maps.

The author is an expert in American history. Sources are not given for the information provided in the book.

All maps are in full color, but with changing symbols requiring consultation of key in each map. Scale is adjusted according to the geographical area illustrated.

Unique in the geographic illustration of important American historical events.

The purpose of this work is to illustrate the changing nature of America, as well as illustrate important events.

“How has the size of the US changed over time?” “Where were important landmarks in Harlem in the 1920’s?” “Where was the lost colony of Roanoke located?”


TITLE EVALUATION USE

Format Scope

Authority Treatment

Relation to Similar Works

Main Purposes 3 Reference Questions You Could Answer With This Source

Old Farmer’s Almanac

Includes “How to use” section. Well illustrated, with information divided into several sections, as described in the table of contents.

Covers key agricultural and rural information for the year stated in title.

Generally, sources are not cited. However, individuals working in agriculture regard the information in the Almanac very highy.

Each area’s important points are covered concisely, and with many illustrations.

Unique in its comprehensiveness, an important first reference source for agricultural and meteorological questions.

The main purpose of this work is to help readers to improve their farming and gardening skills with good information.

“When is the best time to plant my squash?” “What kind of weather can we expect this year?” “When will we have a full moon in October?”

World Almanac and Book of Facts

Does not include section on usage. However, two helpful indices are included, as well as a table of contents demonstrating the organization of topics covered. Within each section, entries are listed alphabetically.

Covers key events of the year stated on the cover, as well as provides helpful general statistical information.

Some sections are credited, while others are not. Sources are generally not listed.

Each topic is covered well, but briefly.

Compiles in a convenient form information available elsewhere. Unique in that convenience, could be used as a good first reference tool for statistical information.

The main purpose of this work is as a convenient reference for statistics and key events in a calendar year.

“How many births were there in New Mexico last year?” “What is the largest city in the world? “How many American troops are stationed in Japan?”

Occupational Outlook Handbook Statistical Abstracts of the United States

Jobs are organized alphabetically, with information presented in a consistent format.

Covers all major career fields.

Published by the US government, with statistics compiled by that institution.

Each entry is covered in the same format, with a description of the job itself, and an outlook.

Unique in its authority and scope. An excellent occupational reference.

The main purpose of this work is to provide authoritative career information.

“What is the job outlook for teachers?” “What is a doctor’s day like?” “What does it take to become a librarian?”

Books in Print Provides several helpful indices, with entries listed alphabetically.

Covers all books in print. Considered the authority on availability of books.

Each entry is covered in a standard format describing each book. Does not list sources.

Unique both in its comprehensiveness, as well as the topic.

The main purpose of this work is to provide an easy reference to determine the in print status of a given book.

“Is The Power Broker still in print? “What books by Chaim Potok are in print?” “Can I find this book in a large print format?”

Statesman’s Yearbook

Does not include section on usage. However, a table of contents and index is provided. Entries are broken down alphabetically, in two major sections –

Includes all major organizations in the world, as well as all of the nations of the world.

Considered authoritative. Sources are not listed, nor are authors attributed.

Each entry is covered in the same format, with maps, and key information broken down in a consistent fashion, and succinctly.

Unique in its governmental information.

The main purpose of this source is to be a ready reference for key governmental information for all nations of the world.

“What kind of government does Lesotho have?” “Who is the leader of Azerbaijan?”


organizations and nations.

Facts on File Each topic is presented in its own volume, each with a table of contents and an index. Does not include a section on usage.

Covers many major topics in more depth than an encyclopedia.

Each volume has a stated author, which is generally an expert in the subject area. Generally does not include sources.

Each volume is presented in a different format.

Only unique for the depth of general information given.

The main purpose of this source is to provide more in-‐depth information about broad topics than is available in an encyclopedia.

“What are some general themes in chemistry?” “What are some fields in science?” “I’d like to know a bit more about this topic, where should I look?”

Famous First Facts

Lacks section on usage, hindering the usefulness of this source. However, similar entries are grouped together, and several indices are included.

Covers major “firsts” in American history.

Lacks references and author statements. Could be an authority in the “firsts” area.

Each entry is covered with varying depth, and with differing formats.

Unique only for the format in which the information is presented.

The main purpose of this source is to provide a convenient resource for “firsts” in many areas.

“Who was the first Pope to visit the White House?” “Who was the first man to walk on the moon” “Who was the first president to live in the White House?”

Emily Post’s Etiquette

Includes table of contents and index, but lacks section on usage. Each topic is listed under a general heading of different social situations.

Includes many important social occasions, from personal to general.

Considered the authoritative source for standards of polite behavior.

Each topic is covered with varying length. Important concepts are illustrated.

Unique in its authority and scope.

The main purpose of this source is to provide readers information about how to behave and conduct themselves in a “polite” manner.

“When should I send out invitations for my wedding?” “What does RSVP stand for?” “What should be the text on a dinner party invitation?”

Robert’s Rules of Order

Includes helpful information on usage in the introduction. Also includes table of contents, where organization of topics and information in the work is described.

Covers all areas of rules for running official meetings.

Considered the authoritative source for rules for running meetings.

Each general topic is covered objectively, in differing formats. The topics are then broken down into more specific areas.

Unique for the information it presents, as well as the format of that presentation.

The main purpose of this source is to provide readers with the tools they require to run efficient, productive meetings.

“What is a quorum?” “Why do we read minutes during meetings?” “How do I hold the floor during a debate in a meeting?”

Guinness Book of World Records/Guinness World Records

Does not include section on usage. Does include table of contents, describing the breakdown of information in the book.

Covers many areas of records, including space, and personal achievement.

Considered the authority on world records for size, etc.

Well illustrated, with each record and topic described differently.

Unique for the information it contains.

The main purpose of this work is to provide readers information about impressive human and natural feats.

“How long are the world’s longest fingernails?” “How heavy is the world’s largest ball of twine?” How big is the biggest pizza ever?”

Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Biographical, Geographical Sources, Directories, Almanacs, Yearbooks, &...

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