a. Purpose: This reference is a compilation of reports and articles relating to libraries and publishing, including information on professional organizations and relevant legislation. It provides “practical information and informed analysis of interest to librarians, publishers, and others” in the information field. According to the editor, “...the demand for reliable and accurate information continually grows. Our aim is to answer that demand.” (Bogart, 2009, p. ix)
b. Authority: This reference is in its 54th edition. (It was formerly known as Bowker’s Annual.) Bowker’s is a well-known publisher of bibliographic materials, and is also involved with assignment of ISBN numbers. All contributors to the Library and Book Trade Almanac are well-qualified in the information science field.
c. Scope: This source includes the following parts: Reports from the Field; Legislation, Funding, and Grants; Library/Information Science Education, Placement, and Salaries; Research and Statistics; and Directory of Organizations.
d. Format: Entries are articles /reports written by contributors. Text is in one column of small print with bold type used for headings. Footnotes, references, and charts are included where needed.
e. Arrangement: This source begins with a table of contents. Each part (see “Scope) is divided into sections which contain one or more entries on that particular topic. Additionally, this source includes a list of National Information Standards Organization (NISO) Standards; a calendar of national and international information science and publishing events from 2009-2016; a list of acronyms; an index of organizations; and a subject index.
f. Entries: As stated previously, entries are reports or articles written by contributors. The information contained therein depends on the topic being addressed.
g. Use: This source provides information that is relevant to people in the information field, or those interested in learning about it. One question this source answers is, “What is the National Endowment for the Humanities, and how can it help my library?” Another question this source answers is, “What did the American Library Association do last year?”
h. Special Features: I was unable to find an online version of Bowker’s Library and Book Trade Almanac.
i. Overall: This is a reliable and useful source for information concerning libraries, publishing, and information science. It is a worthwhile purchase for a public or academic library.
2. Chase’s Calendar of Events. Holly Maguire, ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.
a. Purpose: This source provides a comprehensive list of holidays, anniversaries, and events. It focuses on the United States, but also provides some international coverage.
b. Authority: Chase’s Calendar of Events is currently published by McGraw-Hill, a reputed publisher of reference materials. It has been printed annually since 1957. (Maguire, 2006, p. 5)
c. Scope: This source provides dates of national US holidays, religious holidays, important dates to remember (such as when to change the clocks for daylight savings time), sponsored events, ethnic/international observations, sports events, astrological events, historic anniversaries, and birth anniversaries of important figures. Events are compiled in the spring of the preceding year, and the book is published in the fall of the preceding year. (MHProfessional.com, 2010.)
d. Format: Pages in the events section are arranged in two columns of medium-sized text with a line between the columns for easier reading. Bold type is used for headings.
e. Arrangement: This source contains a table of contents, a how-to-use section, a section of events for each month, many fact sections (such as a perpetual calendar and a guide to wedding/anniversary gifts), an index, information on how to order a copy for next year, and information on how to submit a date for publication.
f. Entries: Entries are arranged chronologically within the sections for each month. For instance, there are several entries for October 30th, including “Devil’s Night” and “Post, Emily: Birth Anniversary.” (Maguire, 2005, p. 555) Entries explain relevant information for each date or event, including contact information where applicable. (Maguire, 2005, Inside Front Cover) (MHProfessional.com, 2010)
g. Use: This source can be used to find information on a myriad of holidays, birthdays, and other events. (See “Scope.”) The editors note in the introduction that the dates are compiled months before publication; therefore, the dates of sponsored events may change and that it is important to verify event information with the sponsoring organization. (Maguire, 2005, p. 7)
h. Special Features: A CD-ROM version is available.
i. Overall: Certainly, Chase’s Calendar of Events is an interesting resource. However, much of the information remains static throughout editions. (For instance, John Adams’ birth anniversary will be the same in 2010 as it will be in 2011.) Also, much of the information can be found with a Google search or in various print references. Still, Chase’s Calendar of Events would be a worthwhile purchase for a public or academic library.
3. Post, Peggy. Emily Post Etiquette. 17th ed. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.
a. Purpose: The purpose of this book is to explain etiquette guidelines for a myriad of social situations. As this book was first published in 1922, the content has changed numerous times to reflect our changing culture.
b. Authority: Emily Post Etiquette is a well-reviewed publication in its seventeenth edition. Peggy Post is Emily Post’s great-granddaughter-in-law; she writes advice columns for the magazines Good Housekeeping and Parents.
c. Scope: This book addresses practically any social situation one could encounter. Its sections include Communications; Your Professional Life; Your Personal Life; Formalities; Entertaining and Entertainments; Travel and Tipping; Celebrations and Ceremonies; Gifts, Giving, and Thank-Yous; and Weddings.
d. Format: Type is easy to read. Bold headings of various sizes are used. Bulleted lists are interspersed throughout the chapters.
e. Arrangement: This book is arranged in sections (see “Scope”) which are divided into chapters; each chapter also has a list of subtopics addressed therein. For instance, the first chapter in the section “Weddings” is “Engagements.” This chapter addresses several topics, including the length of the engagement, dealing with future parents-in-law, and what to do in the case of a broken engagement. In addition to a table of contents, there is also an index. Finally, tabs on the side (like the letter tabs on dictionaries) show the book’s main sections.
f. Entries: Chapters are divided into topical sections. Information provided therein depends on the topic being covered.
g. Use: This book is sold in the “Weddings” section of bookstores, although its use reaches far beyond wedding etiquette. (See “Scope.”) It reflects modern-day situations and social mores; for instance, there is a section on how to format birth announcements from single mothers and from unmarried parents.
h. Special Features: Each chapter contains fun-to-read surprises. For instance, there are advice-column-style “A Question for Peggy” sections peppered throughout the book. There are also lists and charts inserted where applicable; for instance, there is a “Do’s and Don’ts for Houseguests” list in the Hosts and Houseguests chapter (Post, 2004, p. 466- 467), and a blank expense chart in the wedding-planning chapter (Post, 2004, p. 574-576).
i. Overall: This is an interesting and helpful resource for navigating the sticky situations of everyday life. It presents etiquette as a way of showing respect for oneself and others, rather than a set of rules made to exclude people (Post, 2004, p. 5).
4. Europa World Year Book. 2 vols. 50th edition. London: Routledge, 2009.
a. Purpose: This source provides comprehensive information on every country in the world.
b. Authority: Europa World Year Book has been published since 1926.
c. Scope: Every country in the world is included, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. It provides “impartial economic, political and geographic background information and statistical data.” (EuropaWorld.com, 2010)
d. Format: Most pages are two columns of small, dense text.
e. Arrangement: This source is divided into two large volumes. The first contains alphabetically arranged entries for countries from Afghanistan to Jordan, as well as a listing of contact information 1,900 international organizations. The second includes entries on countries from Kazakhstan to Zimbabwe, in addition to an index of territories.
f. Entries: Entries contain information about countries, including “figures on area and population; health and welfare; agriculture; forestry; fishing; industry; finance; trade; transport; tourism; the media; and education.” Charts are included for statistic sections. The directory section of each entry contains “names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and internet addresses, plus other useful facts about organizations from the fields of government; election commissions; political organizations; diplomatic representation; judicial system; religions; the press; publishers; broadcasting and communications; banking; insurance; trade and industry; development organizations; chambers of commerce; industrial and trade associations; utilities; trade unions; transport; and tourism.” (EuropaWorld.com, 2010)
g. Use: This source can be used to research a particular country. Also, it could be useful as a reference for someone who is traveling or considering relocating to a particular country, because it lists contact information of government offices.
h. Special Features: Each entry begins with an introductory article that provides an overview of the country’s location, climate, recent history, economy, government, holidays and educational system. All information in the print version of Europa World Year Book is available by subscription at EuropaWorld.com.
i. Overall: This is a comprehensive and timely source for information about countries of the world.
5. Facts on File World News Digest with Index. New York: Facts on File, 1940-.*
a. Purpose: This source is designed to be used by people researching world events, focusing on “factual content, rather than opinion or analysis.” (Facts on File, 2010.)
b. Authority: This source has been published weekly since 1940. Facts on File is an imprint of Infobase.
c. Scope: This source compiles information from over “100 major newspapers, news magazines, other periodicals, and government and online sources from the U.S. and around the world into a permanent, researchable record.” (Facts on File, 2010.) Its sources are mostly from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and France. (World News Digest, 2010.)
d. Format: According to Worldcat, no Connecticut libraries held a print copy of a Facts on File: World News Digest yearbook, so no physical pages were available for examination. However, the entries in the online database were clear and easy to read. Bold print was used for headings.
e. Arrangement: Weekly editions are mailed to the library; they are designed to be put in a binder that is included in the purchasing cost. Additionally, the library receives monthly and quarterly indexes.
f. Entries: An online database entry about the recent earthquake in Chile contained an article, accompanying photos and charts, and a citation.
g. Use: This resource is used to find news article about world events. A researcher could use World News Digest to find articles about the recent earthquakes in Chile – or, a researcher could find articles about any major world event that occurred from 1940 to the present.
h. Special Features: In the print version, cross-references refer to early issues when needed and purchasing cost includes an atlas. Additionally, there is an online version available by subscription, which includes cross-references, many search options, and curriculum materials for educators. All online database entries are in full-text.
i. Overall: Worldcat was unable to locate a library in Connecticut that held the 2008 or 2009 World News Digest in print form. However, several local libraries held subscriptions to the online database. Therefore, it seems that the online version has surpassed the print version in ease of use.
6. Famous First Facts. 5th ed. Kane, Joseph Nathan; Anzovin, Steven; Podell, Janet. New York: H. W. Wilson, 1997.
a. Purpose: The purpose of this reference is to catalog “notable American firsts.” (Anzovin and Podell, 1997, p. vii)
b. Authority: H.W. Wilson is a reputed reference publisher. This source was first published in 1933; the 6th and most recent edition was published in 2006. Library Journal calls it "Perfect for trivia buffs or scholars seeking facts; a highly recommended staple for public libraries and American history collections." (HWWilson.com, 2010)
c. Scope: This reference book covers “firsts” of various topics, from agriculture to writing implements. While not all the included “firsts” took place in the United States, the book does focus on American history. (Karjanis, 2010, p. 2)
d. Format: Text is arranged in two columns separated by a line. Bold type is used for headings.
e. Arrangement: “Following the preface, there is a section titled ‘How to Use This Book.’ This section explains that categories are listed alphabetically, and that each category has alphabetically arranged subcategories. Within subcategories, entries are listed chronologically and numbered by the order in which they appear in the book. Furthermore, Famous First Facts contains a table of contents and indexes of the following categories: subject, year, day, name, and geography.” (Karjanis, 2010, p. 3)
f. Entries: Entries contain approximately one paragraph of relevant information about each “first,” including the date it took place, where it took place, and who was involved.
g. Use: This source is useful for studying American history. One question it answers is, “Who was the first African-American to be granted a patent?” (Anzovin and Podell, 1997, p.318)
h. Special Features: Famous First Facts is available electronically, but it “(reflects) the content of the […] fifth edition,” rather than the most recent one. (HWWilson.com, 2010)
i. Overall: The 2006 version of Famous First Facts is clearly a more timely choice than the 1997 edition; however, the electronic version (with 1997 information) would probably get more use at a public or academic library than the print version. Therefore, a library considering the purchase of Famous First Facts would have to choose between currency and ease of use.
7. Guinness World Records 2009. New York: Bantam Books, 2008.
a. Purpose: This book catalogs world records in various categories.
b. Authority: Guinness World Records is the best-known book of records. It has been published since 1960.
c. Scope: This source includes records in the following categories: Space, Living Planet, Spirit of Adventure, Science and Engineering, Being Human, Human Achievements, Modern Life, Entertainment, and Sports.
d. Format: Text is small with bold headings and generally arranged in one column. There are many black and white pictures throughout the book.
e. Arrangement: In addition to the main section of the book (see “Scope”), Guinness World Records 2009 contains a table of contents, an introduction, a section on judging world records, a section titled “How to Be a Record Breaker,” an index, picture credits, acknowledgements, and a section titled “Stop Press.”
f. Entries: Entries contain information on the record that was broken – think “5 Ws.” Many entries also include pictures.
g. Use: This source is used to look up world records in practically any area – from the expected (World’s Oldest Person, p. 107) to the obscure (Insect with the Greatest Salinity Tolerance, p. 45) and the grotesque (Person with the Most Surgical Procedures to Look Like and Animal, p. 105).
h. Special Features: “Did You Know?” boxes are interspersed throughout the book. GuinessWorldRecords.com offers access to some records for free; the complete online database is available by subscription.
i. Overall: This is a fun, timely, and easy-to-read resource. It is a worthwhile purchase for public, academic, and school libraries. It would also make a good addition to a teacher’s classroom library.
8. Internet Movie Database. 2010. http://www.imdb.com/.
a. Purpose: Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is designed to provide information and reviews about movies, television, and videos posted online.
b. Authority: IMDb is owned by Amazon.com. It has been in existence (in some form) since 1990.
c. Scope: In addition to information about movies, TV, and online videos, IMDb has information on celebrities, movie and TV characters, film industry news, and special events.
d. Format: IMDb’s homepage is visually enticing. On March 18, the website was divided into three main columns, set on a colorful background based on the new TV show Breaking Bad. The larger middle column contained information and a video about Breaking Bad, as well as links to other news and information. The side columns contained pictures, links, and advertisements. There was a search field and navigation tabs across the top of the page, which remained there when I navigated to other parts of the site.
e. Arrangement: IMDb’s homepage leads users to five categories of information, accessible through tabs on the homepage: movies, TV, news, videos, and community. Within each of these categories, the database covers various areas; for instance, “Now Playing,” “Showtimes and Tickets,” “Trailers,” “DVD and Blu-Ray,” “Independent film,” “Top 250,” “Genre,” and “Road to the Oscars” are all listed under “movies.” Furthermore, the database allows for user interaction; under “movies,” users can pick “Browse,” where they can learn about and rate movies, and “My Movies,” where users can make personalized lists of their favorite films. In addition to tabs and links on the homepage, IMDb has a help section and a site index that lists categories alphabetically.
f. Entries: For each listing, IMDb includes the title, user rating and reviews, Motion Picture Association of America rating (i.e. PG-13), year of release, director, writer(s), production company, cast members, genre, plot summary, run time, language, related articles, and trivia. Also, access to production company contact information is available by subscription.
g. Use: This resource is great for finding both objective and subjective information about movies and television. One question it answers is, “Who was in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective?” Another question it answers is, “Would Aliens be appropriate for my seven-year-old to watch?”
h. Special Features: Users can contribute content to IMDb; one feature that utilizes user-generated content is “Character Biographies.” A user can click on a picture of a character and find out about his/her “life.” For example, the character biography of Ace Ventura (the protagonist in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) begins: “Ace Ventura is a professional pet detective renowned the world over. Preferring to help animals rather than people, Ace worked cases near his Miami home for some time. Ace received his big break when he was referred to a case involving the Miami Dolphin's mascot, Snowflake.”Most IMDb features are available free of charge. More features are available by subscribing to IMDbPro. Also, aspiring actors can create a resume on IMDb (at a small monthly cost, of course).
i. Overall: IMDb is a fun, informative, and mostly free source. It is important to note, however, that IMDb is certainly influenced by advertisers, and that some user-generated content is not verified by IMDb staff.
9. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations. 6th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996.*
a. Purpose: This manual is designed to help students to research and write college-level papers – according to one reviewer, “everything from undergraduate papers to doctoral dissertations.” (Amazon.com, 2010.)
b. Authority: This manual was first published in 1937 by Kate Turabian; the seventh and most recent edition was published in 2007 with revisions by Gregory C. Colcomb, Wayne C. Booth, and Joseph M. Williams, all distinguished writers and English professors. The current version reflects The Chicago Manual of Style. (Amazon.com, 2010.)
c. Scope: “This new edition includes information on the components of a long formal paper; the mechanics of writing style, from abbreviations to quotations; how to prepare and refer to tables and illustrations; the most commonly used systems of citation, including how to cite electronic documents; manuscript preparation and hints on word processing software; and formatting some of the complex features found in many research papers, including over two dozen sample pages.” (Turabian, 1996. Back cover.)
d. Format: This source is easy to read. Bold print is used for chapter headings. Blue, bold type is used for subject headings, and examples of various items are printed in blue using a contrasting font. (Turabian, 2007. p 297.)
e. Arrangement: This manual contains a table of contents, the main section, an appendix on paper submission, a bibliography, and a subject index. Topics are divided into chapters. Prose has a conversational tone, often directly addressing the reader. For instance, a line in the introduction of the seventh edition advises the reader, “You can’t plunge into a project blindly.” (Turabian, 2007. p 3.)
f. Entries: Entries are formatted according to the topic being addressed. For instance, the introduction has regular prose with some bullet points. The chapter about comma use alternates explanation with examples.
g. Use: This source is helpful to use during the writing process. For instance, it provides information on effective note-taking and drafting strategies. Furthermore, it explains citations and has a section on writing style and mechanics.
h. Overall: This is a well-reviewed and authoritative source that would be useful for patrons of academic and public libraries. It is especially useful for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and PhD students.
10. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. Joseph Gibaldi, ed. 6th ed. New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2003.*
a. Purpose: The purpose of this resource is to guide writers of research papers through the writing process, and to provide a standardized format for arranging research papers.
b. Authority: The MLA Handbook has been published since 1977; the seventh and most recent edition was published in 2009. Its format is accepted by educational institutions as a way to arrange research papers on humanities topics, “especially language and literature.” (“What is MLA Style?” 2010)
c. Scope: This source includes the following chapters: Research and Writing, Plagiarism, the Mechanics of Writing, The Format of a Research Paper, Documentation: Preparing the List of Works Cited, Documentation: Citing Sources in a Text, Abbreviations, Selected Reference Works by Field, and Other Systems of Documentation.
d. Format: Pages are formatted according to the information contained therein. For instance, some sections are instructional prose, other sections have lists and/or bullet points, and still other sections contain illustrative diagrams. Print is easy to read. Bold, red, capitalized print is used for section headings; bold, red print is used for main headings; and bold, black print is used for subheadings. Examples are shown in a contrasting font.
e. Arrangement: This source is arranged in chapters by topic. It also contains a table of contents and a subject index.
f. Entries: Entries contain information that is suggested by its main heading and/or subheading. For instance, the entry under the section heading “CITING ELECTRONIC SOURCES,” the main heading “An Article in an Online Periodical,” and the subheading “An Article in a Scholarly Journal” contains information on how to cite a scholarly journal article that is published in an online periodical. (Gibaldi, 2003. p. 207-222)
g. Use: One question this source answers is, “How do I format an MLA-style works cited page?” (Gibaldi, 2003. p. 321) Another question it answers is, “What is plagiarism and how do I avoid it?” (Gibaldi, 2003. p. 65-75)
h. Special Features: The MLA Handbook has many diagrams to explain formatting. It also has extensive citation examples. Having used this handbook as both a student and a teacher, I haven’t encountered a type of source that was not included in the MLA Handbook’s citation examples.
i. Overall: This is a resource that every public and academic library should have. It is inexpensive and widely used. In fact, high school and college students who write many MLA-style research papers should purchase a copy so they have it on hand.
11. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 1994.
a. Purpose: APA style is used for scholarly writing in “the social and behavioral sciences,” and its rules are “detailed in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.” (APA, 2010.)
b. Authority: APA style is a standard format accepted by educational institutions for certain types of writing. As this source is published by the organization that put forth this style, clearly it is authoritative. The most recent edition was published in 2009.
c. Scope: Topics covered in this manual include organizing a manuscript, writing mechanics, writing without bias, and citing sources.
d. Format: Print is easy to read. Bold type is used for chapter headings. As with the MLA Handbook, format depends on the information being conveyed.
e. Arrangement: This manual contains chapters for various topics, appendices, and a subject index.
f. Entries: As with the MLA Handbook, the information in the entries varies according to the topic that is being covered.
g. Use: One question this source answers is, “How do I format my psychology manuscript?” Another question it answers is, “How can I avoid plagiarism?” (“Basics of APA Tutorial,” 2010.)
h. Special Features: The manual contains diagrams and illustrations where necessary. The APA website contains a basic tutorial on APA style.
i. Overall: This source is another must-have for public and academic libraries because it is easy to read and widely used. It is the authoritative source for APA style.
12. Physicians’ Desk Reference. 60th ed. Montvale, N.J.: Thompson PDR, 2006.
a. Purpose: Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) is a commercially produced resource that provides information on prescription drugs. Its intended audience is physicians.
b. Authority: PDR has been published annually since 1946.
c. Scope: This source includes information on over 3,000 drugs whose manufacturers “participate” with the publishing company. It contains comprehensive information on the use, pharmacology, side effects, and interactions of each drug.
d. Format: Entries in the Product Information section are arranged in three columns of small text; lines separate the columns for easier reading. Bold is used for headings.
e. Arrangement: PDR has several sections. The Product Information section, which is the main section, lists drugs alphabetically by manufacturer. Other sections include a manufacturer index, a brand and generic name index, a product category index, a section on diagnostic product information, and a product identification guide. The product identification guide contains full-color photographs of pharmaceuticals in various dosage forms (for instance, a 200 mg pill and a 500 mg pill of the same drug). (PDR, 2006, p. 303)
f. Entries: A sample entry on Calcijex from the Product Information section provided the name and manufacturer contact information. It also contained information in the following categories: description, clinical pharmacology, indications and usage, contraindications, warnings, overdose, reactions, adverse reactions, dosage and administration, and storage directions. (PDR, 2006, p. 411-412)
g. Use: One question that could be answered using PDR would be, “What does the drug Humira look like?” (PDR, 2006, p. 301) Another question it would answer is, “How should Calcijex be prescribed?” (PDR, 2006, p. 411)
h. Special Features: There are many additional products that are marketed with PDR. These include the Monthly Prescribing Guide, the PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Indications, PDR for Nutritional Supplements, PDR for Herbal Medicines, and the PDR Pharmacopoeia Pocket Dosing Guide. Additionally, PDR is available online by subscription, in CD-ROM format, and as a pocket application called mobilePDR. Some information in these additional products is overlapped by PDR; however, they may be worthy purchases depending on the needs of the buyer. For instance, the PDR for Herbal Medicines would be a good purchase for a doctor who recommends herbal remedies in addition to pharmaceuticals.
i. Overall: PDR is an essential reference for doctors and medical libraries; it is also a good purchase for academic libraries. Public libraries may want to choose the consumer version, PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs, because of its easier reading level – or carry both PDR and the consumer version.
13. Time Almanac 2009 with Information Please. Boston: Information Please LLC, 2009.
a. Purpose: This source provides facts, news, and statistics with a focus on the United States.
b. Authority: The latest version I could find of the Information Please Almanac without any mention of Time was published in 1999. Everything after that was the Time Almanac with Information Please. According to the website Infoplease.com, “Information Please is part of Pearson, the world’s largest integrated education company. Pearson’s other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.” So, while the Information Please Company has published its almanac since 1947, I infer that corporate mergers have changed the almanac’s title along the way.
c. Scope: While this source has an international scope, it looks through an American lens. For instance, one of its Year in Review stories is “US in Afghanistan: The Longest War.” (p. 5) Sections in the Time Almanac include Year in Review; People; Awards; Nature, Science, Medicine, and Technology; World; United States; Business; Arts, Entertainment, and Leisure; and Sport.
d. Format: Print is small with bold used for headings. This source contains articles, lists, charts, pictures, and maps.
e. Arrangement: In addition to the main section (see “Scope”), this source contains a table of contents and an index. The main section is further divided into subsections; for instance, the first subsection under “Sport” is “Sporting Codes for Countries.”
f. Entries: Each entry includes information suggested by its title.
g. Use: This resource is used to find facts, trivia, United States statistics, world statistics, and information about recent news events.
h. Special Features: There is a 32-page color section that includes maps, flags of the world, and photos of important people and events.
i. Overall: This is an easy-to-use and reliable source. It is an excellent choice for any reference collection.
14. Whitaker’s Almanack 2005. Lauren Simpson, ed. London: Stationery Office, 2005.
a. Purpose: This resource is marketed as “today’s world in one volume.” It is designed to “keep (readers) up to date with current affairs.” (WhitakersAlmanack.com, 2010.)
b. Authority: Whitaker’s Almanack has been published yearly since 1868. Reviewers call it “easy-to-use and instantly accessible.” (Johnson, 2009)
c. Scope: This is a British publication, so its sections on news, government, dates, and infrastructure pertain to the United Kingdom (UK). It contains the following information: “extensive data on every world country; reviews of the year in archaeology, architecture, art, broadcasting, business, dance, film, literature, classical and pop music, opera, science, theatre and politics; obituaries of key figures from the UK and overseas; comprehensive results of major sporting events; meteorological observations and temperature, rainfall and sunshine charts; key religious, civil and legal dates in 2010; forthcoming sport and arts events; and news summaries covering UK events, legal affairs, arts and the media, economics and business, environment and science, sport, and international events.” (WhitakersAlmanac.com, 2010)
d. Format: Pages are arranged in two columns of small print. Bold type is used for headings.
e. Arrangement: This source contains a table of contents, a main section, a reference sections, and an index.
f. Entries: Entries are formatted according to the information provided therein. Entries from a sample page on public offices contained contact information and a description of the office listed.
g. Use: This source can be used to locate government offices and official institutions. For instance, it has listings for the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, and the National Library of Wales. (Simpson, 2005, p. 231) This source can also be used to review information, such as time zones, world news events, astronomical events, currencies and exchange rates, etc. (Simpson, 2005, p. 6)
h. Special Features: Whitaker’s Almanack has thirty-two pages of full-color illustrations. Other versions and products are available from Whitaker’s, including Whitaker’s Concise Almanack, Whitaker’s Almanac Pocket Reference, Whitaker’s Almanac Little Book of Infinity, and Whitaker’s Almanack Quiz Book. (WhitakersAlmanack.com, 2010)
i. Overall: This source is reviewed favorably. It is reliable and accurate, in addition to being an excellent resource for learning about the United Kingdom.
15. The World Almanac and Book of Facts. Joyce, C. Allen et al. New York, NY: World Almanac Publishers, 2009.
a. Purpose: The World Almanac and Book of Facts is a reference source for the general public. Some sections, such as those on population statistics, are meant to inform; others, such as the “Off-beat News Stories” section are meant to entertain.
b. Authority: This resource is distributed by St. Martin’s Press, a long-established publisher. It is (according to the publisher) the “#1 bestselling American reference book of all time,” and has been called “concise, reliable, and accurate” by the New York Times.
c. Scope: World Almanac is published annually. It has sections on current events, health statistics, sports, entertainment, science, nations of the world, US cities and states, and US facts. One reviewer on Amazon.com complained that a section containing zip codes for the fifty states had been eliminated from the 2009 edition; however, the same reviewer said that the zip code section was reinstated in the 2010 edition. (Worldcat.org, 2010) (Amazon.com, 2010)
d. Format: This source uses small print with bold type for headings. Format of individual entries depends on the information contained therein. For instance, some entries are articles and some entries are lists.
e. Arrangement: This source contains a table of contents and an index.
f. Entries: Entries contain information suggested by the title.
g. Use: This almanac contains a wealth of information on news, health, science, the arts, and the United States government. One question that the 2010 edition answers is, “What were some important world events of 2009?” Another question it addresses is, “What is the most populous city in the United States?”
h. Special Features: The 2010 edition includes 16 pages of full-color photos and 16 pages of maps.
i. Overall: Many public libraries have the World Almanac and Fact Book because it is an interesting and reliable resource that focuses on the United States.
Additional References
“About Chase’s.” The McGraw-Hill Companies. MHProfessional.com. 2010. 17 March 2010.
“About Europa World Plus.” EuropaWorld.com. 2010. Routledge. 19 March 2010. http://www.europaworld.com/pub/about.
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“Basics of APA Style.” American Psychology Association. 2010. 12 March 2010. http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/basics/index.htm
“Company Overview.” Infoplease.com. 2010. Pearson Education. 19 March 2010. http://www.infoplease.com/aboutip.html
“Famous First Facts, 6th Edition.” HWWilson.com. 2010. 18 March 2010. http://www.hwwilson.com/print/fam1st_6th.cfm.
“Famous First Facts, Electronic Edition.” HWWilson.com. 2010. 18 March 2010. http:// www.hwwilson.com/databases/fam1stec.htm.
Johnson, Roy. “Whitaker’s Almanack.” Mantex.com. 2009. 17 March 2010. http:// www.mantex.co.uk/2009/07/24/whitakers-almanack/.
Karjanis, Jessica. “Parts of a Book Assignment: Famous First Facts.” Unpublished paper written for ILS-504 at Southern Connecticut State University. 5 February 2010.
“A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Seventh Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) (Paperback).” Amazon.com. 2010. 14 March 2010. http://www.amazon.com/reader/ 0226823377?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=sib_dp_ptu#reader_0226823377.
“PDR: Physicians’ Desk Reference 2010.” Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/ PDR- Physicians-Desk-Reference-2010/dp/1563637480/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s =books&qid=1268829505&sr=8-1.
“What is MLA Style?” Modern Language Association. 2010. 12 March 2010. http://www.mla.org/style.
WhitakersAlmanack.com. 2010. 17 March 2010. http://www.whitakersalmanack.com/ whitakers.asp?page=home.asp.
“World Almanac and Book of Facts.” Worldcat.com. 2010. 18 March 2010. http://www. worldcat.org/title/world-almanac-and-book-of-facts-2009/oclc/276429956&referrer =brief_results.
“World News Digest.” Facts on File. 2010. 12 March 2010. http://factsonfile. infobasepublishing.com/DatabaseHome.asp?pageID=3&ISBN=1578520304&Tab= Sources.
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