Berger-Ibrahim-Tebbs-ILS-504-Fall-2009-Evaluation - Group work
References Evaluation – Group work Evaluation of (97) reference works
Submitted by Group (1) Francie Berger Hanem Ibrahim Heather Tebbs
ILS 504- Reference Materials and Services Dr. Elsie Okobi
Fall 2009
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Introduction : This is the final group work evaluation of 97 reference resources For Group one:( Francie Berger, Heather Tebbs, and me Hanem Ibrahim) We divided the work between each one of us, and shared the thoughts about the suitable evaluation criteria . It was so helpful to work as a group to complete that big amount of references’ evaluation. Evaluation 1 Bibliographies- Indexes – Library catalogs This paper evaluates 15 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- American Book Publishing Record Citation American book publishing record. New Providence, NJ: R.R. Bowker, 1960Purpose It is useful for verifying titles and for acquisitions work as well as general bibliographic information on specific titles and authors. Scope The ABPR is a General bibliography that includes cataloging information for books published in the United States. Arrangement The Monthly and the Annual publishing are arranged, in three parts: • The main section: arranged by Dewey Decimal Classification Numbers (000-900) • Adult Fiction: arranged alphabetically by main entry author or title) • Juvenile Fiction: arranged alphabetically by main entry author or title) There are two indexes (author and title) which are referenced to the main section by the first nine digits of the Dewey Decimal Classification Numbers, and referenced to the Adult and Juvenile fiction sections by a section code (i.e. Fic. and Juv. with the authors’ last name). There is a subject Guide follows the title index and arranged alphabetically by traced primary subjects, personal names used as subjects, and uniform titles. Entries Entries include elements like LC Classification Numbers, LC Control Number, Dewey and LC classifications, title and statement of authorship, edition, series, LC number, ISBN, binding, price, and subject tracings. Currency The monthly publishing includes the same information as the Publisher’s Weekly and Weekly Record, cumulated monthly then cumulated annually. Overall Evaluation or Critique The page is divided into four columns; the type is quite small and could be difficult for some to read. There are no clear demarcations within a record allowing you to skip to particular field.
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The user instructions are not well organized. There are no headings so the user can skip directly to the section of the instructions they need, instead it is arranged in one single block of text. 1- Bibliographic Index: A Cumulative Bibliography of Bibliographies Citation Bibliographic index: a cumulative bibliography of bibliographies. New York: H. W. Wilson, 1937Purpose This bibliography is useful for librarians and other users (Academic, Corporate, Government, and Public) who are searching for lists of published research or other works on a given topic. Scope This bibliography of bibliographies is a subject approach to current bibliographies, including those published separately as books and pamphlets, as well as those appearing as parts of books, pamphlets, and articles. It provides access to more than 450,000 bibliographies published in English, German, Dutch, and the Scandinavian, Slavic, and Romance languages. It includes full-text of nearly 136,000 bibliographies from some 1,700 journals across a broad range of disciplines. Arrangement The print bibliography is arranged by Library of congress subject headings. With the searchable online database, the results can be organized according to user preference. Entries The smart search feature of the online database also searches synonyms for keywords and phrases, and the results indicate the level of relevance of a particular entry. Users are also able to check a library’s holdings to see if an item is available. Currency The resource is published three times a year with frequent accumulations. The database is updated daily, and thousands of bibliographies are added annually. Overall Evaluation or Critique The resource is easy to use, clear print, and useful instructions for use and guides to symbols and abbreviations. 2- British Books in Print- now titled Whitaker’s Books in Print Citation Whitaker, J. & Sons (1990). Whitaker's books in print (Vols. 1-4). London: Whitaker. Scope The volumes are a trade bibliography containing information for both the print and microfiche versions of books in print and for sale in the United Kingdom. Out of print books are not included. The 1990 edition includes 484,839 titles from 16,168 publishers. Purpose and Audience
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The purpose of this resource is to provide a comprehensive list of British books in print. British Books in Print has often been used by publishers, booksellers and libraries to find and order new titles. Arrangement The four volume set includes the sections titled, • List of Publishers (which is an alphabetical list of publishers and includes contact information); • Publishers Prefixes in Numerical Order (for cross referencing a title's ISBN to its publisher); • A Book Trade Bibliography of books about publishing and bookselling; • Series and Their Publishers (listed alphabetically by title); • Author, Title and Subject Index (listed alphabetically by title and author, with duplicate listings). Entries Entries are arranged in alphabetical order both by title and by author (where applicable). Each entry contains information on the author, title, sub-title, volume, size, number of pages, illustrations, edition, series, binding (where not cloth), price, publisher, publication date, and ISBN. Currency The most recent print version of Whitaker's Books in Print was published in 2002. Nielsen (http://www.nielsenbook.co.uk/) now provides this data in their online database named BookData. Overall Evaluation or Critique The dictionary-like entry headings at the top of each page are useful. Perhaps more useful would be a companion index volume by subject that would point the user in the direction of topical interest. Physically, the weight of the volumes is kept down by the use of onion-skin weight paper. This makes the turning of the pages, which tend to stick together, an arduous task. Perhaps it would have been better to increase the number of volumes as well as the weight of the paper; however, the publisher does state in the Foreword that keeping cost down was a concern. Overall the work is more comprehensive than other comparable volumes such as the British National Bibliography. 1- Children’s Catalog Citation Yaakov, J. & Price, A. (Eds.). (2001). Children’s catalog (18th ed.). New York: H.W. Wilson. Purpose The Children’s Catalog is a listing of works encompassing fiction, non-fiction, story collections, picture books, and magazines for pre-school through 6th grade readers. Scope The catalog lists 6,738 titles with 6,421 analytical entries. It references books published in the United States or published in Canada or the United Kingdom
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and distributed in the United States. lt also includes suggested web resources for use by children from pre-school through 6th grade. Authority The listings are compiled by 2 groups of professional librarians. The first group reevaluated previous entries and proposed new titles, while the second group reviewed the first group’s suggestions and finally elected the titles that were included in this edition. Format This is a hard-bound print volume, with paperback supplements, although an on-line format that appears to be even more comprehensive is available by subscription. Arrangement The catalog is divided into four parts: • Classified- Non-fiction is organized by Dewey Decimal number, while fiction, story collections and easy books follow. • List of Recommended Web Resources • Author, Title, Subject, and Analytical Index • Directory of Publishers and Distributors Entries Each entry includes standard bibliographic data, as well as listings of prizes or medals won, and information on the availability of large print or audio book versions. Special Features This edition contains a much greater number of listings of books about minorities, ecology, natural sciences, and natural history than previous volumes. Use This catalog is intended for use by children’s librarians in both public and school settings, and elementary school media specialists. It can serve as a guide to building the library’s collection or as a reader’s advisory. The Children’s Catalog can be used to answer the following questions: • What are the best fairy tale collections to purchase for our public school library? • What Henry and Mudge books are available for the kids who love those characters? Currency A paperback supplement containing approximately 600 titles is published yearly and a new full catalog is published every 5 years. The 2001 volume is expected to be used with the supplements from 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. 1- Fiction Catalog Citation Yaakov, J., & Greenfeldt, J. (Eds.). (1996). Fiction catalog (13th ed.). New York: H. W. Wilson. Purpose
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This catalog is a selected list of established and contemporary works of adult fiction either written in or translated to English. It is useful for librarians in acquisitions, as well as reader’s advisories, it also useful for teachers choosing new titles to teach from or any person who is looking for recommendations on fiction titles. Scope This catalog is type of subject bibliographies, it lists and annotates exceptional works of fiction including titles that are and out–of- print. Large print and hardcover reprints are noted too. The catalog also covers foreign fiction that has been translated into English. It includes 5,461 titles and 1,820 analytical entries for novelettes and composition works. The titles included are hardcover editions published in the U.S. or published in Canada or the United Kingdom and distributed in the U.S. Authority The titles selected for the catalog were voted on by a group of professional public librarians in different geographical areas. Arrangement The catalog is arranged in 3 parts: • Arranged alphabetically by name of author. The bibliographic information for this section include Author and title of the book, the latest known prices, publishers, ISBN, related works, description summary, content notes, and evaluative comment from quoted sources. • Title and subject index to part 1, each book is entered under title and under the main subject or subjects of the story. • Directory of publishers and distributors of the book listed. Currency This resource is updated annually with supplements. Overall Evaluation or Critique There are no subject tracings because of the sheer number of subject headings. The catalog is produced using extremely small type which may be difficult for some readers. The direction or instruction for using this catalog is clear to understand. 1- Fulltext Sources Online Citation Fulltext sources online. Needham, MA: BiblioData, 1989-. Purpose A semiannual directory of publications that are accessible in full text form either an aggregator or a database user producer. Anyone wanting to know if a publication is available online in full text would find this resource useful. Scope
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The main section contains 28,619 entries of periodicals, newspapers, newsletters, and TV/Radio transcripts in the subjects of science, technology, medicine, law finance, business, industry, popular press, and more. Covers topics in science, technology, medicine, law, finance, business, industry, the popular press & more." "Each edition in complete in itself and replaces all previous editions. Complete new editions are published twice yearly in January and July." "July 1997." Arrangement Periodicals are listed in alphabetical order. The user can cross-reference the titles with the data providers. There are three indexes: Subject index, geographic index, and language index, they are located in the back of both parts. Aggregators are listed at the very end of each book with contact information given for each aggregator. Entries This source comes in two parts splitting the alphabet at between L and M. The two books are paperbacks with close to 2,000 pages each. The entries are arranged in two columns. The periodical name appears in a larger font than the rest of the text and in bold print. Also in bold print is the ISSN number located beneath the periodical name. Extra information is in italics under the ISSN number giving former or alternative names, frequency of the periodical, and access availability on line (subscribers only). The aggregators are then listed below which index the publications, databases the information is available and date range covered. Currency Published semiannually Overall Evaluation The information contained in these two books is very useful. However, this same information can be subscribed to at http://www.fso-online.com. If a user was looking for online information, it would make more sense if that information was also online. This would save time and space on the reference shelf. The online information is updated weekly guaranteeing accurate, up to date information. 2- Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media Citation Hunt-Lowrance, K. (Ed.). (2007). Gale directory of publications and broadcast media (Vols. 1-5) (142nd ed.). Detroit: Thomson Gale. Scope The Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media attempts to provide a comprehensive yearly list of extant print and broadcast media sources in the United States, and other countries around the world. Print and broadcast media sources include newspapers, magazines, journals, radio stations, television stations, and cable systems. Newsletters and directories are excluded from listings, but are offered by the publisher as separate works. Purpose and Audience The audience for this resource is comprised of trade and advertising
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professionals, and can be broadly used by reference librarians. Its purpose is to identify resources of news and advertising. Arrangement The resource is geographically categorized into two North American volumes and one International volume comprised of print and broadcast media resources. One Indexes volume and one Regional Market Index are provided as finding aids. The first North American volume is categorized alphabetically by state for the United States from Alabama through New Hampshire. The second North American volume is categorized alphabetically by state for the United States from New Jersey through Wyoming, followed by Canadian listings alphabetized by province. The Indexes volume is organized by industry categories that can be crossreferenced to look up appropriate entries in other volumes. The Regional Marked Index is categorized by media type (e.g., newspaper, periodical, and cable). Entries All entries are by entity name, with contact information listed up-front. For print media a description of the audience is given along with history, frequency, printing methods (ostensibly for advertising professionals), advertising rates, subscription rates, alternate formats, editorial contact information, and circulation. For broadcast media a description of the format is given along with networks, simulcasts, history, ownership, variant names, operating hours, area of dominant influence, key personnel, cities served, postal areas served, local programs, wattage, ad rates, online presence, and additional contact information is given. Currency 6,000 new resources were added to the 2007 edition. Many were also deleted from the older edition and are listed in a section for defunct organizations in the Master Name and Keyword Index. These types of listings are abundant and occur with a frequency to warrant yearly editions. Given that the nature of the print and broadcast media industry is apparently so dynamic, with mergers, acquisitions, formations, and closings happening daily, the 2009 volume would be a more accurate and current resource for a researcher to use. Overall Evaluation or Critique This is a well-organized, cross-reference formatted resource that while cumbersome to heft, is easy to use. Because broadcasters and publishers work in concert with the editors to update the data contained in the reference, and because the reference is reissued frequently, the information is likely to be up-to-date. Where information was not able to be updated, the editors convey this information as well, giving an image of reliability and honesty to the publication. Because the resource has been compiled for over 140 years, the publishers have been able to hone its format and build upon years of
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experience in collecting and updating the data it contains. 3- Magazines for Libraries Citation LaGuardia, C. (Ed.). (2008). Magazines for libraries (17th ed.). New Jersey: ProQuest. Scope Magazines for Libraries is published yearly and is an edited list of serials compiled by subject-matter experts. It is not inclusive of all publications, but rather includes only those which the editors subjectively deem to be "the best". Purpose and Audience The stated purpose of the publication is to assist librarians in serials collections development. Arrangement The publication is divided into serials review sections by subject and also includes a statistical analysis of the state of the serials publication industry. The subject sections include an introduction to the topic, then are divided by sub-headings such as: Basic Periodicals, Basic Abstracts and Indexes, General, Professional, and Reviews and Bibliographies. Entries Each publication is given an entry number and is listed alphabetically under its sub-heading. Information on the original publication date, frequency, country, price (domestic and Canadian), editor(s), publisher, publisher address, circulation, and length are given. A review follows each entry and typically includes a brief statement on topics covered, alternate formats, and special features of the publication. Currency The publication is updated annually. Overall Evaluation or Critique The statistical analyses of topics covered and publishers of serial that are given as a preface to the work assists in the reader's independent verification and analysis of the purchase-worthiness of the items included for review. Reviewers' credentials and contact information are provided at the beginning of each topic, lending a sense of authority. The subjective nature of the compilation of the book, however, means that a librarian using it as a collection development resource should consult other reviews and not make a decision for purchasing a serial based on its inclusion or exclusion. Publishers, ProQuest, are the owners of many online bibliographic databases and collections, including DIALOG. 4- New Serial Titles: A Union List of Serials Held by Libraries in the United States Citation Library of Congress. (1999). New serials titles (Vols. 1-2). Washington: Library of Congress.
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Scope New Serial Titles is an annual accumulation of North American union list of serials holdings published after December 31, 1949. Titles are included without regard to the initial publication date or serial type, excluding newspapers.. All titles are cataloged by the Library of Congress and participating libraries. Purpose and Audience To provide a timely and complete list of North American serials holdings published after December 31, 1949, supplementing H.W. Wilson Co.'s Union List of Serials. The target audience for this resource is reference librarians. Arrangement In two volumes, provides a list of participating libraries and their assigned abbreviations for cross-reference within the serial entries. This is followed by an alphabetical listing by serial title covering the majority of the two volumes. An ISSN Index is included at the end of volume 2. Entries Entries are: • in catalog card format; • based on Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR) 2nd edition for records contributed after December 31, 1980; • based on pre-AACR for records contributed before December 31, 1980; • listed with their Library of Congress call numbers and Dewey Decimal classification numbers where assigned; • listed with their Library of Congress, National Library of Canada (English language cataloging), National Library of Medicine, and other subject headings where assigned; • listed with their associated holdings information symbol, the key to which is in the first section of volume 1; • provided with abstracting and indexing information as available; • listed with pre-publication data for serials that have not yet been published; • listed with title change and new start information where applicable; • given Library of Congress control numbers; • also listed in the ISSN Index by ISSN. Currency This reference work was last updated and published in 1999. It was replaced by the CONSER (Cooperative Online Serials) program, an electronic database that includes all titles regardless of publication date. Overall Evaluation or Critique While the volumes do seem comprehensive in meeting the stated goal of the work, the publication is only useful if one knows what one is looking for. The work would be more useful if there were a cross reference to the subject headings. As it is, the volumes are only useful if the searcher already knows the title of the serial sought. 1- OCLC Online Union Catalog Citation
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OCLC. (2009). WorldCat: Window to the World’s Libraries. Retrieved on September 29, 2009 from http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/. Purpose The OCLC On-Line Catalog is the largest bibliographic database in existence. Scope The site is comprised of over 144 million bibliographic records for books, videos, serial publications, articles, recorded books and music, sheet music, genealogical references, cultural artifacts, digital objects, and web-sites. It includes over 76.2 million holdings from 34 non-U.S. national libraries, and records in over 470 languages from 112 contributing countries and territories. Authority All member libraries worldwide who add their holdings to the site must adhere to a strict set of guidelines and must follow a careful procedure administered by WorldCat in order to make any changes to their entries. Format This is an on-line database. Arrangement Entries are found via entered search terms. Results can be sorted by relevance, author, title, date (oldest first), or date (newest first), according to the user’s input. An advanced search option allows the user to narrow the search by year, audience, content, format, or language. Entries Each entry includes standard bibliographic information as well as information about the target audience. Reviews of the item are included as well as a link via which to submit your own commentary. Special Features Each entry provides a quick search to holdings in the users’ geographical area. Use This site will be useful to librarians, researchers, students and anyone else who is looking for easy access to timely information. This site can be used to answer the questions: • Which library near me carries books on stamp collecting for my 10year-old? • Has anyone written a dissertation on board games in the last 5 years? Currency New entries are posted continually. Users can watch the process via the “Watch WorldCat Grow” link. 1- Publist.com. Infotrieve Citation Retrieved from http://www.publist.com. Purpose
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This on-line resource provides information about magazines and journals, both domestic and foreign. It is a comprehensive search tool that allows users to detailed publication information and to order articles for delivery to their computers. Scope This is an on-line only database of over 150,000 print and electronic publications. Its listings include magazines, journals, e-journals, newsletters, and monographs. It includes both familiar and hard-to-find publications from around the world, covering almost 300 subject categories. Format This resource is an internet-based only reference and document delivery system. Arrangement The site is organized so that the user can search content by title, publisher, subject, ISSN, an advanced search or a general browse. The database also includes four links: • Article Finder: a free-to-search database of 35,000 journals • eContent: journal articles delivered to your desktop • Medline: world’s largest database of medical literature • TOC alerts: free table of contents alerting service Entries Entries include standard bibliographic information as well as frequency of publication. Each entry also includes a hyperlink to the publisher. Special Features Users can order subscriptions and document delivery services through this site. Some listed periodicals provide connections to publishers through web links and e-mail for easy access. Use This site can be used by librarians, researchers, and students, to search for information on specific subjects and locate and purchase articles. Marketers will also find this a valuable tool for research. Writers and academics can use the site to seek reprint permission. Publist.com can be used to answer the following questions: • What publications about stamp collecting are currently in print? • How can I contact the publisher John Wiley & Sons, Inc.? Currency The entries appear to be up-to-date, but no information is available regarding revisions. 1- The Reader’s Advisor Citation The Reader’s Adviser. (14th ed.). (6 Vols.). (1994). New Providence, N. J.: R. R. Bowker /Reed Reference Publishing. Purpose The Reader's Adviser, 14th Edition helps the librarian and their patrons select and appreciate the world's greatest books. It also help booksellers, acquisitions librarians, teachers, academics, and students to identify the best
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of nearly everything available in English in the United States today, from the poetry of the ancients to Renaissance philosophy to mediations on the ethics of modern medicine. Scope This work features hundreds of authors and thousands of works new to this edition, plus updated entries and revised material in every chapter. It also includes titles that are timeless, as well as those that are timely. It started as The Bookman’s Manual in 1921. Includes “the best of” written works that date back from 1250 A.D. to the present. Arrangement The 6 hard-bound volumes include the best in: • Reference Works, British Literature, and American Literature • World Literature • Social Sciences, History, and the Arts • Philosophy and Religion • Science, Technology, and Medicine Indexes to all titles, names, and subjects were in every volume. Each Volume is arranged chronologically by authors’ birth years. Chapters are organized alphabetically by author’s surname. A brief biography is provided for the author. Also included are a listing of books by the author and a listing of books about the author. Entries Each entry has title, author, publishing information, cost, ISBN, and a brief description. Overall Evaluation or Critique Books featured only note the version available in English. This 14th edition was published in 1994, since then there have been no print updates. 1- Standard Periodical Directory Citation Standard Periodical Directory (25th ed.). (2002). New York: Oxbridge Communications, Inc. Purpose The Standard Periodical Directory is the “largest authoritative guide to periodicals in the United States and Canada.” Scope The directory lists more than 75,000 publications, on subjects ranging from accounting to zoology. Authority Information is submitted by the periodicals’ publishers. Format This is a print publication. There is also an on-line database available to subscribers at http://www.mediafinder.com. Arrangement The book is divided into six parts: • Preface
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• Table of Contents • Instructions for Use of the Directory • Cross Index to Subjects • Periodicals Listings by Subject Classification • Title Index There are 248 subject categories in the Table of Contents and periodicals are listed alphabetically within the categories. Entries Each entry includes the title of the periodical, a previous title if one exists, extensive listings of various personnel at the publication, a description of editorial content, the intended audience, book reviews, year established, circulation figures, and cost amongst additional listings. Special Features Information on availability of other formats for each publication is included. Use This directory would be useful to a librarian working to build a collection, a user searching for a specific type of publication, a business customer for research and marketing purposes, suppliers to the publishing industry looking for leads, and advertisers in search of new outlets. The Standard Periodical Index can be used to answer the following questions: • What magazines will give me information on the department store business? • Is the Chinese Law and Government Review available on microfiche? Currency This directory is published on an annual basis. This is necessary in order to stay current with the rapidly changing world of periodicals. 1- What Do I Read Next? Reader’s Advisor Citation Barron, Neil; Barton, Wayne; Ramsdell, Kristin, and Stilwell, Steven A. (Eds.). (1994). What Do I Read Next? A Readers’ Guide to Current Genre Fiction. Detroit: Gale Research, Inc. Purpose This publication is an aid to exploring and recommending current and classic genre fiction in five different categories: mystery, romance, western, horror, and science fiction. Scope The guide includes approximately 1400 entries, all of which were published during the previous 12 months. Authority The entries are compiled by a team of experts in their fields. The group consists of editors, published writers, librarians and bookstore owners. Format This is a print publication. Arrangement
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The book is divided into five sections by genre type: • Mystery • Romance • Western • Horror • Science Fiction Each section begins with a summary of the state of the art of that genre by the experts in their respective fields. There are eight indexes: • Series • Genre • Geographic • Time Period • Character description • Character Name • Author Index • Title Index Entries Each entry includes standard bibliographic data as well as story type, names of up to 3 major characters, time period, story locale, a brief plot summary, citations to reviews of the book, other books by that author, and suggested readings. Special Features The book includes a key to genre terms. Use This book can assist a librarian or bookseller in searching for new titles of a certain type of fiction to add to a collection, but is probably best used as a reader’s advisory either by the librarian, the bookseller, or the reader. What Do I Read Next? can be used to answer the following questions: • I loved Bill Reno’s The Hunted. What else should I read? • Are there any other new books featuring the character of Xenia Smith? Currency The guide is published on an annual basis. 1- A Dictionary of Writers and Their Works Citation Cox, M. (Ed.). (2001). A dictionary of writers and their works. Oxford Reference Online: Oxford University Press. Retrieved on September 29, 2009, from http://www.oxfordreference.com. Scope To paraphrase the publisher, Oxford University Press, from the resource home page, A Dictionary of Writers and Their Works is a guide to authors and their works focusing on British literature from the fifteenth century to the present. Works of biography, memoir, science, and those of American and Commonwealth writers are also listed. The book includes 3,000 entries for writers, 26,000 title entries, and 2,000
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character entries. Purpose and Audience The purpose of this database is to provide to the layperson a bibliographic list by author of British, American, and Commonwealth books. Arrangement The home page for this resource includes information on scope and purpose as well as editor, copyright, and publication information. The home page also provides a box via which the user can search the book. A tabbed menu accesses the book homepage, information on how to cite the resource, as well as a list of abbreviations used in entries. Separate links are provided for browsing the book and to additional resources. Clicking on the Browse link brings the user to an alphabetical listing by author that is further broken up into pages by letter. For instance, the first page lists all the "a" authors and the user may either click on the link to the letter of the alphabet representing the first letter of the author's surname, or may enter the author's name into a search box. Links are provided only to author names, not to titles or character names. Clicking on an author name directs the user to the author entry. Adjacent author entries are provided in a link list on the left side of the page. Information is also provided on how to cite each entry. Users may also print and email entries via buttons provided on the author entry page. A cross reference link for searching other Oxford University Online resources is also available. Entries The author entries include nationality and birth/death dates followed by their titles arranged chronologically by date of publication. Currency Although this is an electronic resource, it is not current. For example, perusing the author page for J.K. Rowling lists novels published through 2000. Overall Evaluation or Critique This resource is elegantly arranged and easy to navigate. It is disappointing that it could not be read as a conventional book from cover to cover even though it is derived from a print resource, especially since it is likely given the publisher's statements that alternate indexing options by title and famous characters were given in the hardcopy. Given that the electronic resource is not published word-for-word online, and only some of its content is made available online, it would be more accurate not to label it a "book" as the publisher does. It is more accurately termed a "database", and as such there is an expectation that it should be far more up-to-date. While the publisher is a reputable one in print, in-so-far as this resource is considered, there is less to be impressed with in their online product.
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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/ Entries The 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
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provided. NISO Standards, acronyms, and a calendar of events dating through 2016 are included in after-matter. Currency The resource covers library and publishing-centric data for 2008. Overall Evaluation or Critique The 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/ Entries The 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”. Currency
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While 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 Critique The 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 Citation Chase’s Calendar of Events (2006) New York: McGraw- Hill. Scope This 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.
Purpose It 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- Monday Day 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.
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Currency Annually updated Use This 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 Critique This 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 Citation University of Chicago. (2003). The Chicago manual of style (15th ed.). Chicago, London: University of Chicago Press. Purpose The 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. Authority The 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. Format This is a one-volume print hardbound publication. Arrangement The 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 book Entries
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Each entry is a numbered paragraph that begins with an italicized subheading identifying the subject of to be discussed. A thorough description of the topic follows, and includes examples or cross-references as appropriate. Special Features This 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. Use This 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? Currency This 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 Critique While 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. 1. 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/ Entries The 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.
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Currency The 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 Critique The 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. 2. Europa World Year Book Citation Europa World Year Book. (2003). London: Europa publication Ltd. 2 vols Scope 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/ Entries This 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
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area and population and other aspects of the country activities ( tourism, transportation…). Currency Updated 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 Critique It is a great work must- have by all kind of libraries, because of its general and specific questions about any country or international organization. 3. 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 Scope It 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/ Use Its 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. Arrangement The 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. Currency World News Digest is updated twice weekly and includes a searchable hourly newsfeed available for free trial at http://www.facts.com/index.htm Entries Inside 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 Features Beside the Facts On File World News Digest, The online version of this work has lots of special features as follows:
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Editorially created hyperlinks from articles to related material, directing researchers to just what they seek • Primary source documents and special research features on highinterest 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 Critique Facts 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 decisions 1. The Guinness Book of Records Citation The Guinness Book of Records. (2004). New York: Bantam Books. Scope It’s a world almanac that lists various records broken worldwide. Purpose/ Use It 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? Arrangement It 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. Currency Updated annually. The website is searchable free, and contains multimedia downloads.
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Overall Evaluation or Critique It’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. 2. Information Please Almanac Citation Information Please Almanac (2009) New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1947- . Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com. Scope This almanac is one of the ready – reference sources for quick and fact contemporary to ancient information on interdisciplinary subject Purpose/ Use It 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.? Arrangement It 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. Currency Updated Annually (print version). The up-to-date online version available at http://www.infoplease.com Overall Evaluation or Critique The 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. 3. Internet Movie Database Citation The Internet Movie Database. (1990-2009). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/ Purpose This on-line resource provides information about movies, television, news, and videos, including schedules, reviews, and clips and trailers. Scope
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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. Authority The site is owned by Amazon. Format This 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 The search box allows you to search for information by many categories, including: • Titles • Episodes • Names • Companies • Keyword • Characters • Advanced Search Entries Each 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. Use This 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? Currency This site contains up-to-the-minute information on its subjects and even provides information on upcoming movies, TV shows, and videos. Overall Evaluation or Critique The site is user friendly, easy to navigate, but very cluttered. Although it contains a wealth of information for those interested in movies, tv, and
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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. 1. Famous First Facts Citation Kane, 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. Scope This 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. Authority The originator of this reference, Joseph Nathan Kane, was originally a freelance 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. Format This is a one-volume print hardbound publication. Arrangement The 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. Entries Each 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 Features The entire volume is special in that it is a collection of unique facts gathered in one place.
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Currency The information is current through 1997. Use This 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 Critique This is an excellent resource, very easy to use, and the newly added subject index makes searching for information very simple. 1. McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology Citation McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology. (2004). New York: McGraw-Hill, 1962Scope This year book is a comprehensive coverage of recent events and research as compiled by the staff of McGraw- Hill Encyclopedia of Science & technology Purpose This 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) Entries Articles 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? Arrangement Arranged alphabetically by subjects from (agriculture to zoology) with an index. Currency Annually updated. The online version available at http://www.accessscience.com/ (free trial) Overall Evaluation or Critique This yearbook’s publisher is one of the trustable leader scientific publishing companies in educational academic publications. 2. Merck Manual of Medical Information Citation
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Berkow, Robert; Beers, Mark; Fletcher, Andres (eds.). (1997). Merck manual of medical information-home edition. (1997). Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: Merck Research Laboratories. Purpose The Merck Manual of Medical Information-Home Edition seeks to provide the general public with highly detailed, sophisticated, and reliable medical information. Scope The 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. Format This is a one-volume print hardbound publication. Arrangement The 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. Entries Each entry These chapters begin with a definition of the disease or disorder. Information is provided regarding causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and prognosis. Special Features
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The Home Edition includes overviews of anatomy and physiology in each section, in order to help the general public better understand the medical information. Use This 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? Currency The 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. 1. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers Citation Gibaldi, J. (2003) MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6th ed. New York: Modern Language Association of America. Scope This 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 sources Purpose/ Use It is useful guide for students and professionals in Humanities and related disciplines. It’s important reference tool in public, high school, and academic libraries. Arrangement Arranged 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. Currency Updated annually, it’s available also in a limited version online for free through this site http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html Overall Evaluation or Critique The 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.
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2. The New York Public Library Desk Reference Citation The New York Public Library. (2002). The New York Public Library Desk Reference (4th ed.). New York: Hyperion.
Purpose The 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. Scope This 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. Authority The information in the reference guide was compiled by experienced librarians, professional researchers, and reference editors, Format This is a one-volume print hardbound publication. Arrangement The 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. Entries Entry formats vary according to the subject, but all contain clear, concise information in easy to find alphabetical order within their respective subcategories. Use This 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?
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•
What is the major library in Arizona and what special collections does it hold? Currency The 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 Critique This 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. 1. 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/ Entries The 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 provided Currency This almanac is current as of 2008 and includes a section of late-breaking events. Overall Evaluation or Critique The 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. 2. PDR.Net Citation PDR.net. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.pdr.net/login/Login.aspx Purpose
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PDR.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. Scope This 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 Authority This site is maintained by The Physician’s Desk Reference, a long-standing and highly regarded reference resource used in the medical field. Format This resource is the internet-based version of the famous Physician’s Desk Reference. A mobile version is also available to medical professionals. Arrangement The site offers 7 drop-down menus in the following categories: • Drugs • 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. Entries As 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 Features PDR.net offers a link to its sister site, PDRhealth.com, geared towards consumers and patients. Use Membership 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.
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Currency The site is updated on a daily basis. Overall Evaluation This 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. 1. Physician’s Desk Reference Citation PDR. (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.. Scope Complete, 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. Authority Information for the references is supplied by participating drug manufacturers. Format This is a one-volume print hardbound publication. It is also available on CDROM and via the internet. Arrangement The 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 Entries Each 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 Features Master copies of both the FDA Medwatch Form (for safety information and
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adverse effect reporting), and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting Form are included at the end of the book. Use This 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? Currency A new volume of The Physicians’ Desk Reference is published every year. Overall Evaluation or Critique This is a well-organized, easy-to-search, volume, inclusive of all current information regarding it subject. However there is such a wealth of difficultto-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. 1. 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 AngloAmerican 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/ Entries The 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. Currency
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This 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 Critique Emily 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. 2. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Citation American Psychological Association. (2002). Publication manual of the American psychological association (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association Purpose 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. Scope The 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. Authority The guide as compiled by a group of APA editors and staff members. Format This is a one-volume print soft-covered publication. It is also available as a web-based publication. Arrangement The 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
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Publication • Material Other Than Journal Articles • Manuscript Acceptance and Production • Journals Program of the American Psychological Association • Bibliography There 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. Entries Each 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. Use This 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? Currency This 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 Critique This is a simple to use manual with clear and easy-to-follow information. 1. 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
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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?’” Arrangement/ Entries This 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. Currency The subject encyclopedia has not been updated since 1996. The edition reviewed here is from 1992. Overall Evaluation or Critique From 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").” 2. The Statesmans Year-Book Citation The Statesman’s Year Book: the politics, cultures and economies of the world (2007). Edited by Barry Turner.- London: Macmillan, 1864Scope This year book is a compilation of facts and concise analysis of politics, culture, social affairs, and economy of every country in the entire world. Purpose It 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. Use This yearbook helps to answer these questions: What are the principal religions in Japan? The Philippines?
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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? Arrangement It 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. Entries Agency 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. Currency Annual. Overall Evaluation or Critique This 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. 3. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations Citation Turabian 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. Scope This 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. Authority This 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.
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They were assisted by the University of Chicago Press editorial staff. Format This is a one-volume print hardbound publication. Arrangement The 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 book Entries Each 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 Features A new section in this edition is a guide to the process of research and its reporting, adapted from the editors book Craft of Research. Use This 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? Currency This 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 Critique This is a simple to use manual with a very thorough table of contents and clear and easy-to-follow information. 1. 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
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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/ Entries According 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. Currency The almanac is current through 1998. Overall Evaluation or Critique The 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. 2. 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.
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/ Entries The 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. Currency The almanac is current to 2008. Overall Evaluation or Critique This 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.
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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. 3. The World Almanack and Book of Facts Citation The world almanac and book of facts. (2009). Pleasantville, N. Y.: World Almanac. Scope This almanac is the established ready reference source for the US . Purpose/ Use Despite 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. Arrangement This 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 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. 4. World Fact Book Citation
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Central Intelligence Agency. (2009). World Fact Book. Retrieved online October 20, 2009, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/. Scope This 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/ Use The 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. Arrangement The 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 countryspecific 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. Currency The 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. Evaluation Set 3 ( Encyclopedias- Dictionaries)
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This paper evaluates 24 print, CD-ROM and Online versions of encyclopedias. Documentation of each group member’s contributions follows the body of the work. 1. Academic American Encyclopedia Citation Academic American Encyclopedia. (1995). Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier Incorporated General Information The Academic American Encyclopedia was published by Grolier, Incorporated of Danbury, Connecticut in 1995. Grolier is known as a leading publisher of reference books and multimedia reference products in the United States. Scope This encyclopedia includes 32,000 entries, more than 16,000 illustrations, and 9 million words, by 2250 authors. The articles are written with a focus on and expectation of student usage and reflect the curriculum of American schools and colleges. The articles’ lengths are appropriate for this purpose, with more than half the entries being less than 500 words. Emphasis This resource is geared towards upper elementary, junior high, high school, and college students, as well as the “inquisitive adult”. Although the entries are chosen to reflect the American educational systems curricula, they are not written with an American bias, but instead strive to grant recognition to the diversity of practice throughout the world. Authority More than 90% of the articles are written by an international group of scholars and experts, while more than 75% of the entries are signed. Writing Style The text is written with an eye toward making the material easy to understand. Foreign words, abbreviations, detailed etymology, and specialized jargon are avoided. Technical terms are defined when used. Both metric and standard notational weights and measures, as well as Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin temperatures are used. Recency The copyright date of this encyclopedia is 1995. All entries were up-to-date at the time of publication. The encyclopedia is revised on a yearly basis, as well as updated by an annual yearbook covering the events and developments of the previous year. Viewpoint and Objectivity Controversial subjects are included in this publication, with objective entries for abortion and homosexuality. Each article in the encyclopedia undergoes multiple reviews to help ensure objectivity, balance and accuracy. Arrangement and Entry The encyclopedia is arranged alphabetically, using the word-by-word system. If the entry is not where the reader expects it to be, there is generally a “see” reference to show where to find the subject. While each article is
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preceded by a large bold-faced heading, many of the entries are further subdivided by smaller bold-faced topic headings. Each article includes extensive cross-references, of three different types. There is the “see” reference mentioned above, the internal cross reference within the body of the article that indicates that there are related articles in the encyclopedia, and the “see also” references at the end of the article, that tell the reader that more information can be found under those headings. Some articles, particularly those about a country, state, province, or U.S. president, will also include a fact box at its beginning with the most commonly used information about the subject. Additionally, photographs, maps, and other illustrations, along with captions and other information, appear alongside relevant articles. Index Volume 21 of this publication is a 200,000 entry index to the encyclopedia. It is in alphabetical order using the letter-by-letter system. The index provides a complete list of references for each subject, as well as information about illustrations, maps, tables and bibliographies. Cost Price is not available for this publication. 2. The Cambridge Encyclopedia Citation Crystal, David. (1998). The Cambridge biographical encyclopedia (2nd ed.). United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. General Information This, the second edition of The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia was published by Cambridge University Press in 1998. Cambridge University Press has been publishing academic and educational works since 1584. Scope This volume includes biographical information on over 26,000 people, focusing on core facts about a person’s life. Authority This publication is intended for readers of any age interested in the life of a particular person included in the biographies. A stated goal of the book is “to ensure internationalism of coverage, especially in relation to the leading English-speaking countries, by using contributors in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.” Hundreds of other entries cover people from other parts of the world. The editor has also paid particular attention to ensuring adequate coverage of traditionally under-represented populations, including women, African-Americans, Aborigines, Maoris, and other minority groups. Writing Style The language used is easy to understand and fully accessible to all readers. The average length of each entry is 70 words, and in only 40 cases have entries taken a full page. Recency
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This volume is current to its date of publication, and offers a particular focus on 20th century personalities, including those from the worlds of sports, television, movies, music, and science. Viewpoint and Objectivity Controversial personalities are included in this book, as seen by the entry for Charles Manson. Arrangement and Entry Entries are arranged alphabetically by person’s last name, using the letterby-letter system and ignoring all spaces between words. Rulers sharing the same name are listed chronologically. Other personalities sharing the same name are listed in the order rulers, saints, popes, and others. Letters that do not appear in the English alphabet are given their nearest English equivalent. Each entry begins with the subject’s name in bold-faced type, the years in which they live(d). biographical data, important relations names also in boldface, and cross-references if relevant. Index There are several ready-reference indexes at the back of the book, among them: • Political leaders and rulers • Saints- patronage and feast days • Religious leaders • Justices of the Supreme Court • Nobel prizewinners • Pulitzer prizewinners • Competitive sports and game Format A pronunciation guide is included that is applied in all cases where a native English speaker may be unsure of the correct pronunciation of a name. Over 6000 transcriptions are included. This is obviously also a vitally useful tool for those for whom English is not the first language. Cost This edition of this print publication is available online from $26.99 to $50.65 U.S. 1. The Columbia Encyclopedia Citation Lagasse, P. (Ed.). (2008). The Columbia encyclopedia online (2008). New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved October 25, 2009, from http://0www.xreferplus.com. www.consuls.org/book.do?id=624. Scope The Columbia Encyclopedia Online is a general encyclopedia. The publisher states that it includes “physical, historical, geographical, political, scientific, religious, and cultural” topics. The encyclopedia contains approximately 51,000 entries. Emphasis
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The encyclopedia contains information on international topics of general interest. Authority Based on the print edition, published since 1935, The Columbia Encyclopedia Online, is published by a well-respected publisher that has earned a reputation for compiling a trustworthy reference resource. Writing Style The writing style is to-the-point. There is not much meat to the entries. Dates of occurrences break up the text and make it read as choppy. Recency As an online resource, I would expect it to have had more frequent updates than the print version. The entry for Barack Obama, however, has not been updated to reflect that he is the President of the United States, nor does it mention that he won the election. The entry was last updated before November of 2008. Viewpoint and Objectivity Reading of articles on the Gulf Wars and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks revealed an overall balanced, perhaps slightly anti-Gulf War tone in the former, and a strictly factual reporting of the latter. Arrangement and Entry The entries are arranged alphabetically, by subject. Hyperlinks to other subject terms used within the text are provided. Index The index is comprised of subject headings arranged alphabetically. One thing that surprised me is that when a subject heading is selected that is not the primary subject heading, rather than navigating the user directly to the entry, the interface navigates the user to a page that says, “See under…” and the user must click on the link provided to go to the actual entry. This seems rather clunky in so far as it creates an unnecessary extra step for the user. Format Credo Reference provides the interface to the encyclopedia as well as many other online reference databases for the Buley Library at Southern. For the The Columbia Encyclopedia online, Credo offers a home page which is arranged with alphabetical expandable sections. Once expanded, subject links are presented in alphabetical order. A search box is provided. Headings may be perused by subject or by person. Hovering the mouse pointer over the subject heading shows a brief pop-up summary of the subject, enabling the user to ascertain whether or not it is the subject heading for which they were searching. Once a subject is selected, the user is navigated to the subject entry page. The subject entry page contains the subject text, and Previous Entry and Next Entry navigation buttons. Surprisingly, as well as disappointingly, while the preface states there are copious visual materials included in the encyclopedia, no photographs or other illustrations accompany any of the entries as far as I could tell.
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2. Encyclopedia Americana Citation Encyclopedia Americana. (2006). Danbury: Connecticut: Scholastic Library Publishing, Inc. General Information The Encyclopedia Americana was published by Scholastic Library Publishing Inc. of Danbury, Connecticut in 1999 through its Grolier imprint. Grolier is known as a leading publisher of reference books and multimedia reference products in the United States. Scope This 30 volume publication contains tens of thousands of articles written to serve the educational community as a bridge between the general reader and the specialist. Articles are presented in easy to understand language, and are aimed at all learners and educators, from the young student to teachers and librarians. Emphasis This encyclopedia is intended for use as a general reference resource in schools, colleges, and public libraries. No American bias is detected. Authority All articles are signed by the author, a leading authority in his/her field, chosen by a team of editors and advisors. Writing Style When an author is chosen to write an article, he/she is reminded that the objective of the publication is to present facts and interpretations to the nonspecialist reader, as well as explain technical terms in an understandable manner. Before publication, each article is reviewed by the editors to ensure that it satisfies these objectives. Recency Information is up-to-date for the time of publication. Viewpoint and Objectivity Controversial subjects are included with several references for abortion, homelessness, and homosexuality. The editors have striven for a balanced and objective viewpoint on all topics. Arrangement and Entry Articles are arranged alphabetically, using the word-by-word system. If two or more articles have the same heading they are ordered by person, place, then thing. Each entry begins with a large bold-faced heading, and may be further sub-divided by smaller bold-faced sub-headings. Longer articles include a contents box for quicker searching, as well as an information highlights box. Cross-references may be provided in the text or at the end of article. A bibliography is included at the end of an article when appropriate. Index Volume 30 of this encyclopedia is a complete index with more than 350,000 entries There is an entry for each article in the index, followed by a listing of every place in the encyclopedia that information on that subject can be
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found. The index also lists thousands of entries for which there are no separate articles, but does provide listings of articles that cover the subject. In all cases. Volume and page numbers are provided for easy look-up. Format A pronunciation key and a list of abbreviations used in the encyclopedia are included at the beginning of each volume. Cost The 2006 edition of this print publication is listed at $729.00 U.S. 3. International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences Citation Darity Jr., W. A. (Ed). (2008). International encyclopedia of the social sciences (2nd ed.) (9 vols.). New York: Macmillan. General Information The 2nd edition contains entirely new content. None of the content from the previous edition was used. A point was made to include African Americans and female scholars as authors. Scope The set includes 2,990 essays covering political science, anthropology, psychology, and contributors to these fields. Emphasis The editor has solicited the points of view of a diverse population of authors from around the world. Authority Thomson-Gale and Macmillan are respected names in encyclopedic publishing. The editor is “William A. Darity, Jr., Arts and Sciences Professor of Public Policy Studies, African and African American Studies, and Economics at Duke University.” Writing Style The writing style is clear to the layperson for articles of general interest and provides enough background information to carry the reader through the article. For specialty articles that deal more with formulas and pure-science, the layperson will have difficulty without knowledge of, for instance, advanced mathematics. Recency The encyclopedia was published in 2008 and includes historical as well as current views on subjects where applicable. For instance, the entries on the subject of abortion lists historical views and practices as well as current views and practices. Viewpoint and Objectivity The viewpoint is U.S.-centric, but makes an attempt to be global. In the case of the abortion subject entry, information on the international as well as U.S. abortion laws; however, the U.S. is given its own sub-heading while the international sub-section is general. Arrangement and Entry
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Entries are alphabetic by subject heading over 9 volumes. Bold, large font main subject headings are followed with bold, smaller font sub-headings in each entry. A double column style is used. The tops of the pages provide the subject heading for that page. In volume 1 a list of articles for the entire encyclopedia and a thematic outline are given for cross reference. The 9th volume includes an index. 4. Kenneth F. Kister's Best Encyclopedias: A Comparative Guide to General and Specialized Encyclopedias Citation Kister, K. F. (1994). Kister's best encyclopedias: A Comparative guide to general and specialized encyclopedias. 2nd . . ed.- Phoenix, AZ.: Oryx Press. General Information This is the second edition of the Kister's best encyclopedias, it is a single– volume encyclopedia, published in Arizona by Oryx Press, in 1994. Scope This work is an encyclopedia of encyclopedias. It’s kind of directory that reviews encyclopedias, and evaluates them. According to a booksellers website "industry review", Best Encyclopedias provides "in-depth evaluations of 77 general encyclopedias, including electronic products; reviews of some 800 subject-specific encyclopedias (covering 29 subjects); and reviews of 44 foreign language encyclopedias covering nine languages" (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish) Emphasis: This edition features concise reviews, comparison charts, and a directory of publishers and suppliers, and that is very useful information for Acquisition librarians, as well as anyone looking for well –written, critical reviews on English encyclopedias. Authority Edited by Kenneth Kister, who considered the most authoritative source for encyclopedia reviews. Writing Style Appropriate language, and easy to understand for all users. Recency This edition published and has a copy right of 1994; It contains reviews of 1992-1993 printing, or last available printing of encyclopedias. Arrangement and Entry This encyclopedia starts with questions and answers about encyclopedias, then It reviews six categories of encyclopedias: (1) Large encyclopedias for adults or older students; (2) Medium-sized encyclopedias for adults or older students; (3) Small encyclopedias for adults or older students; (4) large and medium sized encyclopedias for children and younger students; (5) Small encyclopedias for children and younger students; and (6) Electronic encyclopedias. There are also information about the out of print encyclopedias. Each entry in the general section is divided into two sections. First, the fact section which includes all bibliographic information as well as the price sales information, and other descriptive information. The second section is the
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evaluation which begins with in- depth coverage of each criteria for encyclopedia evaluation and summary which are really helpful for as a last step before deciding to get this encyclopedia or not, it’s like overall criticism and evaluation, it also includes other opinion about these encyclopedias. These encyclopedias are arranged alphabetically by encyclopedia’s names within each category, the alphabetical order letter by letter. Index There is an index at the end of this book which arranged alphabetically. There are also two appendixes :( encyclopedia resources and a directory of encyclopedia publishers and distributors). Cost The cost is approximately $42 for the new copy. 5. McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology Citation McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (10th ed.). (2007). New York: McGraw-Hill. General Information This, the 10th edition of the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology was published by McGraw-Hill of New York in 2007. McGraw-Hill is a leading publisher of educational materials world-wide. Scope This encyclopedia includes 7100 articles in 20 volumes, including a full index. There are over 60,000 cross-references spread amongst the articles, 12,000 illustrations, and over 1400 data tables. The stated goal of this publication is “to provide the widest possible range of articles that will be understandable and useful to any person of modest technical training who wants to obtain information outside his (or her) particular field of specialization.” The articles are intended for use by students, professionals, librarians; truly anyone seeking information on all major fields of science and engineering. Emphasis This publication is written for use by those seeking information on the major fields in science and engineering, but it is intended for use by laymen; that is those who are not specialists and in fact, may have no prior knowledge of the fields it covers. No American bias is detected. Authority Each article is signed by its author, an expert in his/her field. Authors are chosen by the Board of Consulting Editors and come from universities, industry, and public agencies world-wide. Writing Style Since this encyclopedia is intended for use by non-specialists, care is taken to ensure that the articles are written and illustrated for easy access for the reader. Recency The information provided in this text is up-to-date, with a particular emphasis in this edition on the most quickly advancing topics in the fields, such as cell
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and molecular biology; information technology and communications; nanotechnology; environmental, earth, and climate sciences; materials science; and cosmology. Arrangement and Entry The articles are arranged alphabetically, using the word-by-word system. A comma provides a stop in inverted article titles. Each discipline covered includes a broad survey article for easy clarification of basic concepts, followed by numerous cross-references. Each article begins with faced type sub-headings. Extensive cross-references appear within the text of each article and most include bibliographies at the end as suggestions for further reading. Index Volume 20 of this publication is a complete index that includes an Analytical Index and a Topical Index. The Analytical Index lists each important term, concept, and person covered throughout the text and directs the reader to the volume and page numbers on the chosen entry. The Topical Index lists 90 general headings and groups the article titles according to subject. The Index also includes a Study Guide with outlines of major scientific disciplines and lists relate articles for each topic. Additionally, there is a Scientific Notation section, that includes reference tables, specifies symbols and abbreviations, and clarifies relationships between the three primary measurement systems; U.S. Customary, metric, and international. Format A special feature of this edition of the encyclopedia is a companion website, http://MHEST.com that contains updated articles, graphics, and multimedia content pertaining to current subjects, as well as selected article updates. Cost The 2002 edition of this print publication is listed at $2495.00 U.S. A newer version, published in 2007, is listed at $3495.00 U.S. 6. Subject Encyclopedias: User Guide, Review Citations, and Keyword Index Citation Mirwis, A. (1999). Subject encyclopedias: User guide, review citations, and keyword index. Phoenix, Arizona: Oryx Press. Scope The set assists with conventional collection development via a list of recommended titles that a reference librarian may check against their holdings. An additional section, the encyclopedia section, gives a greater overview of the titles, their use, and offers a reviews-based ratings. According to Amazon.com: This useful two-volume set will provide buyers of subject encyclopedias with a substantial amount of valuable information they can use in making their purchasing decisions. It will also provide all types of librarians and their patrons with a quick, one-stop method for locating the appropriate subject encyclopedias for their needs and for locating articles in the 100 encyclopedias. Librarians who specialize in bibliographic instruction will also
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find it to be a useful tool for teaching students how to locate needed information. Emphasis The emphasis of the set is on collections development of subject encyclopedias for the reference room and on the targeting of the correct subject reference resource for the patron. Authority The publisher, Oryx Press, was founded by Phyllis Steckler in 1975 and was a small, independent reference publisher until it was purchased by Greenwood Publishing Group in 2000, according to a Library Journal blurb. The back of the book states: Allan Mirwis is Readers’ Services Librarian at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to publishing many articles on making effective use of library resources, he is the author of Guides to Educational Media Software. Mirwis holds an Ed.D. from Indiana University and an M.L.S. from Columbia. The publisher is relatively unknown and the author, while he graduated from Columbia, teaches at a community college. A search for articles he has published resulted in relatively few hits. I also could not find any in-depth reviews in EBSCO. There were three editorial reviews on Amazon.com which were truncated, but the portions shown were favorable. I did not immediately recognize any of the reviewers. The resource is recommended by one of the reviewers for use at the “undergraduate level.” Writing Style There is no real writing style. Entries are composed of abbreviated terms and review data. Recency The encyclopedia is ten years old. Viewpoint and Objectivity The rating methodology is given in detail. Arrangement and Entry Entries are arranged alphabetically by full title. Entries include LC number, DDC number, title, editor and author names, edition, number of pages, binding, price, review average and rating numbers, reviewer information, and awards won. Index Six indexes are included: Title Index, Subject Heading Index, Rating Index, DDC Number Index, Publishers Index, and Keyword Index. Cost $187.95 for volume I and volume II (each) on Amazon.com. 7. New Encyclopaedia Britannica Citation New encyclopaedia Britannica. (1992). (15th ed.). (33Vols.). Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica. General Information:
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The New Encyclopaedia Britannica (15th Edition) published by Encyclopaedia Britannica in 33 volumes plus 2 Annuals Hardcover Binding. Scope: This encyclopedia is the most traditional Scholarly general encyclopedia; it contains 44milion words, 65,100 articles, 1,600 bibliographies, and contributions from 500, 000 editorial staff advisory. Emphasis Useful for college students and anyone (adults or teens) who need some details about any topic. Authority In the micropedia section the articles not signed by the authors. In the macropedia volumes, authors are listed after articles, Writing Style According to Kister, K. F. (1994). The articles of this encyclopedia are written in an appropriate writing style for moderate educated adults, but some of the articles in the Macropedia especially in math and science were written at a level well beyond the layperson’s grasp. Recency The Britannica First printed in 1768. The first appearance for the 15 edition was in 1974. The copy right of this evaluated one is 1992. The information normally accurate, but right now some the information in science and technology are out- of- date. Arrangement/Entry The encyclopedia consists of 33 volumes. It divided into three main sections; volumes from 1-12 (Micropedia) which covered the short articles set (less than 750 words) that addresses ready reference questions. Volumes from 13-29 (Macropedia) which contain longer articles (2+ pages) with more indepth information. Volume 30 (Propedia) which is a one volume covers 10 parts of knowledge (Matter and energy, The Earth and life on it, Human life, Human society, Arts, Technology, Religion, History of mankind, and Branches of Knowledge) , this volume summaries of contains all human knowledge. The topic in each section in (Micropedia, Macropedia) arranged alphabetically letter by letter. Index Volumes 31- 32 are two volumes index which refer to the topic in the other volumes (subject, name, etc.) Format There is no glossary or dictionary, but there are many other useful features. Articles are accompanied by over 20,000 colored illustrations to better explain information. Cost The price of the entire set is $1, 299, 00 for school libraries. The retail price is 1, 194, 00 the. Viewpoint/Opinions
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This is one of the greatest general encyclopedia, but the negative side of it is the arrangement which really disconcert users. Some information in the Macropedia, and others in the Micropedia, lots of places to look for complete information. 8. World Book Encyclopedia Citation The World Book Encyclopedia. (2009). Chicago: World Book. General Information The World Book Encyclopedia was published by World Book of Chicago, Illinois in 1999. World Book has been publishing well-respected, awardwinning encyclopedias and reference materials since 1917. Scope This 22 volume set includes thousands of articles, more than 27,500 illustrations of which 24,000 are in color. This encyclopedia is intended for use by students from elementary school through high school and its contents are specifically chosen to reflect the curriculum taught in American schools. Articles are written to lengths appropriate for their audience. Emphasis This publication main aim is to serve students from kindergarten through high school. The articles are geared Authority Each article is either signed by the original writer or by the reviewer who is responsible for ensuring its accuracy. Writing Style The articles in this encyclopedia are written to be easily understood by the students they are written for, hence an article on a subject aimed at a younger reader will use simpler language than a subject more likely to be researched by a high school student. A vocabulary list of 44,000 words deemed suitable for use is consulted by anyone writing an article for this publication. Any technical terms used in an article are explained in the text f that same piece. Recency This encyclopedia is completely up-to-date, even including articles on President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. A revised edition is published every year, and a yearbook is published each January to cover the significant events of the previous year. Viewpoint and Objectivity Controversial subjects are included in this encyclopedia, as evidenced by its inclusion of articles on abortion and homosexuality. Arrangement and Entry In this 22-volume encyclopedia, articles are arranged alphabetically, by subject, using the word-by-word system. In this system, commas, then spaces precede letters of the alphabet. Each page has a guide word at the top to help the reader locate needed articles more quickly. Each article begins with a large bold-faced heading, and may be further sub-divided by
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smaller bold-faced sub-headings. Extensive cross-references of three types are included for each article. Entry cross-references appear in bold type and are included in the encyclopedia’s arrangement. Other cross-references provide titles of other topics the reader can check for more information, and still others indicate which section of an article in which to find more information. Additional “see also” references are included at the end of articles. Facts in brief tables are found in articles about countries, states, provinces, and continents. Index Volume 22 of this reference is a research guide and index.. The index lists more than 150,000 entries arranged alphabetically using the word-by-word system. Each index heading appears in heavy type and provides the volume and page number of the article on that topic. If the heading does not actually have its own article, the reader will be directed to the article in which the relevant information can be found. If an article referred to is divided into sections, the relevant sub-heading will be given. The index entries will also list cross-referenced articles on the given subject. Additionally, a reference to illustrations is included in each entry. Format This encyclopedia includes a table of terms that defines certain words or phrases used in specialized or technical topics. Another special feature is a table of important dates to provide an at-a-glance look at important dates relating to the history of that topic. Cost The 2009 edition of this print publication cost $1009.00-$1199.00 depending upon binding style. 9. Acronyms, Initialisms, & Abbreviations Dictionary Citation Mossman, Jennifer (Ed.). (1994). Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary Vol. 1 (19th ed.). Detroit: Gale Research, Inc. General Information This, the 19th edition of Acronyms, Initialisms, & Abbreviations Dictionary was published by Gale Research, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan in 1994. Gale Research, Inc. is a part of Cengage Learning, world leaders in educational publishing and e-research. Scope This dictionary includes 29,000 new terms, most of them from the areas of business, computer technology, engineering, graphic arts, medicine, and military affairs.
Emphasis This publication has an admitted bias towards acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations use in the United States. The editor does however make an
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effort to include non-U.S. based acronyms commonly found in magazines and newspapers. Authority The publication was selected by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century in 1985. Writing Style Since this is simply a listing of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations, there is no writing style to speak of. Recency The listings were current at time of publication. Viewpoint and Objectivity Controversial subjects are included in the dictionary, including a listing for PFLAG- parents and friends of lesbians and gays. Arrangement and Entry This is a three-volume set is, arranged alphabetically by acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations. Volume 1 consists of 1439 pages covering letters A-F; volume 2 consists of 2753 pages covering letters G-O; and volume 3 consists of 3970 pages covering letters P-Z. There is a list of selected sources in the front of the book that can be used to decipher the source code information in each entry. Entries are in alphabetical order in letter-by-letter sequence. Each entry includes the acronym, initialism, or abbreviation, its meaning, English translation is applicable, language if not English, source code, location or country of origin, sponsoring organization, and subject category. Index There is no index for this publication. Cost The 2009 edition of this print publication costs $1250.00 U.S. 10.The Columbia Dictionary of Quotations Citation Andrews, Robert (Ed.). (1993). The Columbia Dictionary of Quotations. New York: Columbia University Press. General Information The Columbia Dictionary of Quotations was published by the Columbia University Press of New York in 1993. Columbia University Press, founded in 1893, is the forth oldest university press in the country and is a wellrespected publisher of academic resources. Scope There are over 18,000 quotations covering 1500 subjects in this collection. More than 11,000 of these quotes have not appeared in any previously published anthology of quotations. Emphasis The intended audience for this publication is anyone looking for a quotation that applies to life as it is lived today. Any quote included in this book is
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deemed to be relevant to the present. In the introduction, the editor states that this publication has made an effort to include those whose contributions to other similar volumes may have been under-acknowledged. These people and groups include “women, dissenters of all persuasions, minorities, homosexuals and lesbians, and a significant sample from non-Englishspeaking nations”, so no American bias is detected. Authority The editor responsible for this compilation is the son of a work named Quotations for Speakers and Writers, published in 1969. His father was working on a second volume of the title when he passed away, and the son, in collaboration with other family members, completed the work, The Concise Columbia Dictionary of Quotations, hence he has a proven pedigree in this field. Writing Style Since this is an anthology of quotations, the style varies with each speaker quoted, so accessibility differs accordingly. Recency The copyright date of this publication is 1993. As a collection of quotations ranging from historical to modern-day, it is current up to the date of publication. Viewpoint and Objectivity Quotes regarding controversial subjects are included. As an example, there are 31 entries under homosexuality and 7 on homelessness, and 8 on abortion. Arrangement and Entry The book is organized by entries under 1500 subjects that are in alphabetical order. Each entry includes the quotation, the speaker’s name, a sort biography, and the source of the quote. Format There is an index of sources at the back of the book that is arranged alphabetically by speakers’ last name. Under each index entry is a listing of what subjects that person is quoted on as well as how many quotes on that subject are attributed to the speaker. Each entry includes the quote, the speaker’s name, a sort biography, and the source of the quote. Cost The 1993 edition of this print publication is now listed at $64.50 U.S. 11.Familiar Quotations Citation Kaplan, Justin. (1992). Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations (16th ed.). Boston: Little Brown and Company General Information This, the 16th edition of Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations was published by Little, Brown, and Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1992. Little, Brown, and Company, one of the country’s oldest publishing houses, is a well-known publisher of both fiction and non-fiction books. Scope
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What began in 1855 as a 258 page booklet of quotations by 169 authors has grown to a 1400 pages volume that includes over 20,000 quotes by 2550 authors. Of these writers, 340 have not been quoted in previous editions of this work. Emphasis This book is intended to be an aid for writers, speakers, or anyone looking for a famous quotation to use to impress others. This edition strives to cover a broader cultural base than previous editions of Bartlett’s, so no American bias is detected. Authority The original editor of Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, John Bartlett, was a bookstore owner who eventually went to work for the publisher Little, Brown and Company. The editor of this volume is a published author of several biographies. He won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for his work Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain in 1967. Writing Style Since this is an anthology of quotations, the style varies with each speaker quoted, so accessibility differs accordingly. This resource seems to steer clear of controversial subjects. No entries were found for homosexuality or homelessness, and only two not very relevant entries for abortion. Recency The last dated entry in the book is from Sesame Street, 1969-. On the same page, quotes from Monty Python, Bruce Springsteen, and Salman Rushdie appear, so this volume is current up to its date of publication. Viewpoint and Objectivity It is difficult to determine if controversial subjects are included in this volume unless one can recall a famous quote to reference. Arrangement and Entry There is an Index of Authors at the front of the book . The book is organized in chronological order, with an Index of Authors in the front. The first entries are credited to The Song of the Harper c. 2650-2600 B.C. Of the 1405 pages of this volume, fully 608 are devoted to the index at the back of the book. Each entry includes the speaker’s name, date of birth and death, if applicable, the quotation, and its source and date. Index The extensive index is arranged by keywords. Alphabetization is word-forword, not letter-by-letter. Keywords are also ordered singular possessive to plural to plural possessive. Each index entry indicates the page number it is found on and number of the quotation on that page. Cost The list price for this print volume was $40.00 U.S. at the time of its publication. The 2002 edition is listed at $50.00 U.S. 12.Dictionary of American Slang Citation
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Chapman, R. L. (Ed.). (1986). Dictionary of American slang. New York: Harper& Row. General Information This dictionary published in one volume by Harper& Row publishers in 1986. Scope There are more than 19,000 slang terms covering all periods of American history, regardless of social acceptability. Emphasis It ‘s not a traditional dictionary , but it is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the use of slang in America. It helps readers to identify any slang terms they found in their readings; also it helps those regular people or researchers who are seeking the meaning and the history of American slang terms. Authority There are list of the contributors, who shared their information about these terms, but there is no defining for the contributed slang terms for each one of them. Writing Style Language is appropriate. Viewpoint and Objectivity The date of this dictionary’s copyright is 1986, so it covers only the slang terms till the mid 80s. Arrangement and Entry Entries are alphabetically arranged, word by word , for the entries considered to have strong social or emotional impact are indicated by the delta symbol, there are some articles about the history of slang lexicography and definition of the slang terms. Entries also could include pronunciation, parts-of-speech labels, word origins, examples of usage, and usage acceptability notes and more. Format Hardcover Cost $40.00 Viewpoint and Objectivity Since slang is constantly changing, it can be difficult to find definitions of new terms in a printed dictionary. So the printed American slang dictionary must be updated, and that’s why the online dictionaries of American slang are now better to use. 13.Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Citation Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (11th ed.). (2003) Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster. Purpose This dictionary is for American English language interdisciplinary usage, it’s the main source of information about all the words of the American English including: (definition, pronunciation, and spelling.
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Viewpoint and Objectivity This is one of the Merriam Webster’s dictionaries that are trustable by American people for more than a century. Scope More than 225,500 definitions, 10,000 new words& meanings, 40,000example, 91,000 pronunciations, 33,000 etymologies, 2,700 illustrative quotation, 650 foreign words, and 700,00 illustration Special sections including a Handbook of Style. Includes easy-to-install Windows/Mac CD-ROM and free, one-year subscriptions to the new collegiate website. Emphasis This is an important dictionary for all students at schools and colleges. Format Thumb-notched hardcover edition, 1,664 pages. Also available on an easy-toinstall Windows/Mac CD-ROM, and free, one-year subscriptions to the new collegiate website. Arrangement and Entry This dictionary begins with an explanatory chart, and explanatory notes, the English language in the dictionary, then there are guides to pronunciation, abbreviations, pronunciations and symbols, after the main part of the English words, there is a section on foreign words and phrases, there’re also biographical names, geographical names, a handbook of style, at the end there is an index organized alphabetically by topic, ranging from abbreviations to zodiac table. Entries are arranged alphabetically word by word. Each page is divided into two columns; words entry is bolded and divided into syllables. Then part of speech, data of first use, followed by definition, and synonyms and antonyms. Features The explanatory chart gives details about the formatting of the entries. Overall Evaluation The best selling American Dictionary. Its first edition was published in 1898. The words printed are very small, hard to read. Cost Approximately $ 20 14.Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus Citation: Merriam-Webster’s collegiate thesaurus. (1988). Springfield, MA: MerriamWebster. Purpose: It’s a synonym and antonyms dictionary that provides similarities and distinctions between words. Authority Considered more authoritative than Roget’s. Scope As written on the cover of Merriam’s thesaurus “Most synonyms, more than 305,000” clear guidance on word choice
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Format Hardcover, 894 pages. The words of the dictionary are bolded, two columns pages. Recency This edition covers all words till the 80s. The new edition of 2010 is available now. Arrangement Alphabetical order word by word. Entries Each word has definitions, examples of words used in context, related and contrasted words. Overall Evaluation Another product of the Merriam-Webster, Inc. A very useful especially to enrich your vocabulary, Easy to use. Cost About $ 15 for a new copy of this thesaurus. 15.Merriam-Webster Online Citation Mish, F. (Ed.). (2009). Merriam-Webster online dictionary. Retrieved October 26, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ General Information The Merriam-Webster Online URL is the portal to the thesaurus, medical and Spanish/English dictionaries as well. Other content offerings include Britannica.com, Merriam-Webster.com, WordCentral.com, Student.Britannica.com, MySpellIt.com, VisualDictionaryOnline.com, & LearnersDictionary.com. The unabridged dictionary and Encyclopedia Britannica are offered as subscription services. Scope According to the FAQ section of the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary site, The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary is based on the print version of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. The online dictionary includes the main A-Z listing of the Collegiate Dictionary, as well as the Abbreviations, Foreign Words and Phrases, Biographical Names, and Geographical Names sections of that book. It also includes 1,000 illustrations and 25 tables. Selected sections of the print Collegiate Dictionary, notably the Signs and Symbols section, are omitted from the online Collegiate Dictionary because they include special characters and symbols that cannot readily be reproduced in HTML. Emphasis The emphasis is on undergraduate college level words and their definitions. Authority The Merriam-Webster company has been publishing dictionaries since 1831, originally under the name, G. & C. Merriam Co. Writing Style The writing style is targeted to the undergraduate level.
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Recency Copyright is as of 2009; however, the entry for Barack Obama lists him as a U.S. politician and mentions nothing about his presidential status. Viewpoint and Objectivity Viewing the entry for abortion, I am not sure why the dictionary lists it as applicable to “the first 12 weeks of gestation.” The OED states that it is applicable through 6 months, before which time the fetus cannot live outside the mother. This sounds suspiciously like a U.S. politicized definition of abortion. Arrangement and Entry The portal offers a search box. Entering a word and pressing the “search” button results in navigation to a list of terms in which the word searched for occurs, including the original word. These terms link to other definitions. The definition for the original term entered is displayed further down on the page. The definition is accompanied by a clickable pronunciation sound file. The word is divided with U.S. syllabic emphasis and the U.S. phonetic pronunciation markup is given. The function of the word (verb, noun, etc.) is given along with the date of origination. Primary and secondary definitions are given in order of most common definition first in order of decreasing commonality. Occasionally links are given to definition entries of other words used in the definition. Links to graphics are given where applicable, but do not necessarily link to internal site resources. Advertisements abound on the site and are distracting. Index An index is not provided. Format The site uses a portal format. Cost Free. 16.The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Citation Knowles, E. (Ed.). (2004). The Oxford dictionary of quotations (6th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. General Information One volume. 1140 pages. Scope This dictionary is comprised of historical quotations of permanency, historical quotations that have acquired recent relevancy, and modern quotations such as terms like “shock and awe”. Quotations are included from both English and foreign languages. Emphasis Quotations of literary, historical, and cultural merit or relevancy are included. This may include advertising slogans and newspaper headlines as well as speeches, poetry, and other sources. The emphasis is on English language
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quotations, but foreign language quotations of merit are included to a certain extent. Authority Oxford University Press is a prestigious publishing house that has been researching and collecting quotations for over 50 years. Writing Style The work in the volume is primarily quoted from other authors. Recency This is the 2004 edition. Viewpoint and Objectivity The text is Euro-centric. It does not include, for instance, the quote by Gandhi, “You must be the change that you wish to see in the world,” which is quite famous. Arrangement and Entry The text is arranged with dictionary entries in the quotation section, and also in the keyword index. Quotations are listed alphabetically by last name of the person quoted. The birth and death date of the person are given as well as a blurb on their place in history or occupation. This information is followed by the quote. The text is arranged in double columns with line numbers for reference. Source evidence is also given where applicable. Index A keyword index is provided which takes up one fourth of the book. Keywords are in bold followed by an abbreviated list of the quotations in which they are contained. Each quotation reference is associated with an abbreviation of the author or source name, the page number, and the line number where the keyword appears. Cost The cost is $50.00. 17.Oxford English Dictionary Citation Simpson, J. A., & Weiner, E. S. C. (Eds.). (1989). The Oxford English dictionary (2nd ed.). (20 vols.). Oxford: Clarendon Press. General Information The New Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Project was conducted from 1984 to 1989 and resulted in the storage of the dictionary in database format. Tags were applied to multiple facets of each entry to aid in the future search and organization of the resource. Scope The OED is an integration of the original 12 volumes and 4 supplements of the first edition Quoted from the cover flap to the first volume: Based on historical principles, the Dictionary covers the vocabulary of the English language since AD 1150, and provides a historical record of the development and change of meaning of each word. There are entries for almost half a million words and phrases, and the definitions are illustrated by
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over two million quotations selected from general, literary, technical, and other sources. Emphasis Emphasis is on English language words from 1150 C.E. to 1988. Authority The OED is considered the definitive word in English language etymology. Favorable reviews abound, including those from the New York Times, The Times, and The Washington Post. Writing Style The writing style is advanced academic, and often times can only be understood completely with knowledge of advanced grammar. Recency The OED is 20 years old and has largely been supplanted with the online subscription. Viewpoint and Objectivity The viewpoint is, of course, British. Arrangement and Entry To quote from page xxxii of the first volume of the OED: Entries are arranged in the Dictionary in the alphabetical order of their headwords. Alphabetization is based strictly upon the twenty-six letter of the standard English alphabet. An initial capital letter is treated as in no way distinct from a small one. The spacing within a headword consisting of two or more written words is disregarded. Hence, for example, the sequence of the headwords all-rounder, All Saints, allseed, All Souls, allspice. Entries are comprised of “the identification”, “the etymology”, “the signification”, and “the illustrative quotations”. Information is also provided on the obsolescence of the word if applicable. Index An index is not included; however, a bibliography is included in the twentieth (last) volume). Cost The cost is $995.00 on Amazon.com. 18.Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English Citation Dalzell, T. & Victor, T. (Eds.). (2006). The new Partridge dictionary of slang and unconventional English. (2 vols.). New York: Routledge. General Information Two volumes are divided alphabetically into A-I and J-Z. A bibliography is provided. This work was “taken from The Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, 8th edition (first published in 1984), E. Partridge and P. Beale estates. The dictionary was published simultaneously in the U.K., the U.S. and Canada. Scope
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The dictionary includes, slang and unconventional English “used anywhere in the English-speaking world” from 1945 through 2006. Emphasis The emphasis is on slang words and unconventional English. The editors state, “We have considered for inclusion all unconventional English that has been used with the purpose or effect of either lowering the formality of communication and reducing solemnity and/or identifying status or group and putting oneself in tune with one’s company.” A reduced emphasis has been placed on nicknames in this version. Unlike Partridge’s version, this dictionary includes “the broader universe of the English speaking world.” Pidgin and Creolized English are also included. Authority The editors and authors of the dictionary are all experienced writers of dictionaries and academics. The dictionary is based upon Eric Partridge’s 1937 work, The Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English. Writing Style Definitions are strictly academically worded; however, the quotes used to exemplify the slang in-situ, as it were, are of popular culture. Definitions are purported to “use conventional English wherever possible.” Recency 2006 is fairly recent; however, with the speed at which slang words are adopted, one could make an argument for annual updates. Viewpoint and Objectivity The words included do not hint toward any bias that I found. The authors have made an attempt to cover all words used in English speaking countries. Arrangement and Entry Spaces in multi-word or hyphenated words are not taken into account in the alphabetical ordering of the entries. Entries consist of a bolded headword, the numbered definitions or “senses” of the word ordered by “frequency of meaning.” Also included are the part of speech, country of origin, earliest date found, a defining phrase in which the entry is used, editorial comment, and citations. Index An index is not included. Cost Cost is $212.00 on Amazon.com. 19.Random House Webster’s College Thesaurus Citation Stein, Jess M., Flexner, Stuart Berg (Ed.) (1997). Random House Webster’s college thesaurus. New York: Random House. General Information One of the publications of “Random House” Publishing Inc.. This copy is reprint of the original 1979 edition of this thesaurus. Edited by Jess Stein and
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Stuart Berg Flexner and revised and updated by Fraser Sutherland, with the Random House Firm. Scope It’s a thesaurus of the English words. It offers very divers options in the way of processing synonyms (as well as apt antonyms). With more than 12,000 main entry terms, 400,000-plus synonyms and antonyms, and the handy "Thumb Index Purpose A helpful resource for finding synonyms, near synonyms, antonyms, and contrasted words or near antonyms. Authority Published by a reputable publisher “Random House” which also publisher of Random House Webster's College Dictionary. This publisher is one of authoritative sources. Viewpoint and Objectivity Synonym and antonym lists cover all levels of vocabulary, from formal to slang. Easy to use. Emphasis This reliable reference is recommended for students, writers, public speakers, and business people. Format Hardcover: 800 pages Arrangement and Entry Organized in a simple A-to-Z format, each word is also used in a sentence-with different sentences for distinct meanings of the word--to help users for complete understanding. All the main entries are in simple A- Z listing. Entries are clearly printed with head words bolded. Thousands of example sentences show the appropriate context for each meaning of each main entry term. There is a guide to abbreviations included. Format The Thumb Index helps you find your way quickly to the word you're looking for. Overall Evaluation Plentiful white space makes it easy to read. Newly updated with new words. Cost $ 11 from Amazon.com. 20.World Book Dictionary Citation Barnhart, R.K. (Ed.). (1996). The world book dictionary. (2 vols.). Chicago: World Book. General Information This dictionary is out of print. Scope
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According to the editors, “The World Book Dictionary contains 225,000 terms in the working vocabulary of English—the vocabulary used by educated people to communicate with each other…” In other words, slang terms are not included. Emphasis The emphasis is on the stated purpose which is to supplement the World Book Encyclopedia. Primarily English words are included and are targeted toward the undergraduate college level. Vocabulary is U.S.-centric. Authority The dictionary is published by the publishers of the World Book Encyclopedia; however, a publisher who can put together a useful encyclopedia does not necessarily put together a useful dictionary, as the two entities are quite different animals. The international advisory committee working with the editors on the dictionary number approximately 100 individuals from the global academic community. Most are professors of English or linguistics, while some are subject matter specialists at the academic level in the sciences, history, and etc. Recency The dictionary was published in 1996. Viewpoint and Objectivity As an English language dictionary published in America, bias runs toward American usage. This is natural and expected. Arrangement and Entry The dictionary is arranged in entries that “are listed in alphabetical order, letter by letter. For example, the entry newcomer appears before the entry New Covenanters, which comes before new-create.” Contents consist of the following information: • About this book • Editorial information • Using your language (grammar, spelling, parts of speech, word choice, vocabulary help) • How to write effectively • Using this dictionary • Pronunciation, • Preparing manuscripts • Using different languages • Word entries Word entries consist of single-word entries and subentries, spelling, syllabification, pronunciation and stress information, parts of speech, inflections, singular and plural forms, definitions, illustrative sentences and phrases, restrictive or usage labels (which “tell you if a particular word is not a standard part of speech,” according to the editors), cross references, homographs, run-on words, etymology, illustrations where applicable, synonyms, usage notes, and figurative usage information. Index
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Indexes are not provided. Format The dictionary consists of two volumes with thumb tabs at the alphabetical demarcation points. Triple column formatting is used. Cost The dictionary is out of print. 1. YourDictionary.com Citation YourDictionary.com (2009). Retrieved on October 27, 2009, from http://www.yourdictionary.com/ Scope YourDictionary.com is the most comprehensive and authoritative language portal on the web with more than 2,500 dictionaries and grammars in over 300 languages, dictionary, glossary and reference articles, games that build language skills. It also provides translation services and many other special features including a section on endangered languages and some limited audio pronunciation guide. Emphasis This is an important website for everybody (students, librarian, translators, linguistics…etc) to help getting links to all these foreign languages dictionaries with all the features they provide. Authority YourDictionary.com is owned by LoveToKnow Corporation, an online media company with rapid-fire growth. Privately held LoveToKnow's web sites serve approximately 10 million page views per month and continue to attract increasing numbers of visitors with useful and unique content. The family of sites in LoveToKnow Corporation include LoveToKnow.com, YourDictionary.com, PublicBookshelf.com, Adviceopedia.org and FlexJobs.com The site developed by Robert Beard at Bucknell university and is considered by many to be the most comprehensive and authoritative portal for language. It has an advisory council of experts composed of dozen linguistics scholars and foreign language adepts. Recency Established in 1996, it is still online up-to-date dictionary. Viewpoint and Objectivity More than 3,000,000 people a month visit YourDictionary.com. The graphic interface is attractive and simple to use, if a bit ad-heavy. It is easy to move back and forth between features Arrangement and Entry The home page of YourDictionary.com is easy to use m with just a click on the feature you want there are many taps to choose if you want searching for definition for any word just type it in the definition search box , there are
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also links for dictionaries, thesauruses, word games, language, grammar , language articles, and so much more. These are the feature it provides: • Exclusive Webster's New World dictionary definitions YourDictionary.com is the only site to offer the most useful and authoritative dictionary online for FREE! • Full Roget's thesaurus – The leading authority in thesauri. • Free audio pronunciations – Hear the pronunciation for most words in the dictionary. • Usage examples – The help you need to choose your words precisely and avoid usage pitfalls. • Quotes – Great examples of word usage from art, music and history. • Webster's New World Finance & Investment, Webster's New World Hacker, Webster's New World Telecom, and Webster's New World Law Dictionaries too! – YourDictionary.com is your one stop source for specialized dictionaries. • Language forum – Connect with other users and discuss language, definition and grammar issues. • Word of the Day – A convenient way to expand the horizons of your vocabulary. • Language Articles – An incredible archive of dictionary, glossary and reference articles featuring original content from YourDictionary.com writers. • Word Games – A fun way to improve your vocabulary and build language skills Cost Free 1. OneLook Dictionaries Citation OneLook dictionaries. (2009.). Retrieved on October 27, from: http://www.onelook.com/. Scope This online index connects the user to 13,587,880 words in 1024 dictionaries indexed. It allowed Purpose It’s kind of Metasearch engine for words and phrases, which helps users (teachers, students, librarians,…etc ) who are trying to find different features of words and phrases . Authority Viewpoint and Objectivity This is one of the most authoritative dictionary portals on the web. Founded in April of 1996. Emphasis This is an important web source for highly specialized subject, beside all general public usage it helpful for students, writers, and the general public. Arrangement and Entry
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As it appears from the name of that site “Onelook” from the home page users with one look could find words and phrases through these three taps (Find definitions- Find translations -Search all dictionaries) Users could search for words and phrases that end with …, find words that start with…, find any words related to …, find phrases that contain the word…, find phrases that spell…. They could also find an advanced help with wildcards and the reverse dictionary. Entries/ Special Features The home page of this portal is especially user- friendly, having a clean home page no pop-up ads, but ads are popping up if you search for any word the answer will come from the other dictionaries websites which have lots of adds. For each entry (word) it offers a numbered list of dictionaries with entries matching the searchable word, if you click on any of this it offers a quick definition from the dictionaries, pronunciation with sound feature and etymology and all the other features of this word. The site offers a word of the day feature, Cost Free Overall Evaluation This site received many awards from commercial internet resources.
Evaluation Set 4 (Directories)
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This paper evaluates 16 directories as reference resources. Documentation of each group member’s contributions follows the body of the work. 1. AcqWeb's Directory of Publishers and Vendors Citation AcqWeb's Directory of Publishers and Vendors (2004) Retrieved on November1, 2009. From: http://www.acqweb.org/pubr.html Scope This is an international trade directory of important publishers and vendors listed and compiled by library professionals and vendors’ links to publisher or vendors’ websites, and e- mail address of the publishers and vendors. Use This list of publishers and vendors is useful to Acquisition librarian to make it easy to contact with t them for collection development. With this directory we could answer questions like: I need to find contact information for the publishing firm Peachpit Press. Do they have an e-mail address or an 800 number? What stores in the U.S. specialize in Polish language books? Arrangement/ Entries The web site of this directory arranged to include these sections in the home page 1- Publisher Email Address Directory edited by David Marshall 2- Publisher Web Sites: Alphabetic Directory 3- Publisher Web Sites: Geographic Directory by Peter Scott 4- Publisher Web Sites: Subject Directory (which includes 17 main subject headings and these topic divided also to sub- headings) in the bottom of the same home page, which makes it easier to look for those publisher and vendor through their special subject interests like(General and Multiple Subject Publishers, Business and Economics, Education, and more) For each entry there are links to web page of each one the publisher or vendor included this web pages different from one to another but it helps of the authors, new releases, upcoming books, and lots more. Currency The last update for this web site was on August 18, 2004. Overall Evaluation or Critique This is easy to use directory and some of the links to websites are dead and need to be updated. 1. American School Directory Citation American School Directory. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from http://www.asd.com/asd/asdhome.htm Scope
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This site provides information on over 105,000 primary, middle, and high schools in the U.S. It covers public, private, and Catholic schools. There are two choices of subscriptions; the first is payable by month or the first 500 schools accessed and the second is payable per year or first 2000 schools accessed. Purpose Asd.com is an online source of information on K-12 schools in the United States. The company has been in business since 1985. ASD.com was started in 1996. Authority The publishers of the site contact schools directly to verify and update information. Use This site will be useful to anyone who would like information about public, private, and Catholic schools in the U.S. and wants to view the information one school at a time. Arrangement/ Entries Each entry is divided into four parts and each part includes: a. School Information Page- name, address, county name, ASD code number, and link to map b. Contact Information- principal’s name, office phone number, fax number, e-mail address, and web address c. School Information- number of students, number of homerooms, grade levels, type of school, mascot, school colors, computer platform, number of internet connected computers, type of internet connection, and wish list items # 1, #2, #3 d. District- county school district address and phone number Schools can be searched by school name, city, county, or zip code. Currency This site is updated weekly at minimum during the school year. Overall Evaluation or Critique It is impossible to critique this site as it is only accessible to subscribers. However, the sample page is well organized and provides clear and useful data for the entry. 2. Annual Register of Grant Support Citation McDonough, Beverly (Ed.). (2009). Annual Register of Grant Support 2010: A Directory of Funding Sources (43rd ed.). New Providence, New Jersey: R.R. Bowker. Annual Register of Grant Support 2010. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from http://infotoday.stores.yahoo.net/anregofgrans4.html Scope This directory provides information on over 3200 organizations that give nonrepayable funding. It includes traditional corporate, private, and public funding sources as well as little known non-traditional funding sources such as educational associations and unions.
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Purpose The Annual Register of Grant Support provides broad information relating to organizations that give non-repayable financial support to organizations seeking funding for their programs. Use This directory will prove a valuable resource for any organization that depends on grants to keep its programs running. Arrangement/ Entries The guide is divided into 11 major subject areas and 61 sub-categories. Information given on each grant includes: • Eligibility requirements and restriction • Application procedures and deadlines • Grant size or range • Contact information Currency This directory is published annually. Overall Evaluation or Critique The directory provides clear concise information and is easy to search. 1. D&B Companies Online Citation (1999). Companies Online. Waltham, MA: Lycos. Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://www.insiderinfo.com. Scope Companies Online is a Web directory run by Lycos.com. Its new URL is http://www.insiderinfo.com. Its scope is not limited, but is comprised of any commercial Web site submitted for inclusion. Purpose Web directories by companies such as Lycos are an alternative method of cataloging and searching for Web sites. Rather than being crawler-based, the sights are sought or submitted by hand. This site’s particular purpose is to provide a venue for commercial products. Use Those searching for commercial products or services on the Web would use this directory. Arrangement/ Entries Entries are arranged topically and may be viewed via the site map. Currency A quick review did not reveal any broken links on the site. Overall Evaluation or Critique While the organization of the site appears at first glance to be adequatelydone, clicking on the subject links reveals sponsored links that have absolutely nothing to do with the subject selected. The user must scroll all the way down the page in order to see an anemic number of results for their selection. This format is deceptive and at first I thought perhaps no pertinent results had been returned. I would not recommend this site, which is too bad because Lycos used to be a reputable company.
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2. Directory of Research Grants Citation Grants Program (Ed.). (2005). Directory of research grants. Phoenix, Arizona: Oryx Press. Scope This directory provides information on over 5100 programs from 1880 sponsors. It includes non-repayable funding information from U.S. and foreign foundations, corporation, government agencies and other organizations. The user can find funding amongst other things, research, equipment acquisition, building construction and renovation, and fellowships. Purpose The Directory of Research Grants provides information about organizations that give non-repayable financial support to organizations seeking funding for their programs.
Authority The editors of the directory contact the sponsoring organizations directly to verify information. Funding organizations also provide the editors with brochures, press releases, and other mailings to ensure currency. Use This directory will prove a valuable resource for any organization that depends on grants to keep its programs running. Arrangement/ Entries Each entry includes: • Grant title and description • Requirements • Amount • Application deadline • Contact information • Internet access • Sponsor name and address • Samples of awarded grants (when available) The guide also includes four indexes: • Subject • Sponsoring organization • Program type • Geographic The directory also includes a “Guide to Proposal Planning and Writing” by Jeremy and Lynn Miner. Currency This directory is published annually. Overall Evaluation or Critique
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The four indexes make it very easy for the user to find the best program for his/her purposes. 1. Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers Citation Miskelly, M. & Rozsa, C. (Ed.). (2002). Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers. (27th ed.). Detroit: Gale Group. Scope It’s part of Gale’s ready reference listing Libraries and information centers. It provides detailed contact and descriptive information on more than 34,000 subject-specific resource collections maintained by various government agencies, businesses, publishers, educational and nonprofit organizations, and libraries around the world Purpose /Use Researchers can use it to find useful information about those resource centers, special collections and documentation centers. With this directory we could answer questions like: Where is the location of libraries with strong collections on folk dancing. Arrangement/ Entries Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers is published in two volumes (available separately): Volume 1 (in three parts) provides detailed contact and descriptive information on subject-specific resource collections maintained by various government agencies, businesses, publishers, educational and nonprofit organizations, and libraries around the world. In addition, Vol. 1 features seven appendixes and a comprehensive subject index and is available with or without an inter-edition supplement. Volume 2, Geographic and Personnel Indexes, provides access to profiled libraries by geographic region, as well as by the professional staff that are cited in each listing. Currency This printed edition 27 was published in 2002 The printed edition updates annually. The online edition up- to-date, and available for subscription only through http://www.librariesupdate.com/default.asp Overall Evaluation or Critique It very useful directory, and easy to use. 2. Foundations On-Line Citation (2009).. Foundations On-Line. Retrieved November 2, 2009 from http://www.foundationsonline.org. Scope Foundations On-Line is a directory of charitable grant makers. Purpose The purpose is to provide a national directory of charitable grant makers. Use
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Those searching for charitable grants will find this site of use. Overall Evaluation or Critique Entries are in two major directory lists: 1. Corporate and Private Foundations, and Grantmakers Directory 2. Community Foundations Directory These two directories are arranged alphabetically by organization or grant name. Links are given to the grant makers. Scrolling to the bottom of the page shows more categories of grants in a table. Limited time grant organizations or opportunities are listed on the main page. Currency The lists appear current. I did not find any broken links. Overall Evaluation or Critique This Web site is a mess. There is little to no effective organization to its contents. While the entries are useful, the lack of organization is discouraging. I had to go one page deeper into the site to find the links for the directory. This might put off a less persistent user. 1. Hoover’s Online Citation Hoover: A D&B Company. (2009). Hoover’s, Inc. Retrieved October 30, 2009 from http://www.hoovers.com/free/. Scope This site provides information on 32 million public and private companies world-wide and 37 million key people. It covers all aspects of company, industry and market intelligence that drive business growth. There are three different subscriptions available. All include information about 40,000 companies that are either large or influential in their industry. Beyond that, the choices vary in depth of information, so the user may choose their subscription according to their needs. The site also provides news coverage from over 2000 international sources. Purpose Hoover’s Online is an online source of business information about companies and industries world-wide and what drives their growth. Authority The information for this site is compiled by industry experts who analyze and verify the content. Use This site would be useful for anyone doing research on a company, be it for purposes of prospective partnerships, employment or client relationship building. It would also be helpful for a business person looking for preparing for a meeting or doing competitive research Arrangement/ Entries Each entry is divided into13 parts and each part includes: • Company name, address, phone and fax numbers • Company record tools- links to company data and reports
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• Overview- description • Key information • Key numbers • Key people- names and contact information • People profiles- provided by company employees • LinkedIn connections • CEOs on camera • Industry information- extensive hyperlinks • Industry watch- current news links • Top competitors- with hypertext links • Rankings/Stock indexes Currency This site is updated daily. Overall Evaluation or Critique Information on this site is easy to access using a keyword search, and is presented in a very clear, readable format. 1. National Faculty Directory 2000 Citation The National faculty directory (2001) Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research Co Scope Find names, departmental affiliations and institutional addresses of professionals of approximately 730,000 members of teaching faculties at more than 3,600 American colleges and universities and approximately 240 Canadian institutions that use instructional materials primarily in English. Each Supplement updates approximately 60,000 new entries. Purpose Use This is an essential resource for academic and large public libraries for locating teaching faculty at junior colleges, colleges and universities in the United States, with some in Canada. Primary users include students, academics, and professional researchers seeking faculty contact information and departmental affiliations. It could be use to answer questions like: I need an address for a mathematics professor whose last name is Zorn. Arrangement/ Entries National Faculty Directory arranged alphabetically by the last names of faculty members, and sub arranged by first names and initial, the college and universities are arranged alphabetically by the states. Each entry include also the departmental affiliations, institutional addresses, and phone numbers. The Supplement entries in the main body are arranged alphabetically by faculty member name. Entries include address, phone number, and departmental affiliation. The roster section contains a listing of schools arranged alphabetically by state/province, then name of school within the state/province. Currency Updated irregularly.
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Overall Evaluation or Critique The information in the directory is taken from academic catalogs published by institutions, so it should be accurate, published by reputable publisher. The page divided into 5 columns, the printed entries are too small. 2. Peterson’s Citation (2009). Peterson’s. Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://www.petersons.com. Scope Peterson’s is an education preparation and information portal for all levels of education in the United States. It is owned by NeInet. Purpose The Peterson’s portal About page lists the following purpose and content for the site: “In addition to our core products for college search and selection, test preparation, and financial aid, Petersons offers online services for essay editing and instruction as well as resume writing.” Use Students use the Peterson’s site to conduct academic test preparation, study help, admissions assistance, and other information about, “with information about colleges and universities, career schools, graduate programs, distance learning, executive training, private secondary schools, summer opportunities, study abroad, financial aid, test preparation, and career exploration.” Arrangement/ Entries The site is a portal to Peterson’s products. A home page offers organization by the following education levels: • Colleges and Universities • Graduate Schools • Online and Continuing Education • K-12 Schools and Programs On the home page, search boxes correspond to each education level. Quick links are offered to frequently-sought topics for each education level. Currency The site is current as of 2009. Overall Evaluation or Critique While this is primarily a site designed to sell education products and services to the public, it is very well organized and has a pleasing presence. It is easy to search and organized in a clear and consistent manner. 1. Publishers Directory Citation Gagne, L. (Ed.). Publishers directory. (2008). Farmington Hills, MI, Gale. Scope According to Google Books, Gale's Publishers Directory covers approximately 30,000 U.S. and Canadian publishers, distributors and wholesalers. Google goes on to explain:
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Organizations profiled in the Publishers Directory represent a broad spectrum of interests, including major publishing companies; small presses (in the traditional, literary sense); groups promoting special interests from ethnic heritage to alternative medical treatments; museums and societies in the arts, science, technology, history, and genealogy; divisions within universities that issues special publications in such fields as business, literature and climate studies; religious institutions; corporations that produce important publications related to their areas of specialization; government agencies; and electronic and database publishers. Purpose The purpose of the resources is to catalog all publishers in one directory for ready reference of publisher name, address, etc. Use A person searching for contact information for a publisher, or searching for a publisher of a particular type of resource would use this directory. Currency 2008 is fairly current; however, with how quickly the publishing industry changes, using the current year’s edition is advisable. 2. Research Centers and Services Directory Citation Research centers and services directories. (2009). Detroit, MI: Gale/ Cengage Learning Retrieved November 1, 2009 from http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/html/bl0115.html. Scope The Research Centers and Services Directory is a comprehensive source of detailed information on over 37,000 organizations conducting research worldwide. It corresponds to the print Research Centers Directory family of publications: Research Centers Directory, which covers over 15,900 university-based and other nonprofit research facilities in the U.S. and Canada; International Research Centers Directory, which covers over 13,160 non-U.S. research organizations in approximately 160 countries; Government Research Directory, which covers more than 8,000 research units of the U.S. and Canadian federal governments. The Research Centers and Services Directory database provides full contact information and descriptions of university, independent nonprofit, government, and commercial research and development centers, institutes, laboratories, bureaus, test facilities, experiment stations, research parks, foundations, councils, and other organizations that support and conduct research worldwide Purpose / Use It is recommended to be purchased by all large public and academic libraries. It offers information about programs, staffing, publications, and services. It could be used to answer questions like: 1- Where are there research centers with expertise on butterflies?
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2- Where is Chulalongkorn University located? What is the size of the faculty and student body at that institution? 3- I would like the address and phone number for Edmund Scientific Co. Arrangement/ Entries This Directory Arranged alphabetically in Subject categories. The research units in nearly every field of research activity are described. Organizations from Research Centers Directory are grouped into the following general categories (numbers refer to corresponding section heading codes: • Agricultural, Food, and Veterinary Sciences (01) • Astronomy and Space Sciences (04) • Behavioral and Social Sciences (12) • Biological and Environmental Sciences (02) • Business and Economics (08) • Computers and Mathematics (05) • Education (13) • Engineering and Technology (06) • Government and Public Affairs (09) • Humanities and Religion (14) • Law (11) • Labor and Industrial Relations (10) • Medical and Health Sciences (03) • Multidisciplinary Programs (16) • Physical and Earth Sciences (07) • Regional and Area Studies (15) • Research Coordinating Offices and Research Parks (17) Currency Current file corresponds to this year's print edition of the directory File Size: 37,134 Organizations as of June 2009. Annual Reload Update Frequency, and online for subscription only through the web site at:http://galenet.gale.com/m/mcp/db/rcsd/ Overall Evaluation or Critique International Guide to research center, published by reputable publisher, very useful for researchers, with special features includes: ERA Available, Graduate Education Program, KWIC and HILIGHT Available. 1. Research Centers Directory Citation Research centers directory (2001) Detroit, MI: Gale Research Co., Scope A directory to Research institutes, foundations, centers, bureaus, laboratories, experiment stations, and other similar nonprofit facilities, organizations, and activities in the United States and Canada. Purpose / Use It’s important source for information on research centers, and universities. Useful for student researcher, and librarian. It could answer questions like: Where are there research centers with expertise on butterflies in USA?
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Arrangement/ Entries Arranged geographically: Entry gives identifying and descriptive information of staff and work. Institutional, research centers, and subject indexes. 5th ed., 5491 entries; 6th ed., 6268 entries Currency Print edition updated irregularly. It is complemented with two other Gale publications: • International Research Centers Directory • Government Research Directory Overall Evaluation or Critique Published by reputable publish 1. Subject Collections Citation Ash, L. & McQuitty, B. J. (Eds.). (1993). Subject Collections: A Guide to Special Book Collections and Subject Emphases as Reported by University, College, Public and Special Libraries and Museums in the United States and Canada (7th ed.). New Providence, New Jersey; R.R. Bowker. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from http://www.alibris.com/booksearch. detail?invid=9993749010&browse=1&qwork=6433926&qsort=&page=1 Scope This directory includes reviews of more than 65,000 special library and museum collections held by almost 6000 in the U.S. and Canada. Of these entries, 13,000 collections from almost 900 institutions are new since the last edition. Catalog of Manuscript Collections revealed several omissions from Subject Collections. Nevertheless, libraries that serve a research-oriented clientele will want to make the seventh edition an essential purchase. Purpose Subject Collections reviews the strengths of thousands of library collections covering a wide range of subject areas Authority The editors contacted each library directly via mailings to verify accuracy. Use This directory will be most useful to researchers and reference librarians and would most likely be found in an academic setting. Arrangement/ Entries The entries are listed alphabetically using Library of Congress subject headings. Under each heading, entries are alphabetical by state, then city, then by name of institution. Each entry includes the following information: • Name of holding institution • Contact information-phone and fax numbers, e-mail • General description of holdings Collections on Eastern European nations, African American cultures, gays and lesbians, ecology and the environment, feminism and women's rights,
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music and theater, and ethnic groups (especially Muslims) have gained significantly in representation. Currency The information is accurate to the date of the publication. 1. Yearbook of International Organizations, 1999/2000 Citation Union of International Associations (Eds.). (1999). Yearbook of international organizations: 1999-2000 (36th ed.) (Vols. 1-4). Munich: K. G. Saur. Scope According to Amazon.com, “this reference work provides information on over 28,000 international organizations at work in over 225 countries worldwide.” Purpose The purpose is to provide data about and contact information for international organizations. Use Questions about contact information for foreign or domestic non-profits, government organizations, and other “membership entities” can be found in this four volume set. Arrangement/ Entries According to the review on Amazon.com: Cross-referenced, it is organized into three volumes specifically to facilitate information retrieval. Volume 1 has been reorganized for greater ease of use and contains entries on over 28,000 organizations, from inter-governmental organizations to religious orders and non-profit bodies. Volume 2 which covers international organization participation provides a geographically arranged directory of organizations. Restructured for this edition, the volume now contains one section which lists countries in alphabetical order. Over 10,000 secretariats and other offices of international organizations are listed plus over 70,000 membership entries. Not simply an index to descriptions in Volume 1, this directory of secretariats and membership is an independent working tool with each entry giving the name and main address of the international body. Volume 3 covers global action networks. It is an organizational directory arranged by subject, interdisciplinary subject combinations and regions as well as providing a subject index to Volume 1. Currency It is a decade old and therefore not current. Overall Evaluation or Critique The volumes appear to be well organized. One does wonder about their completeness given the enormity of the subject. 2. Telephone Directories on the Web Citation (1995-2009). Infobel.com. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from http://www.infobel.com/en/ world/. Scope
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This site is a directory to international telephone directories. It covers almost every country of the world and provides extensive listings for Business Directories, White Pages, Website Directories and Yellow Pages for each country. Purpose Infobel.com is an online international telephone directory. Use This directory would be useful for anyone who needs directory assistance (phone number, address, etc.) for the United States or any other country of the world. Arrangement/ Entries The user selects the country she wants to search from either the drop-down menu or the six continental sub-divisions on the homepage. Choosing the country will lead to a number of hyperlinks that may be white pages, yellow pages, business directories, or additional web directories. The user then chooses her preference and does the look-up. Currency This site appears to be up-to-date. Overall Evaluation or Critique While I found this site relatively easy to use, if I were looking for a phone number in the United States I would probably stick to www.msn.com or www.switchboard.com for simplicity’s sake; either of those sites would get me to the information I needed more efficiently. But this does appear to be a handy site for international look-ups.
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Evaluation Set 5 – Geographic sources This paper evaluates 15 geographical sources as reference resources. Documentation of each group member’s contributions follows the body of the work. 1- Atlas of the World Citation Atlas of the World (10th ed.). (2002). New York: Oxford University Press. Currency and Accuracy The maps in this atlas are current and accurate to the date of publication (2002). Authority The Oxford University Press is the oldest continuously operating university press in the world. They began publishing scholarly, educational and research materials in the late 1400s and are one of the most highly regarded publishers of academic resources in the world. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols The scale of the maps is sufficient for all text to be large and the fonts used make all text easily readable. The color usage, although highly detailed, using hill shading and relief coloring to indicate topographical features, never distracts the user from accessing the information provided. There is a legend to all symbols used throughout the book on the first page Scale and Projection The scale of each map is indicated in the table of contents. The scale varies according to whether the map is of a continent, a country, or a city. Within each geographic category, the scale used is consistent as possible. The maps are drawn to as large a scale as possible to compensate for distortions
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caused by projecting a curved surface onto a flat presentation. The projection type used- conic, azimuthal, or cylindrical- is noted on each map. Format The Oxford Atlas of the World is a gorgeous hardcover print publication. Each map whether it fits completely on one page or is part of a two-page spread, is framed on the page so that no information is lost in the gutter of the book. The volume is over-sized and therefore resides on a shelf in a small dictionary podium at my local library. Index The atlas has two tables at beginning of the book. The first, a Country list, includes area and population figures for each listing. The second, a Physical Dimensions list is organized by category (continents, mountains, rivers, etc.). The alphabetical index at the back of the book lists principal place names and features. Each listing includes information on whether it is a country or region, the page number, grid square reference, a notation if it is an inset map, and latitude and longitude coordinates. Each place name also includes symbols indicating whether it is a country, river, overseas territory or dependency, first order administrative area, national park, other park, or principal airport. Price The 2005 hardcover deluxe edition of the Atlas of the World is listed at $175.00 U.S. 2- Chambers World Gazetteer Citation Munro, David (1990) Chambers world gazetteer : A Geographical Dictionary Cambridge(England); N.Y: Cambridge University Press.
Currency and Accuracy First published in 1988 under the title Chambers world gazetteer: an A-Z of geographical information" Its information is trustable and accurate, but not up- to- date, and each edition includes extensive cumulations, and not updated currently. Authority Edited by Dr. David Munro From The Famous Cambridge University, and published by The University press in Both Cambridge( England) and New York, its information is collected from statistical yearbooks, local Chamber of Commerce, and Government tourist boards , which make it more to be trusted as accurate information. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols It is book size, but small print, has multiple color maps, and multiple though rather generic symbols. Entries overall are rather short , except when central political/ administrative place , then can be a few pages long, cross reference , pronunciation tools, measurements.
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Scale and Projection Multiple scales. Format Hard cover book size single volume (print Gazetteer). Index No index, arranged alphabetically by location Price $35.96 at Barnes & Noble 3- The Columbia Gazetteer of the World Citation The Columbia gazetteer of the world (1998) edited by Saul B. Cohen.- New York : Columbia University Press. Currency and Accuracy The 1998 Gazetteer had 165,000 entries. 25,000 of them new to this edition, It is revised in each print edition , but not occasionally published in print, meanwhile the online version is up-to date, and revised continuously. Authority The information contained therein edited by Saul B. Cohen who is a specialist in political geography and University Professor. This Gazetteer is supervised by a board of 150 leading geographical scholars from all parts of the world, and published by an authoritative publisher one of reputational universities in USA. It was Selected for Choice's 35th annual Outstanding Academic Books list. Winner, Best New Professional/Scholarly Book in Geography and Earth Sciences, 1998 Association of American Publishers Annual Awards Competition. Booklist Editors' Choice winner, 1998. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols The Columbia Gazetteer has short articles or entries on all types of places throughout the world; both physical places and political entities. Most articles have details on where the place is located, its dimensions and borders, and information on economic activities, demographics, history, and former or alternate names and different spellings and pronunciations, but no color maps, no symbols. Scale and Projection No scales, and no projection. Format Print ( 1-3 vol.) online at: http://www.columbiagazetteer.org Index No index Price Print : $595.00 at Barnes & Noble. Online : log in with username and password. For subscriber , or university library card holders. 4- Guide to Places of the World Citation
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Guide to places of the world: a geographical dictionary of countries, cities, natural and man-made wonders. (1987). London: Reader’s Digest Association. Currency and Accuracy This is not a current reference book. Geographical boundaries and information change greatly over a ten year period. This resource is over 20 years old. Authority Reader’s Digest is a reputable publisher. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols School Library Journal described this resource as having “a lively writing style that resembles a weekly news magazine rather than an encyclopedia or a dictionary” (Outlaw, 1987). The same review goes on to state, “Lavish photographs and charts are above average and sure to capture the interest of readers. The inclusion of man-made wonders such as skyscrapers and tunnels along with geographical features is a useful and unusual feature” (Outlaw, 1987). Format This resource contains approximately 8,000 entries. 736 pages of entries include diagrams, illustrations, photographs, charts, and vignettes about local life. Index No index is included in this work. The entries are arranged dictionary-style from A to Z. Price This resource was $29.95 at the time of publication. 5- Hammond Historical Atlas of the World Citation Hammond Historical Atlas of the World. (1984). Maplewood, New Jersey: Hammond, Inc. Currency and Accuracy Although this is an historical atlas and as such should be current, the publication appears outdated. This could be the reason it is housed in the general adult section of the library, as opposed to the reference room. Authority Hammond, Inc. has been publishing maps for over 100 years and is a wellrespected leader in the field. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols As there are two or four maps on several pages the text used is quite small and at times difficult to read. Some of the colors used for the countries are so dark that they obscure the text. Several of the colors used give the maps an almost cartoon-like quality, but borders are clearly delineated. No symbols are used on any of the maps so no general legends are necessary. The only keys that exist are the individual color legends on each map. Scale and Projection
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There are a variety of maps in this book; some maps are full size to a page, some are two to a page and some are even four to a page. There does appear to be an attempt to keep scales as consistent as possible on maps of equivalent size. A grid system is utilized throughout the book. Format The Hammond Historical Atlas of the World is a soft cover print publication. No map in the book crosses pages so no information is lost in the gutter of the book. This book would be more effective as an oversized publication as opposed to the 9”x 12” format it uses. Index The alphabetical index to this atlas index begins on the inside of the front cover and continues onto the inside of the back cover. The index lists place names and gives the index reference (grid location) and plate number (page) where the map can be found. The table of contents is organized chronologically from 3000 B.C. to Present Day Europe (1983). Price The hardcover edition of the Hammond Historical Atlas of the World lists for $16.95 U.S., the soft cover edition is $11.95 U.S. 6- Historical Atlas of the United States Citation Historical Atlas of the United States. (1988). Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society. Currency and Accuracy The information in this book is current to the date of publication. Authority The National Geographic Society has been publishing maps and articles of historic interest since 1888 and is regarded as a leading authority in the field. Scores of scholars and consultants were brought in as advisors for this publication. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols This book is so much more than just a collection of almost 500 maps. Subject articles also include more than 450 photographs, 80 graphs, and 140,000 words of text to provide a complete overview of American history. When maps are used they meet the publisher’s exacting cartographic standards: text is highly readable, color is used to its best effect, and symbols are fully explained. Scale and Projection Based on the format of the book, scale and projection vary for each of the maps included. Format The National Geographic Historical Atlas of the United States is a beautiful hardcover print publication. The volume is over-sized and therefore resides on a shelf in a small dictionary podium at my local library. Index
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The table of contents at the front of the book is divided into five sections: People; Boundaries; Economy; Networks; Communities. The alphabetical index at the back of the book includes illustration references in bold type. Price The National Geographic Historical Atlas of the United States lists for $40.00 U.S. 7- MapQuest Citation MapQuest (n.d.) Accessed On November 11, 2009 from : http://www.mapquest.com/ Currency and Accuracy MapQuest was acquired in 2000 by America Online, Inc. It includes current and up-to- date information, but it does not include complete coverage of Europe. It was the first consumer focused interactive mapping application. Authority MapQuest is a map publisher and a free online Web mapping service owned by AOL , an American global Internet services and media company operated by Time Warner. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols It’s one of the popular site, which includes color maps, with some symbols. they completely redone the entire road network to improve readability and shape of the roads with the new colors and styling. A cleaner map style is achieved by highlighting the major roads more clearly and the smaller access roads with narrower lines and lighter colors Scale and Projection Multiple scales, no information available on the projection. Format It is an online accessed web site at http://www.mapquest.com/ In October 2006, MapQuest sold off its publishing division (which published traditional maps in paper format) to concentrate on its online and mobile services Index No index , extensive search features. Price Free. 8- Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary Citation Merriam-Webster’s geographical dictionary (3rd ed.). (2001). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster. Currency and Accuracy The 3rd edition was completely revised and rewritten in 2001. The work is eight years old. Due to the number of changes in geo-political boundaries that can occur over the span of a decade the information contained within it should be viewed with a critical eye due to its age. The work contains population data and other statistical facts that quickly become out-of-date. Authority
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Merriam-Webster is a respected publisher of reference materials, especially dictionaries. This work first appeared in 1949 under the name Webster’s Geographical Dictionary. It was edited in 1972 and renamed Webster’s New Geographical Dictionary. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols A key to abbreviations and symbols used is given in the beginning of the work. Another section on map symbols is provided and denotes everything from dams and historical sites to traditional map items such as mountains and rivers. The list of symbols appears comprehensive. Scale and Projection Different projections are used depending upon the reference needs of the map shown. A very detailed section is given in the work that explains scale and projection so that the reader may understand, in context, why a particular projection and scale method was used. Format This is a desk-size guide intended “to provide, in text and maps, essential information on spelling, pronunciation, type of feature, location, and depending on the nature of the entry, population, size (as area, height, depth, or length), economy, history, and other matters of importance.” The focus is on United States and Canada as well as, to a lesser extent, other English speaking countries. Alphabetization is done without regard to spaces between words. Entries are comprised of the following elements: entry word (in bold face), pronunciation, name variations, identification, location, area and population, geographical and physical features, economic information, general items such as historical data and names of educational institutions. For entries covering “natural features, besides the identifying description and the location, the following kinds of information are included: size, such as lengths of rivers, heights of mountains, lengths and areas of islands and of lakes; economic data, such as navigability of rivers, mineral wealth of mountains, agricultural and industrial products of islands; and historical information, such as date of discovery, colonization, or acquisition. For the maps themselves, cutaways are given that detail smaller areas of large maps. Keys are provided that are specifically designed for each map and also give scale information. A map is not given for every entry. There are far fewer maps than entries, in fact. All maps are in black and white. Index The Dictionary attempts to list as many place names and their variations as possible. A list of maps is given. Price $32.95 was the sticker price for the copy I examined. 9- Atlas of the Universe Citation Moore, Patrick. (1970). The Atlas of the Universe. New York: Rand McNally. Currency and Accuracy
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While the information is current and accurate to the date of publication, this is an outdated volume as much research and new findings have occurred in this field. Authority Rand McNally has been publishing maps since the late 1800s and is one of the best regarded names in the business. Patrick Moore is an internationally acclaimed author of over 50 books on the subjects of astronomy and space research. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols Much like the National Geographic Historical Atlas of the United States, maps are but one part of this book. Each entry provides background information on the subject, diagrams, charts, and photographs. When maps are used they do not conform to standard atlas cartography formats. Text is readable, but there is no use of color or symbols, so no keys or legends are utilized. Scale and Projection Based on the subject matter, scale and projection are impossible to achieve. Format The Atlas of the Universe is a hardcover print publication. The volume is over-sized and therefore resides on a shelf in a small dictionary podium at my local library. Index A Catalog of Stellar Objects at the back of the book provides basic information on each subject as well as the corresponding map number. There is also a Glossary. The alphabetical index lists nothing more than the page number for the subject. Price The copy I examined carried a list price of $35.00 U.S. The 2003 edition lists for $40.00 U.S. 10-The National Atlas of the United States of America Citation The National Atlas of the United States of America (1970). Washington D.C.: US Geological Survey. The new edition on line accessed on Nov 11, 2009 from http://www.nationalatlas.gov/ Currency and Accuracy This edition (1970) is out of print, In 1997, work began on a new and innovative National Atlas. The new edition includes both electronic and paper map products and exploits information presentation, access, and delivery technologies that did not exist in 1970. Authority The National Atlas is a showcase for the geospatial data collected by federal agencies. It offers authoritative scientific, social, and historical information. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols Color is very effective in distributing between the map-types, there are many symbols and legends used with each map, these maps are convenient for readers wanting basic , or detailed information , they are clear and readable. the online version added useful tools including the ability to
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customize maps with the particular information you find most useful, print and download maps, order large wall size maps for home and learn about different areas with linked articles. Scale and Projection Until now, all fundamental map layers had been produced at 1:2,000,000 for sectional map, and 1:500,000 scale for urban maps. Format The print version is out of print, the online edition available at www.atlas.usgs.gov , it’s user friendly white background, introducing many features to use. Index The Atlas includes an index with place names, population, latitude and longitude, page number, and map co- ordinates. Price Out of print, the online version is free to public access . 11-Rand McNally Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide Citation McNally Rand (December 15, 2008) Rand McNally 2009 Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide (140 th. ed.) Chicago: Rand McNally & Company. Retrieved on Nov.11, 2009. From : http://store.randmcnally.com/product/road+atlases/motor+carriers'+atlas es/rand+mcnally+2009+commercial+atlas+marketing+guide.do Currency and Accuracy Updated annually, each edition includes updated, detailed maps with the latest geographic data for more than 120,000 places in the United States. Most of its information from Governmental public resources. Authority Published by reputable authoritative publisher. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols Color is used to highlight the specific demographic information, each map is meant to illuminate. Higher color- contrast would make the map more useful and easy to use. A legend appears at the beginning the book defining of the symbols, which are useful. But the print is small Scale and Projection The scale varies depending on the type of map, but it does seem appropriate for each map-type . projection is not really an issue since the atlas does not cover any of the northern or southern extremities of the globe. Format Hardcover , 2 volume set: Vol. 1: 271 pages, Vol. 2: 322 pages , it includes highway, airlines railroads and Amtrak maps telephone area codes, trading areas, business …. Index Many indexes are included in that atlas , the index include particular information including cities and towns, transportation lines, counties populations, business and manufactories by counties, metropolitan area, principle cities, post offices , zip codes , banking facilities.
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Price $395.00 12-Rand McNally Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico Citation Rand McNally Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico. (2003). Chicago: Rand McNally. Currency and Accuracy The maps in this atlas are current and accurate to the date of publication (2003). Authority Rand McNally has been publishing maps since the late 1800s and is one of the best regarded names in the business. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols The scale of the maps is such that all information is very legible. Although some of the text for the smallest town names is small the font used makes everything very readable. The colors used are subtle enough not to interfere with the text but differentiated enough to clearly delineate boundaries and communicate other information. The atlas includes an outstanding legend to all symbols used on page 1. Scale and Projection The atlas does its best to use the same scale as often as possible throughout. Format The Rand McNally Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico is a paperback print publication. Due to the nature and use of the atlas, print is the most appropriate format. It is a large scale, easy to read, easy to use paperbound book that reads well across both pages when open. Index The atlas has an extensive index in the back that indicates the location of the map by page number and the location of the county, city or town by grid system. The index also includes population figures from the most recent census. Price The price for the 2010 Rand McNally Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico is $13.95 U.S. 13-The Times Atlas of the World Citation The Times atlas of the world. (2007). New York: Harper Collins. Currency and Accuracy This resource is current. This is a new edition that has been completely revised and updated, including the maps and city plans. Authority Harper Collins is a reputable publisher. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols
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The color maps make the maps more interesting. The maps are legible and easy to read. Interesting maps of the solar system are included. The inclusion of satellite images is a great touch. Index An index of place names is included. Price The price is $50.00 on Amazon.com. 14-The Times Atlas of World History Citation Barraclough, G. & Parker, G. (Eds.). (1993). The Times atlas of world history. London: Times Books. Currency and Accuracy This resource is 16 years old and is not current. In 1993 when it was published there were complaints by reviewers that the atlas does not contain a map of the breakup of the Soviet Union or of the Persian Gulf War. However, editor George Parker is a Yale history professor of some acclaim. His name lends authority to the resource as well. Authority Times Books are reputable publishers. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols Color maps and photographs are used. Format This is a large resource with maps printed on glossy thick paper. It is 360 pages. Index An index of historical place names is included. Price This resource may be found used for $2.75. 15-The Weather Almanac Citation The weather almanac. (1974). Detroit: Gale. Currency and Accuracy This reference resource is over 35 years old and is no longer current. Authority Gale is a reputable publisher of reference resources. Legibility, Readability, Color, Symbols Each map has a key/legend. The maps show weather patterns rather than focusing on topographical features. Focus is on the United States and its cities. Index There is no index included in this resource. Price This item is out of print. Group Member’s Contributions
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Evaluation set
Francie
Heather
Hanem
Set 1, 2
4-Children’s Catalog
3-British Books in Printnow entitled Whitaker’s Books in Print
1-American Book Publishing Record
10-OCLC Online Union Catalog 11-Publist.com: Infotrieve
7-Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media
13-Standard Periodical Directory
8-Magazines for Libraries
14-What Do I Read Next? Reader’s Advisor
9-New Serial Titles: A Union List of Serials Held by Libraries in the United States and Canada
2-Bibliographic Index 5-Fiction Catalog 6-Fulltext Sources Online 12-The Reader’s Advisor
15-A Dictionary of Writers and Their Works Set 3
4-The Chicago Manual of Style
1-Bowker Annual: Library and Book Trade Almanac
10- Internet Movie Database
2-Britannica Book of the Year
11-Famous First Facts
5-The Columbia Guide to Online Style
13-Merck Manual of Medical Information 15- The New York Public Library Desk Reference 17-PDR.Net 18-Physicians’ Desk Reference 20- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
Set 4
16-New York Times Almanac 19-Emily Post Etiquette 21-Science and Technology Desk Reference 24-Wall Street Journal Almanac
6-Europa World Year Book 7-Facts on File World News Digest 8-The Guinness Book of Records 9-Information Please Almanac 12-McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology 14-MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 22-The Statesmans Year-Book 26-The World Almanac and Book of Facts
25-Whitaker’s Almanack 2000
23-A Manual for Writers of Term Papers
27-World Fact Book
1-Academic American Encyclopedia
3-The Columbia Encyclopedia
2-The Cambridge Encyclopedia
4-International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences
4-Encyclopedia Americana
3-Chase’s Calendar of Events
8-Oxford English
6-Kenneth F. Kister's Best Encyclopedias: A Comparative Guide to General and Specialized Encyclopedias 9- New Encyclopaedia Britannica
Berger-Ibrahim-Tebbs-ILS-504-Fall-2009-Evaluation - Group work 7- McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology 10-World Book Encyclopedia 11-Acronyms, Initialisms, & Abbreviations Dictionary 12-The Columbia Dictionary of Quotations 13-Familiar Quotations
97
Dictionary
14-Dictionary of American Slang
11-Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English
15-Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
-World Book Dictionary
16Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus
8-Subject Encyclopedias: User Guide, Review Citations, and Keyword Index
21- Random House WebsterÕs College Thesaurus
17-Merriam-Webster Online
24-OneLook Dictionaries
23-YourDictionary.com
22-World Book Dictionary
Set 5
2-
American School Directory
3-
Annual Register of Grant Support
4-
Directory of Research Grants
8-
Hoover's Online
14- Subject Collections 16- Telephone Directories on the Web Set 6
1-Atlas of the World 5-Hammond Atlas of the World 6-Historical Atlas of the United States 9-Atlas of the Universe 12-Rand McNally Road Atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico
2-
6-
9-
D&B Companies Online Foundations Online
1-
AcqWeb's Directory of Publishers and Vendors
6-
Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers
Peterson's
10- Publishers Directory 15- Yearbook of International Organizations, 1999/2000
2Guide to Places of the World 7-Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary 13-The Times Atlas of the World 13-The Times Atlas of World History 14-The Weather Almanac
9-
National Faculty Directory 2000
12- Research Centers and Services Directories 13- Research Centers Directory
3-Chambers World Gazetteer 4-The Columbia Gazetteer of the World 8-MapQuest 10-The National Atlas of the United States of America 11-Rand McNally Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide