almanacs, handbooks, factbooks

Berger-Ibrahim-Tebbs-ILS-504-Fall-2009-Evaluation - Group work 1

References Evaluation – Group work

Almanacs, Handbooks, Factbooks

Submitted by

Group (1) Francie Berger Hanem IbrahimHeather Tebbs

ILS 504- Reference Materials and ServicesDr. Elsie Okobi

Fall 2009


Evaluation Set 2 ( Almanac- Handbook- Fact book)This paper evaluates 27 of the bibliographic reference resources per guidelines given in class textbooks and the document “Printed Information Source Evaluation Criteria.” Documentation of each group member’s contributions follows the body of the work.

1. Bowker Annual: Library and Book Trade Almanac Citation Bogart, D. (Ed.). (2009). Library and book trade almanac, formerly the Bowker annual (54th ed.). New Jersey: Information Today.Scope The publishers of this almanac state that it “incorporates practical information and informed analysis of interest to librarians, publishers, and others in the rapidly evolving information world.” Subjects encompass the year’s events in “federal libraries, federal agencies, and national and international library and publishing organizations.” They also include “programs and activities of major grant–making agencies,” professional information, a library and publishing-pertinent statistics and research, reference resource developments, and “a directory of library and publishing organizations at the state, national, and international levels.”Special reports cover more deeply areas and subjects of current interest.Purpose The purpose of this almanac is to provide information-industry facts, figures, and reports for library professionals and publishers.Use Collections and reference librarians can find information on award winning resources published in 2008 and use the data to help build and weed collections. Those interested in data redistribution can follow developments in copyright law. Professionals wishing to remain current on salary statistics can use the data contained in this almanac. Students can find information on accredited library science programs in the U.S.Data is offered on book sales and trends and may be use by publishers or collections development staff.North American and foreign librarians can find organizations with which to network.Arrangement/ EntriesThe almanac is organized into six parts: Reports from the Field; Legislation, Funding, and Grants; Library/Information Education, Placement, and Salaries; Research and Statistics; Reference Information; and Directory of Organizations.These parts are further broken out into sub-sections that are listed in the table of contents. A subject index and an organization index are also provided. NISO Standards, acronyms, and a calendar of events dating through 2016 are included in after-matter.CurrencyThe resource covers library and publishing-centric data for 2008.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThe almanac provides an overview of many topics of interest to the publishing and library world. It is a useful place to begin seeking information on current events in libraries and publishing. Those seeking detailed analysis of legal subjects and other items that require in-depth treatment for understanding would be better served with another reference book.


Organizationally, the categories make sense from a professional standpoint. Those who are not familiar with the information professions may find the sub-categories non-intuitive and will likely require assistance in locating information on their topic of interest, although the index does help in this regard.This is not a book to flip through randomly in search of information. Use of the table of contents and indices is required for the most part.2. Britannica Book of the Year Citation Daume, D. (1992). 1992 Britannica Book of the Year. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica.Scope This yearbook covers current events, pertinent issues (environmental, etc.), and relevant personality profiles for the year 1991. Purpose The purpose of this yearbook is to offer a catalog of facts and issues relevant to the year preceding publication. It is intended for general, not in-depth, research.Use Students and those seeking answers to ready reference questions related to current events for the year 1991 would use this resource. It is useful for a general introduction to issues, events, and personalities prominent in the year 1991.Arrangement/ EntriesThe yearbook is arranged alphabetically by topic (dictionary style) within section titled “The Year in Review”. It also offers an overview of events in Korea during 1991 in the “Feature” section, and an almanac section of “World Data” as well as an index.Topics covered range from agriculture to dance and mining. Special Reports and Sidebars provide information on additional topics that are also included in the table of contents.Entries are encyclopedia-style with broad headings such as “Television and Radio” organized internally by sub-topic such as “Organization of Services”, “Programming”, and “Amateur Radio”. CurrencyWhile the yearbook does not contain factual information for the current year, it does effectively create a snapshot of events for the year 1991. Topics such as health and science should be regarded with an eye toward more current developments.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThe yearbook is targeted toward the layperson, high school student, or others attempting to gain a bird’s eye view of historically-significant topics and data for the year 1991. As such, it is well organized and clearly written by a trusted source.3. Chase’s Calendar of Events CitationChase’s Calendar of Events (2006) New York: McGraw- Hill.ScopeThis almanac is an authorities and current information source about various observances throughout the year. It’s kind of directory of local, state, and national events across the United States, also some of the important events from around the world.


PurposeIt provides many type of events: presidential, proclamations, National and States Days, Weeks, and Months, Sponsored events, birthdays today, astronomical phenomena, historic anniversaries, spotlights, Folkloric events, Festivals , public holidays from around the world. Arrangement Events listed chronologically, then by alphabetical order according to the name or the event.Entries This 2006 printed publication starts with How to use this book, introduction and spotlight on the year’s anniversaries and events then a chronological calendar of events arranged day by day listing the events from January 1 to December 31 , it includes the day (Mon- Sun), the days number through the year, and the days remaining, then a list of events happened this day, example:

October 30- MondayDay 303- 62 remaining

Adam, John: Birthday Anniversary.- oct.30. 1735. Second president ….

Then there are calendar for the three years (2006- 2008 , and list of the national days of the world, and selected special years, the Chinese calendar, wedding anniversary gifts, world map, universal standards and Daylight times, some facts (USA, Canada, Mexico), Major awards presented last two years.

There’s an alphabetical Index that refers readers to entry according to the date of the event.Currency Annually updated UseThis reference answers questions like: When was daylight savings time introduced in the U.S.?When is Freedom of Information Day? What is the national day of Mexico? And when it started?I am trying to find a list of the standard 2-letter abbreviations for the states in the U.S. Who won the Beta Phi Mu Award from the American Library Association in 2003?Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis is one of the reference resources that could be helpful as a ready reference, it’s fun to search through it to know day by day events.4. The Chicago Manual of Style CitationUniversity of Chicago. (2003). The Chicago manual of style (15th ed.). Chicago, London: University of Chicago Press. PurposeThe Chicago Manual of Style is the essential guide to writing and the publication process for authors, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copyrighters, designers, and publishers in any field.Scope The first manual was a one-page guide to typographic fundamentals, put out by a University of Chicago proofreader. It appeared in book form in 1906, and this, its 15th edition, is a thorough reference to all aspects of writing and publishing, including electronic media.


AuthorityThe editorial staff is comprised of scholars, professionals in the field of publishing, writers familiar with the book and journal industries, journalism professionals, and experts in electronic publications.FormatThis is a one-volume print hardbound publication.ArrangementThe manual is divided into 18 parts that cover all aspects of writing and publishing. Each section is further divided into several sub-headings relevant to the main topic. The guide includes two appendixes, covering what writers and editors need to know about current procedures in the field.There is a comprehensive bibliography with entries listed by type, at the back of the book. There is also an alphabetical index at the back of the bookEntriesEach entry is a numbered paragraph that begins with an italicized sub-heading identifying the subject of to be discussed. A thorough description of the topic follows, and includes examples or cross-references as appropriate.Special FeaturesThis edition includes new sections on the preparation of electronic publications, including information on editing and proofreading specific to this medium. It also includes information on citations for electronic works as well as a chapter on English grammar usage.UseThis manual is written for use by writers and editors of scholarly journals, but would also be helpful to anyone who prepares magazines, newsletters, corporate reports, proposals, electronic publications, web-sites, or other documents. Some questions that might be answered by The Chicago Manual of Style are:

What is the best dictionary to use for matters of spelling? When should titles be italicized in the text of a written work?

CurrencyThis publication is an update of the 14th edition, published in 1993. There is no information available regarding when a new edition will be published.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueWhile the comprehensive table of contents make it easy to find information in this guide, the language is more difficult to understand than in other writing manuals, so this guide is probably best suited for use by professionals in the writing and publication fields.5. The Columbia Guide to Online Style Citation Walker, J. R., & Taylor, T. (1998). The Columbia guide to online style. New York: Columbia University Press.Scope This handbook covers electronic and online document publication and formatting standards, including a guide to HTML. It also gives information on data transfer technology such as disks and modems.Purpose The stated purpose of the handbook is, “to provide an authoritative guide to the world of online writing and publishing.”


Use The stated use of the handbook is for, “the production of academic discourse in the form of student and professional papers and reports and scholarly work for publication.”Arrangement/ EntriesThe handbook is arranged into chapters. The first chapter re-frames the citation question in terms of the electronic universe. The second covers how to cite electronic sources. The third deals with document formats for those items written electronically, but intended for print publication. The last chapter considers additional topics such as presentation for the visually impaired.CurrencyThe citation of electronic sources remains applicable today, over ten years after the publication of the handbook, as does much of the information provided on HTML. The use of terms such as “chat” rather than “instant messaging” do make the handbook read like an artifact and could use updating.The approach of the chapter on how to format electronically written documents, while useful in terms of the subject matter in general, seems antiquated, as most persons are well acquainted with word processing. How many people do you know who still write their documents on a typewriter? The most out-of-date sections are those dealing with document storage, retrieval, and transfer. These sections focus on now antiquated disk and modem technology.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThe handbook, while outdated in some of the vocabulary and technology overviewed, remains useful for the formation of ideas on how and why to adequately cite and produce documents for electronic publication. The intent of citations, to allow other researchers to verify and build upon one another’s work, remains the same today as it did eleven years ago. When using the handbook for technological understanding, however, the user will find it falls short today. 6. Europa World Year Book Citation Europa World Year Book. (2003). London: Europa publication Ltd. 2 volsScope This year book is reference tool that lists more than 1,650 countries and international organizations. Purpose It provides an extensive coverage to the United Nation and its affiliated bodies. In addition, it covers some 60 other major international organizations in the world (UN, WTO, COMESA, ESA, OAS, AND the IOC) Use It can answer these kinds of questions about any information about any country (population social affairs, trades organization and institution…) theses information could be helpful to companies doing business internationally. Such as these questions: What is the economic state of Egypt? Or what are the important places to visit there? Arrangement/ EntriesThis reference consists of two volumes, Volume one deals with the countries of the world from Afghanistan to Jordan, Volume two covers countries from Kazakhstan to Zimbabwe. Each country is covered by individual chapter containing an introductory survey including recent


history, economic affairs, the government defense , and public holidays , useful and latest statistics on area and population and other aspects of the country activities ( tourism, transportation…).CurrencyUpdated annually, there are also an electronic version (free trial is available) http://subscriberservices.ams.tandf.co.uk/LOGIN?sessionid=fb2b3fdb0f861b7b2016cfe4a66144b6&authstatuscode=400)The online web page is: www.europaworldonline.com Overall Evaluation or CritiqueIt is a great work must- have by all kind of libraries, because of its general and specific questions about any country or international organization. 7. Facts on File World News Digest with Index Citation Facts on File World News Digest with Index.(2009) New York: Facts on File, 1940- Retrieved from: http://www.facts.com/index.htm ScopeIt is Authoritative World News Coverage from 1940 Through Today Provides Information, Context, and Perspective. It brings together nearly seven decades of news from the renowned Facts On File World News Digest in print. This archival record of domestic and international news, unrivaled for its depth, breadth, and accuracy, covers all major political, social, and economic events since November 1940. Purpose/ UseIts more than 1 million internal hyperlinks allow researchers to follow a story ahead in time and back in time, and lead to just the background information they need to understand its significance. The print and online reference materials are important sources for the school and library market. ArrangementThe weekly print contains two parts the first one is the white pages which cover newsworthy stories in brief which are organized chronologically in a format of articles. The second part contains the blue and yellow pages which are the cumulative alphabetical index of the articles from the white pages, the index could be searched by personal name, company, organization, country, or topic. The special core subject areas of this reference are: history, science, literature, geography, health, and more.CurrencyWorld News Digest is updated twice weekly and includes a searchable hourly newsfeed available for free trial at http://www.facts.com/index.htm EntriesInside the hard cover binder there are loose- leaf insert. The first part” white pages” include the chronological entries which written in brief article/ paragraph format, each weekly insert contains box that list major stories in this issue. Special FeaturesBeside the Facts On File World News Digest, The online version of this work has lots of special features as follows:

Editorially created hyperlinks from articles to related material, directing researchers to just what they seek

http://www.facts.com/index.htm

http://www.facts.com/index.htm

http://www.europaworldonline.com/

http://subscriberservices.ams.tandf.co.uk/LOGIN?sessionid=fb2b3fdb0f861b7b2016cfe4a66144b6&authstatuscode=400

http://subscriberservices.ams.tandf.co.uk/LOGIN?sessionid=fb2b3fdb0f861b7b2016cfe4a66144b6&authstatuscode=400


Primary source documents and special research features on high-interest topics, taking researchers back into history and giving context to the news of the hour

Timelines, offering news written as it happened and giving students perspective on the times they are studying

Newspaper editorials, with links to news coverage Editorial cartoons with discussion questions, teaching analysis and promoting critical-

thinking skills—plus thousands of maps, charts, graphs, and historic photographs In-depth coverage guides to top ongoing stories, giving researchers quick access to this

vital information Full Almanac and Encyclopedia Curriculum Tools, teaching research and presentation skills, with special sections

supporting government, civics, economics, history, and social studies curricula "Need a Research Topic?" offering short summaries of suggested research topics, with a

fully linked list of articles for each Convenient functions, including persistent record links, save-to-folder, and citation display.

Overall Evaluation or CritiqueFacts On File is an award-winning publisher of. The print titles are authoritative references geared toward the high school, academic, and public library markets. The online databases range from curriculum-based reference resources to online News Services products. Facts On File has more than 65 years of service to librarians backing our editorial content and decisions8. The Guinness Book of Records CitationThe Guinness Book of Records. (2004). New York: Bantam Books. ScopeIt’s a world almanac that lists various records broken worldwide.Purpose/ UseIt covers the newly broken records interdisciplinary. It is used to find information on world records. This question can be answered by this book Which U.S. place has the most bridges? What were the seven wonders of the ancient world? Are any still standing?ArrangementIt is organized in 12 sections : human body, amazing feats, Natural world, Science and technology, Arts/ Media, Modern society , travel and transport, Music/ fashion, Money/Business, Sport and games, Heroes, War/ disasters . There are also subdivisions under these sections. CurrencyUpdated annually. The website is searchable free, and contains multimedia downloads. Overall Evaluation or CritiqueIt’s the world best – seller non copyrighted book, it has been published for more than 50 years sold over 90 million copies in 23 language.9. Information Please Almanac Citation Information Please Almanac (2009) New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1947- . Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com. ScopeThis almanac is one of the ready – reference sources for quick and fact contemporary to ancient information on interdisciplinary subject


Purpose/ UseIt provides useful, current, and statistical information on wide variety of topics It can answer all these fact question ranging from zip codes to time zone to first aid basics. One of these questions: I am trying to find a list of the standard 2-letter abbreviations for the states in the U.S.? ArrangementIt is organized into subject sections: U.S. History /Government Business/ Economy, Headline, History/ Country, Travel/ Sport, Current Events, Family Trends, Calendar/ Holiday, Awards, Education, Arts/ Entertainment, People, Money, U.S. Cities , Science& Technology, and Crossword puzzle. It also has a special articles on a variety of topic, and comprehensive index for easy access to theses topic. The online copy has a search box that can be used to enter any searchable terms in any of infoplease searchable features, itcan be installed on other websites. CurrencyUpdated Annually (print version).The up-to-date online version available at http://www.infoplease.com Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThe Information please has been providing authoritative answers to all kind of factual questions since 1939- , and since 1998 the online version of this work ison the internet free but commercial, the web site links to encyclopedia, thesauri, dictionary and Atlas , it can be directly searched from any search engine, also has Infoplease Kids almanac, at http://kids.infoplease.com and interface “FactMonster” which includes a homework center considered as an excellent starting place for students, and it’s easy to print from. 10. Internet Movie Database CitationThe Internet Movie Database. (1990-2009). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/PurposeThis on-line resource provides information about movies, television, news, and videos, including schedules, reviews, and clips and trailers.Scope Although I could not locate any statistical information, this site seems to contain everything anyone would and to know about movies, television, videos and entertainment news.AuthorityThe site is owned by Amazon.FormatThis resource is an internet based only tool; fans can also follow IMDb on twitter.Arrangement The site is organized so that the user can choose from 6 pull-down menus, each with several sub-categories:

Movies- top picks, show times and tickets, browse titles TV- listings, episodes and clips, previews News- top stories, movie, tv, and celebrity news Videos- trailers, browse titles Community- message boards, contributor zone IMDbPro- subscription site insider info and resume posting for the entertainment field

http://www.imdb.com/

http://kids.infoplease.com/


The search box allows you to search for information by many categories, including: Titles Episodes Names Companies Keyword Characters Advanced Search

EntriesEach movie entry includes title, director, stars studio, plot, reviews, and access to a message board. You can check show times and purchase tickets directly from the entry site.The TV entries include title, stars, plot, and review, as well as audio clips that seem to activate automatically.UseThis site would be used by anyone looking for information on past, current or future movies, tv shows, video releases, or celebrity news.Some questions that might be answered by the Internet Movie Database are:

What movies do users of this site rank as the top 250 of all time? What time is The Big Bang Theory on next Monday?

CurrencyThis site contains up-to-the-minute information on its subjects and even provides information on upcoming movies, TV shows, and videos.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThe site is user friendly, easy to navigate, but very cluttered. Although it contains a wealth of information for those interested in movies, tv, and videos, to my eye it looks very unprofessional. At one point a voice commercial for sprint was activated and I could not figure out how to turn it off without exiting the site. If I needed the type of information that this site provides I would do my best to find it elsewhere.11. Famous First Facts CitationKane, Joseph Nathan; Anzovin, Steven; Podell, Janet. (1997). Famous first facts: A record of first happenings, discoveries, and inventions in American history (5th ed.). New York: H.W. Wilson.Purpose Famous First Facts was initially written as a history of American inventions and included over 3000 facts. The book was so well received that Kane wrote a supplement in 1935, and three subsequent editions, each including new firsts. ScopeThis work presents over 8000 “firsts” in American history, from the earliest known human activity to in the United States to current social, cultural, and scientific developments, up to and through 1997, the date of the book’s publication.AuthorityThe originator of this reference, Joseph Nathan Kane, was originally a free-lance journalist. While writing the first edition, he spent a year interviewing as many inventors and their descendants as possible; he personally researched every entry. The new editors have carried on this tradition to the best of their ability.


FormatThis is a one-volume print hardbound publication.ArrangementThe current edition includes five indexes to enable users to search for information by:

Subject Year Days of the Month personal Names Geographical Location (city and state).

Each entry is indexed by a 4-digit number, from 1001-8155, that corresponds to its number in the index for easy information retrieval. Information can be accessed by referring to either the 18 page Expanded Table of Contents or one of the five Indexes in the back of the book.EntriesEach entry includes the indexing number, the subject, a description of the invention along with the writers’ or inventors’ name and its publication or patent date, when applicable.Special FeaturesThe entire volume is special in that it is a collection of unique facts gathered in one place.CurrencyThe information is current through 1997.UseThis book will serve as an invaluable resource when researching “how and when a field of endeavor developed.” Some questions that might be answered by Famous First Facts are:

Where was the first Library School established and when? Who invented the dishwasher and how did it work?

Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis is an excellent resource, very easy to use, and the newly added subject index makes searching for information very simple.12. McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology Citation McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology. (2004). New York: McGraw-Hill, 1962- ScopeThis year book is a comprehensive coverage of recent events and research as compiled by the staff of McGraw- Hill Encyclopedia of Science & technologyPurposeThis yearbook provides users( students in scientific fields) with a broad overview of important recent development in science, technology, and engineering as selected by the board of editors of McGraw- Hill, these overviews inform the readers about the important trends in research and development that will advance the knowledge in the future in the scientific fields( more than 7000 articles) EntriesArticles are written in paragraph format , the page divided into two columns , each articles ends with bibliography. Topic and subtopics are bolded.Use It can answer questions like: what is the explanation of the Richter scale?How do cataracts affect vision and what are common treatments?


ArrangementArranged alphabetically by subjects from (agriculture to zoology) with an index. CurrencyAnnually updated.

The online version available at http://www.accessscience.com/ (free trial)Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis yearbook’s publisher is one of the trustable leader scientific publishing companies in educational academic publications. 13. Merck Manual of Medical Information Citation Berkow, Robert; Beers, Mark; Fletcher, Andres (eds.). (1997). Merck manual of medical information-home edition. (1997). Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: Merck Research Laboratories.PurposeThe Merck Manual of Medical Information-Home Edition seeks to provide the general public with highly detailed, sophisticated, and reliable medical information.ScopeThe Merck Manual of Medical Information is the oldest continuously published English language general medical textbook, with the first volume dating to 1899. It is also the most widely used medical textbook world-wide, reporting on nearly every disease affecting man. This, the Home Edition, provides the most of the same information, written in layman’s language.Authority The editor-in-chief is Executive Director of Medical Literature at Merck and a Clinical Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Allegheny University of the Health Sciences; the associate editor is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the same institution and the senior assistant editor is a Professor of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Health Care at Temple University.The editorial board is comprised of professionals from all spheres of the medical world.FormatThis is a one-volume print hardbound publication.ArrangementThe book is divided into 24 different sections, some encompassing organ systems and some corresponding to medical specialties. Those that discuss the organ systems begin with general information regarding the normal function of that organ. Several sections also include information about diagnostic tests for the particular disease.Three separate sections cover health issues specific to men, women or children.Each section is further sub-divided into several chapters, some discussing one specific disease, others covering related disorders. These chapters begin with a definition of the disease or disorder. Still other chapters discuss a symptom or problem caused by a disease.Throughout the book extensive cross-references, denoted by coded symbols, are provided.There is an appendix at the back of the book that covers legal issues, weights and measures, common medical tests, and contact information for help organizations.EntriesEach entryThese chapters begin with a definition of the disease or disorder. Information is provided regarding causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and prognosis.

http://www.accessscience.com/


Special FeaturesThe Home Edition includes overviews of anatomy and physiology in each section, in order to help the general public better understand the medical information.UseThis manual is written specifically for the general public, so it is easily understood by anyone who would like information on any of the medical topics covered.Some questions that might be answered by the Merck Manual of Medical Information are:

What are the symptoms of a heart attack? How is a stress fracture of the foot treated?

CurrencyThe information is current as of 1997. There is no information available regarding when a new edition will be published.Overall Evaluation or Critique This is an excellent resource, information is easy to find, entries are written in a very understandable language and coverage of medical information is complete for the user.14. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers CitationGibaldi, J. (2003) MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6th ed. New York: Modern Language Association of America. ScopeThis handbook is the only official guide to the rules for writing in Modern Language Association (MLA) style. It covers academic research papers especially in Arts and Humanities which written in (MLA) style. It also includes details on using and citing computer software, online databases and other non- print sourcesPurpose/ UseIt is useful guide for students and professionals in Humanities and related disciplines. It’s important reference tool in public, high school, and academic libraries. ArrangementArranged in sections by major topics, the preface includes a description of basic purposes of each section and table of contents lists each section by title and coded section number, this work includes helpful section with sample research papers written in MLA style. CurrencyUpdated annually, it’s available also in a limited version online for free through this site http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.htmlOverall Evaluation or CritiqueThe American Reference Book Annual, review this work as a “Standard reference tool that evolving needs of today’s student”. The new addition includes expanded section on electronic resources as well as a chapter on how to avoid plagiarism. This work published by the MLA itself, it’s an authoritative sources on the MLA writing style. it’s clearly printed. 15. The New York Public Library Desk Reference CitationThe New York Public Library. (2002). The New York Public Library Desk Reference (4th ed.). New York: Hyperion.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html


PurposeThe New York Public Library Desk Reference is brings together in one book, the information needed to answer the most commonly asked reference questions. The sum total of this information would otherwise be spread amongst several different sources.ScopeThis volume seeks to pare the contents of the New York Public Library, the largest public library system in the nation, with holdings of over 50 million items, including 18 million books, down to a ready reference resource of the most frequently requested information.AuthorityThe information in the reference guide was compiled by experienced librarians, professional researchers, and reference editors,FormatThis is a one-volume print hardbound publication.ArrangementThe book is divided into 6 subject categories:

The Physical World The World of Ideas The Way We Communicate Daily Life Recreation The Political World

Each subject category is further sub-divided into 2-7 sub-categories and under each of these headings are numerous subject specific entries. The guide also includes charts, graphs, tables, maps and illustrations. Additionally, cross-references and web addresses are included when appropriate and/or available.There is an alphabetical index in the back of the book.EntriesEntry formats vary according to the subject, but all contain clear, concise information in easy to find alphabetical order within their respective sub-categories.UseThis guide would be useful to anyone seeking an answer to a common question relating to any of the 6 major subject headings.Some questions that might be answered by The New York Public Library Desk Reference are:

What is the traditional gift to give someone for their 14th anniversary? What is the major library in Arizona and what special collections does it hold?

CurrencyThe information in the guide is current through mid-2002. It is not clear as to when a new edition will be published.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis guide is a great ready reference resource. It contains information from a wide field of knowledge, it is easy to search, and it gathers much disparate information into one place.

16. New York Times Almanac Citation Wright, J. W. (Ed.). (2008). The New York Times 2009 Almanac. New York: Penguin Group.


Scope This almanac is a United States-centric overview of world facts and events pertinent to the year 2008. Purpose The purpose of the almanac is to provide the layperson with data pertaining to world facts and events of 2008.Use The almanac is useful for ready reference questions pertaining to global current events, census, sports, personalities, and geographic data relevant to 2008.Arrangement/ EntriesThe almanac is divided into six sections: Almanac of the Year, The United States, The World, Science and Technology, Awards and Prizes, and Sports.Sections are subdivided into discrete topics.A table of contents, index, and a maps section is also providedCurrencyThis almanac is current as of 2008 and includes a section of late-breaking events.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThe almanac is more than a yearbook, including, for instance, important U.S. government documents such as the constitution, a list of important U.S. historical events, and other information outside the scope of the year 2008. Categories of information are discrete yet broad, and the resource is U.S. centric. Much more space is given to U.S. data than that of other cultures. For a more complete global perspective, other resources should also be consulted.17. PDR.Net CitationPDR.net. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.pdr.net/login/Login.aspxPurposePDR.net provides up-to-date information on diseases, drugs, and patient care to medical professionals. It also provides information about product labeling, opportunities to order drug samples, access to abstracts, as well as a link to MEDLINE and Steadman’s medical dictionary.ScopeThis site provides extensive information on the following subjects:

Drugs- including interaction and labeling information Medical Specialties- 18 listed Diseases- countless links Medical news updates- updated daily Patient care- guides and treatment option tools

AuthorityThis site is maintained by The Physician’s Desk Reference, a long-standing and highly regarded reference resource used in the medical field.FormatThis resource is the internet-based version of the famous Physician’s Desk Reference. A mobile version is also available to medical professionals.ArrangementThe site offers 7 drop-down menus in the following categories:

Drugs

http://www.pdr.net/login/Login.aspx


Resource Centers Tools Handheld Diseases Patient Education CME

A Resource Center sidebar allows the user to choose from different medical specialties, with each link providing additional links to specific conditions and related medications. The Tools menu allows the user customization options The Patient Education option offers patient guides and treatment option tools.The user can also search the site by drug name or full drug label plus keyword.EntriesAs a non-member, I was not able to access any entries, but can assume that they are similar to the entries in the print version of this resource.Special FeaturesPDR.net offers a link to its sister site, PDRhealth.com, geared towards consumers and patients.UseMembership and access is free to U.S. based medical doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants in full-time practice as well as U.S. medical students, residents, and other select allied health professionals.CurrencyThe site is updated on a daily basis.Overall EvaluationThis looks to be an amazing site with a tremendous amount of information about the medical field. It is an important resource, as there is so much misinformation, particularly about this field, on the internet, so it is nice to know that there is trustworthy information available. The site is extremely well-organized and should be extremely useful to any medical professional.18. Physician’s Desk Reference CitationPDR. (2009). Physician’s desk reference (63rd ed.). Montvale, New Jersey: Physician’s Desk Reference, Inc.Purpose The Physician’s Desk Reference is a guide to pharmaceutical options. It seeks to compile, organize and distribute information on drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as prescription information for grandfathered drugs and other non-FDA approved drugs marketed under current FDA guidelines..ScopeComplete, in fact, exhaustive information is provided for more than 2400 pharmaceuticals currently being produced for use. The Product Information section, the largest part of the book, runs to almost 3000 pages.AuthorityInformation for the references is supplied by participating drug manufacturers.FormatThis is a one-volume print hardbound publication. It is also available on CD-ROM and via the internet.


ArrangementThe volume is organized into 5 major categories, listed in the front of the book:

Manufacturer’s Index- lists all participating manufacturers, including contact information and product listings

Brand and Generic Name Index- gives the page number for reach drug Product Category Index- lists all products by prescribing categories Product Identification Guide- shows images of all tablets and capsules, as well as

graphics of other types of dosages and packages Product Information- entries for each drug

EntriesEach entry is an exact copy of the product’s FDA-approved or other manufacturer-supplied labeling. Given information includes indications, effects, dosages, routes, methods, and frequency and duration of administration, and any relevant warnings hazards, contraindications, side effects, and precautions.Special FeaturesMaster copies of both the FDA Medwatch Form (for safety information and adverse effect reporting), and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting Form are included at the end of the book.UseThis is an invaluable complete and up-to-date reference for anyone working in the medical and health professions.Some questions that might be answered by The Physicians’ Desk Reference are:

What company manufactures my new migraine medication? What are the contraindications of taking an anticoagulant with my asthma inhaler?

CurrencyA new volume of The Physicians’ Desk Reference is published every year.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis is a well-organized, easy-to-search, volume, inclusive of all current information regarding it subject. However there is such a wealth of difficult-to-read information on each drug, that it is unlikely that anyone other than a medical professional would care to use it. The pages are also extremely this, due to the vastness of the volume, so the book must be handled very carefully.19. Emily Post Etiquette Citation Post, Peggy. (1997). Emily Post’s Etiquette (16th ed.). New York: Harper Collins.Scope The focus of this handbook is on late 20th century manners and etiquette, and details the rules of etiquette for human interaction in personal and professional life. Purpose The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize and instruct readers on Anglo-American manners and etiquette in business and personal interactions.Use Readers of this handbook may either read it cover to cover or, more likely, consult it like a dictionary to look up rules of behavior specific to particular events or interactions.

Arrangement/ EntriesThe book is arranged in nine broad sections with chapters that are broken out into sub-sections relevant to specific events or situations such as baby showers or traveling with children.


Each section may be paged to via a tabbed finding aid located along the edge of the book. Major sections are: Communications; Your Professional Life; Your Personal Life; Formalities; Entertaining and Entertainments; Travel & Tipping; Celebrations & Ceremonies; Gifts, Giving & Thank-Yous; and Weddings.CurrencyThis handbook is comprehensive for the most part for the modern user and includes etiquette advice on email as well as facsimile communication; however, it could use updating in terms of modes of communication such as instant messaging or virtual forms of online interaction. The handbook was revised before 2001, and as such does not include travel etiquette regarding those awkward moments when you have to take your shoes off at airport security screening, for instance. Overall Evaluation or CritiqueEmily Post has been a trusted name in etiquette for almost a century. Readers of the Emily Post guides find their approach clear, well organized, and comprehensive. The handbook is just shy of being bulky, but is well organized enough not to be intimidating. This is a layman’s resource, and is not intended for a statesperson or others requiring a diplomatic level of protocol.20. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association CitationAmerican Psychological Association. (2002). Publication manual of the American psychological association (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological AssociationPurpose The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) provides explicit style formats that authors writing for any of the APA’s27 primary journals must apply so that manuscript reviews and editing can be done in a timely and cost effective manner.ScopeThe manual provides specific requirements for the preparation of manuscripts for submission for publication. All phases of writing are covered, from concept to organization, to idea expression, to APA style and bibliographic reference formatting to preparing the manuscript for publication.Although the guide started out as specifics for writing for APA publications at least 1000 other journals in psychology, behavioral sciences, nursing, and personnel administration use the guidelines as well, in order to simplify communication of new ideas and research.AuthorityThe guide as compiled by a group of APA editors and staff members.FormatThis is a one-volume print soft-covered publication. It is also available as a web-based publication.ArrangementThe manual is divided into 9 chapters:

Content and Organization of a Manuscript Expressing Ideas and Reducing Bias in Language APA Editorial Style Reference List Manuscript Preparation and Sample Papers to be Submitted for Publication Material Other Than Journal Articles Manuscript Acceptance and Production Journals Program of the American Psychological Association


BibliographyThere are also 5 appendixes:

Appendix A- criteria checklists for authors submitting manuscripts for publication Appendix B- criteria for authors transmitting accepted manuscripts for electronic

production Appendix C- APA Ethical Principles Appendix D- reference examples for legal materials Appendix E- sample cover letter for authors submitting a manuscript for consideration

There is also an index at the back of the book that includes both page and section numbers for easy reference.EntriesEach entry is easy-to-find and easy-to-read, with thorough descriptions of the subject and examples cited when appropriate. The entries are presented in a logical order that follows the steps of the writing process.UseThis publication will be invaluable for any writer preparing a manuscript for publication consideration. It is also a handy reference for any student whose professors might require APA formatting for papers.Some questions that might be answered by the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association are:

What is the correct APA citation format for a newspaper article read on-line? How do I incorporate mathematical equations into my text?

CurrencyThis publication is an update of the 4th edition, published in 1994. There is no information available regarding when a new edition will be published.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis is a simple to use manual with clear and easy-to-follow information.21. Science and Technology Desk Reference Citation Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. (1992). Science and technology desk reference: Over 1,500 answers to frequently-asked or difficult-to-answer questions (1st ed). Detroit, Mich: Gale Research.Scope From the Amazon.com review of the first edition: “In the same style as the New York Public Library Desk Reference (LJ 7/89), this book assembles 1500 reference questions and answers from the science/technology reference desk at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.”Purpose Less of an encyclopedia and more of an interesting fact book, this book gives answers to specific reference questions posed by visitors to the reference desk at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Library. As such it is more of a fun-to-read book than one which is likely to garner the answer to the exact question a reference patron is asking.Use The best use for this book is for general reading, as it is organized topically by very specific reference question such as, to quote from the Amazon.com review, “‘What is a bungee cord?’; ‘How fast is a snail's pace?’; ‘Where is Albert Einstein's brain?’; ‘What is acid rain?’; and ‘Who invented the computer mouse?’”

http://www.amazon.com/Science-Technology-Reference-Difficult-Answer/dp/0810388847/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256161159&sr=8-1


Arrangement/ EntriesThis subject encyclopedia is organized by the following sections as taken from the WorldCat entry:

Chronology -- The animal world -- Around the house and garage -- Biology -- Bridges, buildings, etc. -- Cars, boats, planes, and trains -- Chemistry and physics -- Communication -- The earth -- Energy -- The environment -- Food and nutrition -- General science and technology -- Health and medicine -- The human body -- Mathematics, numbers, and computers -- Metals and other materials -- The plant world -- Space -- Weather and climate -- Weights, measures, and time.

Subsections are listed under each major category.CurrencyThe subject encyclopedia has not been updated since 1996. The edition reviewed here is from 1992.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueFrom the Amazon.com review: “The book is fun and useful but not encyclopedic. You can find information on the Mount St. Helens volcano but not on Hawaii's volcanoes; good sources of vitamin C but not of A, B, or E; and symptoms of AIDS but not of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Some questions seem odd, e.g., "Which Black American invented a dust pan?" (not indexed under "Black Americans" but only under "Inventions--dustpan innovation").”22. The Statesmans Year-Book CitationThe Statesman’s Year Book: the politics, cultures and economies of the world (2007). Edited by Barry Turner.- London: Macmillan, 1864- ScopeThis year book is a compilation of facts and concise analysis of politics, culture, social affairs, and economy of every country in the entire world. PurposeIt provides current research information that related to international agencies, that helps not only the statesmen but also scholars, students, journalists, business people and general public. UseThis yearbook helps to answer these questions:What are the principal religions in Japan? The Philippines? What the institution of Nobel prize? And who won the peace prize over the years?How does the population density of India compare to China?ArrangementIt starts with a time zone map, then a preface which offers key world facts, ISO country codes , chronology, from April2005 – Marc 2006 , and Addenda then there are two parts: the first part contains information about the international agencies, begins with the U.N. the Europe then ends with the agencies by the continent( Africa- Americas- Asia and Pacific- Middle East. The second part organized alphabetically by the countries of the world (Afghanistan – Zimbabwe)After that there is Abbreviations to all these agencies, and current leaders index, and finally a place and international organization index.EntriesAgency entries include origin, members, functions, and organization. The country information includes map, Key historical events, territory and population, social statistic, climate current administration and leader, industry, trade, literacy rates religion, culture and lots more.

http://www.amazon.com/Science-Technology-Reference-Difficult-Answer/dp/0810388847/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256161159&sr=8-1


CurrencyAnnual.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis reference tool is great general information work for all types of libraries, it has current and useful information about the global countries and its agencies. 23. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations CitationTurabian Kate L.; Booth, Wayne C.; Colomb, Gregory G.; Williams, Joseph M. (2007). A manual for writers of term papers, theses and dissertations: Chicago style for students and researchers (7th ed.). Chicago, London: University of Chicago Press.Purpose A Manual for Writers of Research Paperss, Theses, and Dissertations provides guideline for accepted academic standards assist students in writing, researching, and submitting their papers. ScopeThis volume is the student version of the standard The Chicago Manual of Style and is the accepted reference for university and college student papers at all levels from undergraduate to doctoral candidates. In addition to updating the original topics, this edition strives to incorporate current technology as it affects all aspects of student writing.AuthorityThis volume is an update of the classic written by Kate L. Turabian in 1937, while she was the dissertation secretary at the University of Chicago. The editors of this, the 7th edition, are a Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, a Professor of English at the University of Virginia, and a Professor Emeritus of English and linguistics at the University of Chicago, respectively. They were assisted by the University of Chicago Press editorial staff.FormatThis is a one-volume print hardbound publication.ArrangementThe book is divided into three parts:

Research and Writing: From Planning to Production Source Citation Style

An extensive table of contents sub-divides each of the three part into a list of specific subjects with many sub-topics listed under each subject.There is an appendix for paper Format and Submission Requirements.There is an alphabetical index, and an extensive subject bibliography in the back of the bookEntriesEach entry is easy-to-find through the table of contents, and is listed under the bold-faced sub-topic, with a thorough description of the issue with proposed situations followed by bullet-pointed solutions when appropriate.

Special FeaturesA new section in this edition is a guide to the process of research and its reporting, adapted from the editors book Craft of Research. UseThis book will be helpful to any college or university student, who needs to write a paper, from the first year undergraduate to the student finalizing his dissertation.


Some questions that might be answered by A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations are:

How is the best way to approach searching for sources? What is the step-by-step process for note-taking?

CurrencyThis publication is an update of the 6th edition, published in 1996. There is no information available regarding when a new edition will be published.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis is a simple to use manual with a very thorough table of contents and clear and easy-to-follow information.24. Wall Street Journal Almanac Citation Alsop, R. J. (Ed.). (1998). The Wall Street Journal Almanac. New York: Ballantine.Scope This almanac includes general facts and information current as of 1998.Purpose The purpose of this resource is for ready reference research of U.S.-centric data in entertainment, sports, technology, finance, the economy, business, and other general topics of interest through 1998.Use The almanac may be used to answer question such as the number of discrimination complaints in the workforce from 1993 to 1997, worldwide population projections through 2020, and sports scores from popular teams.Arrangement/ EntriesAccording to the Amazon.com review at http://tinyurl.com/ykf3ekf, the almanac provides sections on:

"Politics & Policy," the "U.S. Economy," "Business & Industry," "Money & Investing," "Technology & Science," the "World," "Living in America," "Media & Entertainment," and "Sports" [and]offer[s] … perspectives by starting with overview essays and then mixing short articles on important facets of each topic under discussion with page after page of informative charts and graphs.

CurrencyThe almanac is current through 1998.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThe average customer review for this resource is 4 out of 5 stars on http://tinyurl.com/ykf3ekf. Criticisms center upon a need for a more current edition of the resource, and the U.S. focus to the contents. One user in particular wanted to see more worldwide facts included.25. Witaker’s Almanack 2000 Citation Ward, I. (Ed.). (2008). Whitaker’s Almanack 2009 (141st edition). London: A & C Black.Scope This almanac is a U.K.-centric reference of current world affairs, world geography, and U.K.-centric data and information as of 2008.

http://tinyurl.com/ykf3ekf

http://tinyurl.com/ykf3ekf


Purpose/Use The purpose of this almanac is as a ready-reference resource for those interested in 2008 current events, and facts relating to U.K. history. This would be a useful resource for someone interested in the order or precedence and facts about the royal family and peerage in the U.K.Arrangement/ EntriesThe almanac is divided into sections. These are The Year 2009, United Kingdom, The World, and The Year 2007-8. The United Kingdom section is the largest and is divided into subsections with a great deal of attention given to the royal family, peerage, and precedence. Other government, historical, social, and political topics are covered. CurrencyThe almanac is current to 2008.Overall Evaluation or CritiqueThis almanac is extremely U.K. centric. When comparing it to The New York Times 2009 Almanac, it is surprising to see how much more regard The New York Times resource gives to world events than Whitaker’s.If a researcher is interested in the U.K. point of view or U.K. centered current events and facts, this would be the reference to go to.26. The World Almanack and Book of Facts Citation The world almanac and book of facts. (2009). Pleasantville, N. Y.: World Almanac.ScopeThis almanac is the established ready reference source for the US .Purpose/ UseDespite the title of this almanac it is really focused on information of interest of the residents of the U.S., This includes the year’s news , as well as basic information that remain useful year after year, such as postal information , tax code , labor union directories as well as elementary historical and scientific facts. It’s for the use of General public of the U.S. what they want to know about the current events of their country, and a general information about the important events of the world.ArrangementThis almanac follows a relatively standard format. The contents of this year edition (2009) begin with the Top Ten News Topic of the year, and the world at a glance (Number ones, surprising facts, changing times), then special section of the 2008 U.S. Election (presidential, and Governmental) then followed by Year in Review (Chronology, Obituaries, Offbeat, and 2008 time in capsule…) These followed by special feature of topics of the current year ( Economy, business, energy, Military, Health, The year in picture science & technology, Consumer information, U.S. Government, U.S. facts, History,& election, and U.S. Cities, States & population…, World history & culture, and sports.There is a directory for the Associations and Organizations, it is in alphabetical order of the category (Academic, business, education…) it includes ( Name, address, phone numbers. And e-mail or URL) There is an alphabetical General index at the back of this almanac referring to Names and Events (by page number/s) Currency Annually with possibility of free monthly update via E-Newsletter Also available via Lexis-Nexis http://www.library.uiuc.edu/rex/erefs/almanacs.htm

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/rex/erefs/almanacs.htm


Use This annually almanac could help find voting statistics for Illinois in U.S. presidential elections from 1948-1996? And Did a majority of Illinois voters always favor the winning candidate?Overall Evaluation or Critique It is a New York Times best seller, its price is cheap. but the print is somewhat small, and all the topics introduced from the American view.27. World Fact Book Citation Central Intelligence Agency. (2009). World Fact Book. Retrieved online October 20, 2009, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/. ScopeThis Web site is an almanac of facts about “the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 266 world entities.” Interactive maps and Purpose/ UseThe FAQ states: “The format and information in the Factbook are tailored to the specific requirements of US Government officials and content is focused on their current and anticipated needs.”According to the Did you know? section of the site, while the Factbook is intended for use by government officials, it is also used by teachers, students, researchers, news organizations, corporations, geographers, and librarians seeking international data.ArrangementThe Factbook is organized in tabular format into the following sections: About, References, Appendices, FAQs, and Contact. Drop down menus access subsections related to these main menu items. The References menu provides access to graphics of world flags and a guide to the country profiles and a guide to the country comparisons, as well as graphics of the cover art for printed editions of the Factbook.A drop down list of country names allows the user to navigate to country-specific data. Selecting a country navigates the user to a page with expandable and collapsible sections under which pertinent data is given. A thumbnail map, graphic of the country’s flag, and a graphic depicting the country’s location in its region of the world are also displayed.Throughout the site the user is invited to click on terms linked to a definitions page.CurrencyThe Factbook is updated every two weeks and older versions may be downloaded from the site. Overall Evaluation or Critique The thing that is most striking about the resource is the comparative lack of detail in the maps provided. When perusing the country entries only bare facts are given with very little analysis. It is a useful reference for someone who is interested in finding out whether or not a country, for instance, has a diplomatic presence in the U.S., who that diplomat might be, and how and by whom they are appointed.The site is extremely well organized, presents information cleanly, and while run by the C.I.A. does not appear to have any overt political agenda. It does come across as a ready reference targeted toward government officials and diplomats and not a piece of propaganda.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/