All Evaluation Sets Group 4

1 Wasserman, T.
Group 4’s Evaluation Sets Spring 2009 ILS 504 Okobi
Terry Wasserman
All Evaluation Sets
Group 4
ILS 504 Spring 09
Prof. Okobi
2 Wasserman, T. Group 4’s Evaluation Sets Spring 2009 ILS 504 Okobi
Table of Contents
•Preface
pg. 3
•Description of Reviewed References
pg. 4
I.Evaluation Set #1 Bibliographies and Catalogs
Pgs. 5-55
II.Evaluation Set #2 Indexes and Abstracts
Pgs. 55-103
III.Evaluation Set #3 Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Pgs. 103-141 Encyclopedias
Pgs. 141-189 Dictionaries
IV.Evaluation Set #5 Directories and Biographical Resources
Pgs. 190-234 Directories
Pgs. 234- 275 Biographical Resources
V.Evaluation Set #6 Geographical Resources
Pgs. 276-306
Preface
This paper has been completed in fulfillment of the requirements for ILS 504
Reference Materials and Services, Spring 2009 with Prof. Okobi.
This paper consists of my individual work as well as the work done by the other
members of group 4, Christina Hill, Meghan Glasgow and Jessica Venturo, in fulfillment
of the requirements for the course. In total we evaluated 153 of sources; I personally
reviewed 38 of these sources. We reviewed and evaluated all of the following sources:
bibliographies, library catalogues, indicies and abstracts, almanacs, yearbooks,
handbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographical sources, directories and
geographical sources. We reviewed but did not evaluate governmental sources. This
assignment is the sister document to my individual evaluations which I have also
submitted.
Definition of Reviewed Resources
Bibliography: Bibliographies are selective lists of works that are compiled according to
a common principle such as subject, place of publication, etc.
Catalogue: A catalogue is a complete list of holdings or records of a library or
organization that allows the user full access to the collection.
Index: Unlike the more typical index found at the back of a book or set of volumes, the
indicies studied here point users in the direction of subject matter found in journals or
periodicals. Like the more usual back-matter index, the book length index also often
orders entries in alphabetical order and provides locational material.
Abstract: Abstracts are indicies that give summary content matter about entries.
Almanac: Almanacs are sources of factual information and are often used in ready-
reference queries. The information contained within them may be time or sensitive or
may be of an historical nature; almanacs can be found in print and digital versions.
Yearbook: Yearbooks are also sources of factual information and are used in ready-
reference but they contain only information pertinent to that particular year.
Handbook: Handbooks are also sources of factual information and are used in ready-
reference, but they contain very specific information to guide users through a specific
procedure.
Encyclopedia: Encyclopedias contain articles on various topics, usually in alphabetical
order, that either cover all branches of knowledge or are subject specific. Encyclopedias
may either be single or multi-volume and can be in either print or digital versions.
Dictionary: Dictionaries are books containing an alphabetically arranged selection of
words and definitions, pronunciations and guidelines about these words.
Directory: Directories are alphabetical lists of select persons or organizations in a certain
category and include contact information for those listed.
Biographical Sources: Biographical sources are some of the oldest resources, the ancient
Greeks famously referred to βιοι, and contain either basic or lengthy descriptions of
people of note. Biographies may be found in encyclopedias, dictionaries or online and
cover the lives or careers of famous or well-regarded individuals.
Geographic Sources: Geographic resources assist users in placing locations physically
on the map either contemporaneously or historically.
Government Resources: These are documents that publish government information for
the public-- they can be handbooks, yearbooks, census guides, etc.

Evaluation Set #1
Group 4
Terry Wasserman evaluated numbers 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
Meghan Glasgow evaluated numbers 1, 2, 6, 11, 15
Christina Hill evaluated numbers 10, 13, 16, 17, 20
Jessica Venturo evaluated numbers 9, 12, 14, 18, 19
Bibliographies and Catalogues
American Book Publishing Record
Citation
R.R. Bowker Company. (2008). American book publishing record, Cumulative 2007.
New Providence, N.J.: Bowker.
Purpose
American Book Publishing Record records all books published or distributed in the
United States over the past year.
Scope
There are twelve monthly issues combined into the annual record released in March.
The 2007 edition contains approximately 55,300 entries. These entries include
books, and pamphlets. Not included are government publications, subscription
books, dissertations and pamphlets totaling fewer than 49 pages.
Authority
The main source of information for the American Book Publishing Record is the
MARC records generated by the Library of Congress. The inclusion of pamphlets is
more subjective and based on the expertise of the staff.
Format
The American Book Publishing Record is printed monthly with an annual
compilation. The 2007 edition is two volumes. Volume one includes general
reference and technology, while volume two covers arts, geography, and fiction.
Arrangement
The record is arranged in three sections: Dewey 000-900; Adult fiction; and Juvenile.
The Dewey section is filled according to Dewey Decimal Numbers while the Adult
Fiction and Juvenile are arranged alphabetically. Author, title, and subject indexes
are included in the text.
Each entry includes as many of the following as are available: title; added title;
subtitle; author statement; edition statement; publication place; publisher; publication
date; copyright date; collation; series; general notes; content notes; bibliographical
notes; Dewey Numbers; Library of Congress classification numbers; Library of
Congress control number; subject tracings; ISBN; binding; and price.
Latest Edition
The 2008 edition of ABPR will be released in March of 2009.
Cost
335 dollars per year for monthly editions of the publication downloaded to your
computer. The 2008 edition of American Book Publishing Record cost $525.00 for a
Hardcopy. This text will be released in March of 2009.
Frequency of Publication
Monthly with an annual compilation.
Uses and Overall Evaluation
This record would be useful for a variety of different reasons. If looking for a
specific book or author, the index quickly leads one to the correct page of text.
However if simply browsing a subject all possible subject titles need to thought of in
order to obtain all possible information.
Bibliographic Index
Citation
Cooley, L (Ed.). (1991). Bibliographic index: A cumulative bibliography of
bibliographies. 1990. New York. H. W. Wilson.
Purpose
To create a list of bibliographies published separately and as part of works such as
books, pamphlets, and periodicals. It includes information retrieved from other
Wilson published texts, as well as several research libraries. The online version
Bibliographic Index Plus contains more than 530,000 bibliographies pulled from a
variety of texts across many different disciplines.
Scope
Bibliographic Index includes all bibliographies published within the last five years
written in either English or other Western European languages. Not included are
non-print items, reprints, catalogs of library holdings, and bibliographies in clinical
medicine or case law. All bibliographies published in this work have at least fifty
citations with the exception of bibliographies about a person or for specialized or
topical material.
Authority
Published by W.H. Wilson; the content is pulled from more than 2,800 periodicals
and 5,000 books each year.
Format
Bibliographic Index can be found in both text and online. Print documents are issued
three times a year. Two issues are paper bound and one is a cloth bound edition with
and additional four month. Bibliographic Index Plus is the online version and is
updated daily.
Arrangement
Entries are ordered alphabetically under the main entry. Each main entry is input
under a subject heading which conforms to the Library of Congress Subject
Headings. For each entry entered under a subject heading there is a full
bibliographic citation including author, title, journal or text where the bibliography
can be found, date, and page numbers.
For the electronic version, Bibliographic Index Plus has an easy to use interface with
basic and advanced search options. Search terms allowed for limits by year, peer-
reviewed material, page images, document type, and physical description. This
program also has a detailed search history, thesaurus, and a print/email/save option.
Special Features
Some special features available through Bibliographic Index Plus are: Retrospective
coverage back to 1982; Links to OPAC; Full text of more than 185,000
bibliographies; and daily updates.
Limitations
All bibliographies must contain 50 citations or more to be included. The exceptions
to this rule are for bibliographies of works about a person or for a specialized or
topical material. Also many bibliographies that would have previously appeared in
the print version are only included in the electronic version.
Latest Edition
2004
Cost
Bibliographic Index cost 545 dollars for the print version.
Bibliographic Index Plus is updated daily while the print version is updated three
times a year. Two issues are paper bound and contain four months of the year while
the final third is cloth bound and contain both of the paper printings as well as an
additional four months.
Books in Print
Citation
Books in Print. (2007-2008). New Providence, N.J.: Bowker.
Purpose
The purpose of this source is to provide absolute coverage of every book within its
spectrum that is currently being published or distributed in the United States for
librarians and members of the book trade market.
Scope
Provides entries for all books published after 2000 and active ISBNs. This edition
features 1,854,150 active titles published from 2000 on and 3,107,383 active ISBNs
representing 72,240 publishers. There are over 294,282 new titles and 328,762 new
ISBNs in this edition. The only books not included in this list are books not for sale
in the U.S., books not available to the general public, books without a title for sale, e-
books, unbound materials, on-demand books, periodicals, serials and music librettos.
(E-books and on-demand books can be found in the online version of Books in
Print). Books in Print is similar to Forthcoming Books in its scope and differs only
in that the latter includes only books about to be published, whereas the former
includes only books that are published.
Authority
The publisher of Books in Print, Bowker, has been at this for over 60 years and has
nearly perfected the system of collecting and disseminating information about books
currently in print. Bowker gives publishers 24/7 online access to submit or update
publication information using either Bowkerlink or EDI—publishers can also call,
fax and write in entries. Bowker relies on the book publishers to provide accurate
information, the book publishers in turn rely on Bowker to get their books out to
libraries and booksellers—quid pro quo, the source is as accurate as everyone
involved can make it.
Format
In print and online
Arrangement
Designed to be easily searchable by both author and title, Books in Print is a seven
volume work. The first through fourth volume are arranged alphabetically by title,
volume five concludes titles and begins the section alphabetically arranged by
authors. Volume six is dedicated solely to authors and volume seven contains the
conclusion of authors and the indexes for publisher and distributor. Each entry
contains as many of the following as available: title, subtitle, contributors, edition
number and information, publication year, pagination, audience code, binding type,
price in USD, asterisk identifies ISBN new to this edition of BIP, publisher’s abbrev.
name, foreign publisher ISO code, USA distributor’s abbrev. name.
Special Features
The most useful feature of this reference work is its online component. Having the
ability to search the print edition via both title and author is convenient; nothing is
easier than doing a keyword search online. In addition, the online version has a
forthcoming books room which lets the user see “yet-to-be-published” titles, a
“fiction connection” site that assists in choosing new reading based on old favorites,
a user-friendly website designed for patron use, complimentary online training
session, and a “non-fiction connection” assisting readers in finding non-fiction based
on prior interests.
Limitations
The limits of the print edition are fairly evident: books get published more than once
a year. The online version, however, is updated continuously and so is more up-to-
date. In addition, not having a subject search in the print edition, though space-
saving, is a disadvantage. The online version, again, corrects this problem with the
ability to keyword search.
Latest Edition
The most recent print edition is the 2008-2009.
Cost
$980. If the purchaser enrolls in a standing order, s/he can save 10% on this edition
and 5% on all subsequent editions.
Frequency of Publication/Update
The print edition is updated annually; the online version is updated continuously.
British Books in Print
Citation
Whitaker’s Books in Print. 2003. Surrey, England: Nielsen Book Data.
Purpose
To provide librarians, researchers and booksellers with a comprehensive list of
British books which are in print.
Scope
Whitaker’s contains titles that are available to the general public through the book
trade in the U.K. English language titles published in Continental Europe as well as
titles published else-where with English language text and available through a sole
stockholding agent in the UK are also included. Only the more important pamphlets
and books costing less than 15p are recorded.
Authority
Whitaker’s has been compiling this list for over 120 years, since its founder, Joseph
Whitaker, published The Reference Catalogue of Current Literature in 1874.
Format
The print format published in five volumes is published regularly. There are also
microfiche editions that are updated every month or week (depending on service
purchased) and Whitaker’s Bookbank CD-Rom, which is updated monthly or
bimonthly (depending on service purchased). There are a number of CD-Rom and
online options including Whitaker’s Bookbank Global CD-Rom which includes all
English language publications, Whitaker’s Bookbank OP CD-Rom which is available
quarterly, Book Data’s Bookwise CD-Rom, Book Data’s Premier CD, Book Data’s
Compact World CDE, Book Data’s TES CD-Rom, Online Whitaker LibWeb
(especially for libraries), Online Whitaker PubWeb (especially for publishers), Book
Data’s BD connect, Whitaker Web and Book-find online.
Arrangement
The books are listed in alphabetical sequence of authors, titles and subjects. All titles
can be found under both author and title; the main entry is the author entry and it is
indicated so by being in bold. The editions was printed in five volumes, the first
containing A-C, the second D-H, the third I-N, the fourth O-St and the fifth Su-Z. A
directory of publishers and their ISBN prefix listings is also included. Each entry
includes as much as can be obtained of the following: author, title, subtitle, volume,
pagination, illustrations, edition, series, binding if not hardback, price, publisher,
date of publication, classification and ISBN.
Special Features
The myriad different websites and CD-Roms geared towards the variety of needs of
the modern librarian, bookseller and publisher are astonishing. The book itself
supplies all of the basic information about every book published in the UK that year;
though, as was mentioned about the print edition of Books in Print, the problem there
is self-evident, books are not published annually but rather continuously. However,
the websites take are of that.

Limitations
Without a more recent edition, the print version is obsolete. The online versions,
however, are very useful. The time-saving of an online search and the ease of a
keyword search are very helpful.
Latest Edition
Whitaker was bought and swallowed by Nielsen who retained many of the Whitaker
websites but did not continue publishing the British Books in Print, rather the
reference giant Bowker is now publishing their own version, Bowker’s Books in
Print, and the most recent edition was 2006. A supplement, Bowker’s Books in Print
Supplement 2007-2008, was published in 2008.
Cost
$799 for the 2006 edition and $546 for the 2007-2008 supplement.
The online sources are updated continuously; however the print source seems to be
lagging behind. At the moment it appears the print is being updated bi-annually, but
in the book publishing business that is simply not often enough.
Children’s Catalog
Citation
Price, A. & Yaakov, J. (Eds.). (2001). Children’s Catalog. (18th ed.). New York: The
H.W. Wilson Co.
Purpose
To provide teachers and librarians with the a comprehensive list of appropriate
reading for children from pre-school to grade six. There are also professional aids
for children’s librarians and school media specialists.
Scope
Children’s Catalog is a selective list of contemporary and classical Children’s fiction.
The list includes books, magazines and web resources for children aged 3-12. The
books range from modern favorites to beloved classics. The 18th edition includes
nearly 7,000 titles. Annual supplements will be produced covering additional
fictional works. The books included in the catalog are either written in or translated
into English-- only books published in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and distributed
in the U.S. are included.
Authority
The Catalog is prepared with the assistance of an advisory committee of experts in
library service for children and then the list that the committee agrees upon is then
voted on by a group of experienced librarians consulting on the project. It does this
much in the same vein as the Fiction Catalog.

Format
Print and online versions available (the latter through WilsonWeb at an additional
cost).
Arrangement
The catalog is arranged into four parts: 1. The Classified Catalog which is listed
according to Dewey, followed by Fiction, Story Collections, Easy Books and Non-
Fiction Classics. Part 2. is a List of Recommended Web Resources, 3. the Author,
Title, Subject & Analytical Indicies, which serve as comprehensive keys to the
classified list, and part 4. the Directory of Publishers and Distributors. For book or
story entries, the following are included whenever available: author, title,
responsibility statement, publisher, date of publication, pagination, illustration note,
series note, price binding and grade level. Availability of CD-Rom or Audio versions
are also indicated. For web resources the following are included: title, publisher’s
name, telephone, price for subscription services, grade level and URL.
Special Features
For the first time, a list of web resources is included in this version (replacing the
CD-Rom reference works list). Out-of-print books are also listed in the catalog,
giving it a broader depth than simply contemporary literature. The online version
offers additional content, allows for keyword searches and entries can contain links
to book reviews, from Wilson’s Book Review Digest Plus, either full text or in
abstract. In addition, the online version allows for simultaneous searching of other
WilsonWeb databases and allows the checking of a local library via OPAC.
Limitations
This is not an exhaustive list, rather it is a group of books selected by the editors and
the librarians who made up the consulting group that voted on the books to be
included. So, it can be a very useful catalog as it is pre-censored, but it is a list of
suggested works and not a comprehensive list of all adult fiction.
Latest Edition
2006
Cost
The print version is $195, including the cost of the annual supplements. With the
purchase of an online subscription, the print edition can be purchased at half price.
Print versions are published every five years and the online version is updated
continuously.
Cumulative Book Index
Citation
Cumulative book index, 1993. Vol.1. (1994). H. W. Wilson.

Purpose
A record of all English books published throughout the world from 1933 through
1999. The publication stopped printing in March 2000.
Scope
Cumulative Book Index catalogs all books published internationally in English.
Excluded works include: government documents; maps; music scores; books with
fewer than 50 pages except fro poetry, play, bibliographies, juvenile literature, and
scholarly works; editions limited to five hundred of fewer copies; self-published
works; genealogies, prospectuses, tests, or material of a local nature. Works
completely in a language other than English are not included with the exceptions of:
dictionaries; grammars; phrase-books; readers; editions of foreign classics; and other
aids to language learning.
Authority
Cumulative Book Index is published by H.W. Wilson.
Format
Cumulative Book Index was published in print format.
Arrangement
Entries are arranged in an alphabetical list according to the Library of Congress
Filing Rules. There are author, title, and subject entries. The subject heading follow
the Library of Congress Subject Headings. A Directory of Publishers and
Distributors can be found at the end of the second volume.
Each entry may contain full name, complete title, series, edition, illustration
statement, pagination, binding, price, date of publication, and publisher. The
International Standard Book Number and Library of Congress control number are
given when available.
Limitations
Many different types of publications including government documents, maps, self-
published works, and other are not included in this work. Also publication was
ended in March of 2000.
Latest Edition
2000
Cost
Not in Print

Although this text is not longer in print it can be used as a retrospective look at what
was in print, in English, internationally from 1933 through 1999.
Fiction Catalog
Citation
Greenfieldt, J. & Yaakov, J. (Eds.). (2006). Fiction Catalog. (15th ed.). New York:
The H.W. Wilson Co.
Purpose
The Catalog is meant to assist both librarians and patrons in choosing interesting
fiction. It assists librarians in choosing which books to acquisition and which to
potentially weed as well as giving patrons a well thought-out list of worthwhile
fiction. It is similar to both the Public Library Catalog (its reference and non-fiction
companion volume) as well as the Children’s Catalog in both preciseness of scope
and authority of compilers.
Scope
The 1908 version makes the claim of presenting the best fiction of all time, so the
scope is a bit imprecise, but roughly from early English classics to modern adult
fiction. The Fiction Catalog is a selective list of contemporary and classical adult
fiction. The 15th edition includes 8,000 titles, nearly 3,000 more than the previous
edition. It also lists 800 analytical entries for novellas and novels contained within
other works. Three annual supplements will be produced covering 2000 additional
fictional works. The books included in the catalog are either written in or translated
into English-- only books published in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and distributed
in the U.S. are included.
Authority
The Catalog was compiled by seasoned librarians from across the country who
collectively voted on titles creating a very learned and very broad-based consensus.
The names of the key librarians are listed in the acknowledgements.
Format
Print and online versions are available (the online edition is available through
WilsonWeb at an additional cost).
Arrangement
The main part of the catalog lists works alphabetically by author. The second part of
the catalog is a title and subject index. The catalog also includes a list of publishers.
Entries include all of the available bibliographic information: author, title, publisher,
date of publication, pagination, illustration note, price, out-of-print status, reprint
publication data, ISBN and LOC control number.
Special Features
One of the most important features of the print edition is the access users gain to
materials based on subject, theme or genre via the Subject index. Out-of-print books
are also listed in the catalog, giving it a broader depth than simply contemporary
literature. There is also the companion publication, Public Library Catalog: Guide
to Reference Books and Adult Nonfiction, which readers interested in biography or
literary history might want to examine. The online version offers additional content,
allows for keyword searches and entries can contain links to book reviews, from
Wilson’s Book Review Digest Plus, either full text or in abstract. In addition, the
online version allows for simultaneous searching of other WilsonWeb databases and
permits one to check his/her local library for the title via OPAC.
Limitations
This is not an exhaustive list; rather it is a group of books selected by the editors and
the librarians who made up the consulting group that voted on the books to be
included. So, it can be a very useful catalog as it is pre-censored, but it is a list of
suggested works and not a comprehensive list of all adult fiction.
Latest Edition
2006
Cost
The print version is $240, including the cost of the annual supplements. With the
purchase of an online subscription, the print edition can be purchased at half price.
15 editions have been published since 1908. However, the online version is updated
either daily or weekly, depending on need.
Forthcoming Books
Citation
Forthcoming Books. 43 (1). (Spring 2008). New Providence, N.J.: Bowker.
Purpose
To provide librarians, booksellers and others with the most up-to-date bibliographic
information possible about books being published in the coming quarter.
Scope
This is a list of books being published between March-June of 2008, it includes
34,143 titles from 1,982 publishing houses. The only books not included in this list
are books not for sale in the U.S., books not available to the general public, books
without a title for sale, e-books, unbound materials, on-demand books, periodicals,
serials and music librettos. (E-books and on-demand books can be found in another
Bowker title, Books in Print).
Authority
Bowker’s is a highly respected publisher, having published Books in Print for over
60 years, and receives bibliographic information about the books from the publishing
houses themselves. In fact, Bowker’s Electronic Data Interchange is available online
24/7, making it quick and easy for publishers to submit or update bibliographic data
on forthcoming books.
Format
In print—an online version is also available via the forthcoming books room of
booksinprint.com.
Arrangement
Modeled after the Library of Congress catalogue but with more detailed subject
headings (eg., not just Accounting, but Cost Accounting). However, Forthcoming
Books includes four headings not found in the LOC: Fiction, Geographical, Drama
and Children’s Fiction. The headings are arranged alphabetically. One can look
under subject, author or title indicies to find a book. Each entry includes all or as
many of the following as possible: author, title, subtitle, edition number, edition
information, editors, LOC control number, series title and number, illustrations,
pagination, audience code, grade range, publication year, type of binding, price,
ISBN, publisher’s order number, additional binding ype, price information, foreign
publication symbol and US distributor.
Special Features
Bowker’s has been printing Forthcoming Books for over sixty years and has nearly
perfected its system of providing up-to-date bibliographical information to its users.
Via Bowker’s Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), which is available 24 hours a day
online, publishers can submit or update bibliographic data on forthcoming books
whenever it is convenient for them to do so. Bowker’s then updates its own online
database, the forthcoming books room found via booksinprint.com, continuously.
Other useful features for librarians and booksellers alike are the audience code and
grade range that are included in most entries, making it easier to connect the right
type of books with the right people.
Limitations
Forthcoming Books is a very thorough reference work and has few limitations—the
online version is easy to search, via booksinprint.com and has nearly up-to-the-
minute information. The print version does have small type and though the subject
headings are more detailed, a researcher may not be readily able to find the specific
subject s/he is interested in given the limited number of headings.
Latest Edition
Spring 2009 is the most recent edition, however the online database, as previously
mentioned, is updated continuously.
Cost
$299.95 per annum

The print version is printed quarterly and the online version is update continuously.
Fulltext Sources Online
Citation
Fulltext Sources Online. (2009). Medford, NJ: Information Today, Inc.
Purpose
The purpose for this publication is to provide libraries and researchers with
information on where periodicals could be found in full text online.
Scope
FSO includes entries for 16,873 publications, which appear in 25 different
aggregator products in full text. Contact information is provided for the aggregators
and vendors as well. The resource also lists 2,440 URLs that provide free web
archives.
Authority
Information in this directory is obtained directly through aggregators and publishers
who provide full text articles online, and compiled by the directory staff.
Format
Fulltext Sources Online is a print directory of publications available in full text from
major database vendors. An electronic version and a web-based version also exist.
Arrangement
Entries in FSO are arranged alphabetically by title. The introduction includes
bulleted tips for using the resource, and sample entry with a key. A list of all URLs
within the text appears ahead of the main section. Subject, geographic, and
languages indexes are also included, along with contact information for each of the
aggregators listed.
Special Features
The listing of URLs includes web pages that contain free archives.
Latest Edition
January 2009
Biannually in January and July
Cost
Individual issues are available from the publisher for $149.

This directory would be useful to libraries who are looking to subscribe to a database
that included specific periodicals, or for researchers who are looking for a specific
periodical or articles on a specific subject online.
Gale
Citation
Gale’s Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media. 2005. 140th edition. (New
York: Thomsen Gale).
Scope
Latest Edition of Gale was published this year in 2009 with another to be published
in September 2009. This material excludes newsletters and directories. There are
Five Volumes; Volume 1: Alabama-New Hampshire, Volume 2: New Jersey-
Wyoming and Canada, Volume 3: Indexes, Volume 4: Regional Market Index,
Volume 5: International. The information provided is through media professionals
who responded to requests for updates of their information by the Gale publishers.
There are daily removals of organizations identified as ceased.
Listings of radio, cable, and television stations as well as companies. The addresses,
fax, telephone, webpage, email, date when founded, subscription rates, availability,
and top ranking employees are listed.

Authority
Publisher websites, publication websites, and replies from organizations.
Format
Comes in print and is distributed in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It
continues to be published as well as free updates sent out as a supplementary issued
in between editions. There are electronic formats available as a database at their
website gale.com/bizdev.
Arrangement
The material is arranged alphabetically by state then by Canadian regions followed
by International Countries. Within those alphabetized states, regions, and countries
the companies and stations are alphabetized by name. Within the station and
companies information the name of the company, enumerated on the left, there is the
address, Telephone number, fax number, Email address, Owner’s name, hours of
operation, Key personnel employee, their rates or subscription price, and URL.
Special Features
Supplementary updates are sent in between editions.
Cost
$1,100 as listed in BookInPrint.com

Jake
Citation
(2003). Jointly administered knowledge environment. Retrieved March 16, 2009,
from Jake Web site: http://jake.openly.com/
Purpose
Jake or the Jointly Administered Knowledge Environment is the first open source
URL link-server. It links to several databases which have a variety of articles and
journals.
Scope
The scope of Jake is hard to determine as no preface or “about Jake” section are
available on the website. A quick search however provides a large range of materials
from a variety of sources including HealthWatch, ERIC, Academic Universe,
Informe, Biology Digest, and many others. Based on this search it is evident that
many different disciplines are covered as well as more than one language is used.
Authority
Jake is an open source network associated with Cushing/Whitney Medical Library at
Yale University School of Medicine, and Genamics.
Format
The format for Jake is an online search engine maintained by Open Source
technology.
Arrangement
Jake uses a search option in order to obtain results. If the title of the journal or
database or the ISSN is known the items can be found easily. Further search options
include “sounds like” and “don’t auto-truncate” buttons. There are locations for
further information such as volume, issue, pages, and year.
Each entry contains the following information: the name of a database or journal; the
Jake ID number; type of publication; ISSN; the number of databases is it indexed in;
whether full-text documents exist; and the names of the databases in which it is
indexed.
Cost
Free
Updated daily
This website is hard to understand and use. The interface is not user friendly and
there are very few search options. Although some interesting and beneficial results
can be obtained from a search most links do not work and any real links to
information is hard to find. Overall this site is disappointing and needs to be better
maintained.
Magazines for Libraries
Citation
Laguardia, C., & Katz, W. A. (2008). Magazines for libraries. New Providence, N.J.:
ProQuest.
Purpose
The purpose of this publication is to provide information on periodicals for readers,
school libraries, and public libraries. The publication is distinguishes itself from
other bibliographies featuring periodicals because it aims to be an authority on the
usefulness of serials to a library’s collection, and inclusion in the work should be
considered a recommendation. Its annotations are more detailed and critical than
other works of its kind.
Scope
The publication contains bibliographic data on magazines, journals, and newsletters
that might be useful for public, academic, and school libraries. It aims to contain
only the highest quality publication within the given specifications. It gives a good
overview of general publications that might be available on a given topic, but those
looking for a periodical on a very specific topic may not find what they are looking
for.
Published in December of 2008, the work appears to be quite current. Web addresses
are provided for most publications. However, few, if any, exclusively online
publications are listed.
Authority
Information is provided by publishers compiled by subject specialists working for
Magazines for Libraries.
Format
Magazines for Libraries is a print index that provides bibliographic data and
descriptions of in-print periodicals.
Arrangement
The bibliography is organized by alphabetically subject heading, then alphabetically
by title. The table of contents displays the order in which the subject headings occur.
There are cross references within the text. The indexes list entries by title, by ISSN,
and by topic. Each entry is formatted consistently, with a sample entry and
description of each part of the entry in the “How to Use this Book” section. There is
also a glossary for abbreviations used, and a list of suggested abstracts and indexes.
Each entry is followed by a short, critical annotation about the work. According to
the “How to Use this Book” section, the annotations describe “the scope, purpose,
and intent of each magazine, bias (if any), and target audience”. While the
annotations provide information on strengths and weaknesses, inclusion of the title in
Magazines for Libraries should be considered a recommendation.
Special Features
The most obvious special feature associated with this publication is the extended
annotations.
Libraries may also subscribe to an updating service for this publication through
Ulrichsweb.com.
Latest Edition
17th edition
Yearly
Cost
Available for purchase from publisher’s website (Bowker) for $330.
Nation Union Catalog

Citation
Library of Congress, & American Library Association. (1968). The National union
catalog, pre-1956 imprints; A cumulative author list representing Library of
Congress printed cards and titles reported by other American libraries. London:
Mansell.
Purpose
The purpose of the National Union Catalog was to create a list of holdings of major
research libraries in the United States and Canada. More than 1,000 libraries reported
their holdings over a 70 year period to create this list.
Scope
There is entries for all motion pictures even the filmstrips and are not available in
microform. It includes new and previous cataloging information in the Library of
Congress catalog cards. Each catalog entry includes the film’s producers and
distributing agencies. Since 1957 the cards that are included in the National Union
Catalog have been Catalog by the Library of Congress but were previously provided
by other sources. There is also a list of abbreviations, marks, and symbols used in the
entries.
The Nation Union Catalog covers all film and motion picture materials located in the
library of congress catalog. It also has a list of film distributor companies, production
companies, and addresses of said companies.

Authority
The content is collected from 1,000 different libraries but began as the card catalogue
of the Library of Congress, to be distributed to libraries. The American Library
Association sponsored the printing.
Format
The format is in print and comes in 754 volumes. It is the written out form of the
catalog cards. It is compiled by the Catalog Maintenance and Catalog Publication
Division of the Library of Congress. They are listed as those to contact if further
inquiry or correction is needed. This is no longer published; however, the Library of
Congress now has its catalog with all of its materials online at catalog.loc.gov.
Arrangement
The first portion lists different Film Libraries, Distributers, Production Companies,
and Manufacturers. The National Union Catalog goes on to list Production
companies and the films produced by them. The films produced include the length,
whether or not it is in color, the year distributed, if it was shot in more than one part
or sequence, subject words that can be associated with the film, and a brief summary.
Latest Edition
The latest available edition lists that it ranges in movies from 1968-1972 and is
available online on the Internet Archive Search Database.

It is no longer published or updated but is preserved online and in library reference
archive sections.
New Serial Titles
Citation
Library of Congress, & R.R. Bowker Company. (1975). New serial titles, 1950-
1970, subject guide. New York: Bowker.
Purpose
The purpose of this work was to provide bibliographic data on the serials received by
the Library of Congress and other participating libraries. This would be a useful list
to researchers and non-participating libraries.
Scope
According to the preface, “entries [were] included for all titles regardless of initial
data of publication or type of serial” with the exception of newspapers, which were
not included.
The directory began publication in 1950 when Union List of Serials ceased
publication. This directory ceased publication in 1999. It is assumed that the

Library of Congress chose to focus its efforts on expanding its online catalog, rather
than maintaining a print record. The new title is misleading in that it implies it is a
directory of newly published serials, rather than a continuation of the union list.
Authority
Information is compiled from the card catalogs of the Library of Congress and
participating libraries.
Format
New Serial Titles was both a print index and a union catalog, providing information
on new and reformatted periodicals as they were published from 1950 onward.
Arrangement
This work was compiled from the cataloging records of the Library of Congress and
other participating libraries. The entries in this directory are set up like a “card
catalog”. Because a group of libraries were responsible for compiling the entries for
this directory, there is little consistency from record to record.
The publication has two volumes. Periodicals in this index are arranged
alphabetically by title, with volume one covering A-K and volume 2 holding M-Z.
Cross reference are provided for journals with former titles. New additions to the
collection, title changes, periodicals experiencing a new start, and periodicals in pre-
publication are clearly marked. An ISSN index is also included.

The majority of entries in this directory depended on Library of Congress Subject
Headings to describe the listed periodical. In some cases, a short description was
provided in addition.
Special features
A list of participating libraries is included, and each entry indicates which libraries
receive the periodical. The list indicates whether libraries lend periodicals, or
whether they can furnish photocopies or microfilms.
Latest Edition
The latest cumulative edition of this reference was published in 1999.
Monthly, with culminations
Cost
The Cataloging Distribution Service of the Library of Congress is offering annual
accumulations for a discounted price of $135 in North America, and $165 outside of
North America.
OCLC Online Union Catalog

Citation
OCLC. (1992). OCLC FirstSearch. [Dublin, Ohio]: OCLC.
http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/FSIP.
Purpose
The purpose of OCLC is to connect libraries and countries to work together in order
to create a global resource which has as much organized material as possible. It is
through the resources of OCLC that many digital problems are being dealt with and
solved such as access, discovery, delivery, and preservation of content.
Scope
The scope of OCLC includes: Every type of physical and electronic format such as
books, videos, serial publications, articles, recorded books and music, sheet music,
genealogical references and many more; popular and rare resources; and materials in
more than 470 languages ranging from 112 countries and territories.
Authority
OCLC creates its’ large databases with the help of libraries from around the world.
The Preseident and Chief executive officer is Robert L. Jordon. Other administrators
are Rick J. Schwieterman, Karen Calhoun, Rein van Charldorp, Bruce Crocco,
Lorcan Dempsey, Catherine K. De Rosa, and many others.
Format
Access to OCLC is available through different search tools such as FirstSearch.
FirstSearch works with WorldCat and other OCLC programs to bring the most
comprehensive search possible to users. Through FirstSearch there are more than 85
million records, several million of which are full-text. The web interface is easy to
use and can be customized to each user.
Arrangement
Results in FirstSearch are returned according to the default ranking called “Number
of Libraries.” This means that records are ranked according to the amount of
libraries in possession of the item, with the records that are held the most being
recalled at the top of the list.
Entries
Entries are input according to MARC formatting rules designed by the Library of
Congress.
Special Features
•Limited free versions of WorldCat are available at WorldCat.org
•Link to your library’s web-based catalog
•Seven different choices for interface languages including English, French Spanish,
and Japanese

The Online Union Catalog is easy to use and has a more comprehensive list of
resources than any other catalog today. With billions of records and millions of full-
text articles OCLC is extremely effective in today’s digital age. OCLC can be used
to find out which titles a library holds, or to place an ILL request within FirstSearch.
Its quick responses, large collection and easy to use features make it one of the best
resources of the day.
Cost
Some elements of WorldCat are available for free at WorldCat.org.
Updated consistently
PubList
Citation
PubList.com. Infotrieve. http://www.publist.com/
Scope
The information provided about publications is the title, formats available, publisher
address, editor contact information, ISSN number, and circulation information.
Journals could be in .pdf format or photocopies of full-text.
Subscription access to print and electronic publications of magazines, journals, e-
journals, newsletters, monographs, formats of titles, publisher address, editor

contacts, ISSN numbers and circulation information. Infotriece allows for abstract
and full-text access to online journals.
Authority
Publishing companies of the searchable titles provide the information.
Format
It is an electronic-based reference website with access to publication information of
print and electronic publications such as; magazines, e-journals, newsletters,
monographs, and journals.
Arrangement
The search quick search options provide a title search only, however, the advanced
search options a search can be conducted by title, publisher, subject, ISSN, and
country of publication.
Special Features
A feature called Infotrieve can give access to the full-text version of journal articles
over the internet.
Cost
PubList.com is free however, journal articles can be purchased.

The Reader’s Adviser
Citation
The Reader’s Adviser. 1994. 14th edition. 6 volumes. New Providence, New Jersey:
R.R. Bowker, A Reed Reference Publishing Company.
Purpose
Materials are meant for use of librarians and patrons. Originally compiled by a
bookseller it is intended to give book retailers a basic inventory of essential print
titles to recommend to costumers. It is a guide to classic titles which include their
bibliographic details. It also includes encyclopedias, chronology of authors included
in the material, rare books, literature divided into time periods and origin, as well as
a list of other novels written by the author.
Scope
It has a list of abbreviations, chronology of authors, reference works, and
bibliographies: historical, analytical, enumerative, it lists titles from literatures from
certain cultures i.e. Volume 1: The Best in Reference Works, British Literature and
American Literature, Volume 2: The best in World Literature, Volume 3: The best in
Social Sciences, History, and the Arts, Volume 4: The Best in Philosophy and
Religion, Volume 5: The best in Science, Technology, and Medicine.
Authority
Published by R.R. Bowker.

Format
Print form
Arrangement
It first shows the contents of the material, then the preface, which explains the
historical origins of the material, a list of abbreviations used in the material, the
chronology of the authors, the introduction, and then the titles of Reference Works,
British Literature, and American Literature in Volume 1.
Special Features
Includes tips for book collectors, tools for book selection, as well as tools for
periodical and newspaper identification.
Cost
$140 per volume but can receive the whole set for $500 as listed by their publishers
Greenwood Publishing Group
http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/BORA146V3.aspx.
Standard Periodical Directory
Citation
The Standard Periodical Directory 2009. (2009). Oxbridge Communications.
Purpose
The purpose of the Standard Periodical Directory is to be a comprehensive
bibliography of periodicals in the United States and Canada. It does not limit entries
based on quality, but strives to be as thorough as possible within its geographic
limitations. It would serve as a good alternative to the print version of Ulrich’s for
small libraries who have little need for access to foreign serials.
Scope
This index lists a total of 64,355 titles, which include magazines, journals,
newspapers, newsletters, journals, directories, and yearbooks. Many of these
publications are exclusively online, but most are in print with an online presence.
Authority
Information is provided by publishers and edited for clarity and brevity by directory
staff.
Format
The Standard Periodical Directory is comprehensive a print index of periodicals
published in the United States and Canada.
Arrangement
The periodicals in the directory are listed alphabetically by subject, and then by title.
The table of contents lists the page number for each subject heading. There is a title
index, as well as an index for periodicals that have changed their names.
The information within the directory is provided by publishers, but it is edited by the
directory’s staff for clarity and brevity. It is unclear whether the authors have viewed
the materials or not.
Each entry includes a one-sentence description of the publication, which provides a
clear statement of the scope and purpose of the title without criticism.
This index appears to be very current. It contains web-based publications, such as
online magazines and blogs, in addition to print materials.
Latest Edition
The latest edition published is the Standard Periodical Directory 2009.
Yearly
Cost
Available for purchase through the publisher for $1895

Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory
Citation
Ulrich's international periodicals directory: A classified guide to current
periodicals, foreign and domestic. (2000). New York: R.R. Bowker.
Purpose
The purpose of Ulrich’s is to provide libraries with a comprehensive index of
periodicals published worldwide. Both the print and online versions of Ulrich’s were
created to be used in libraries.
Scope
This publication was first published in 1932, and continues today. It aims to be a
comprehensive directory of periodicals available throughout the world, in-print or
online. The print version is published in four volumes. The current addition
contains over 218,290 serials classified under 898 subject headings. 62,061 of these
are available exclusively online, or in addition to other media.
According to its “FAQ” section, the online version has a greater number of entries
and more detail to its entries than the print version. It also has more access points
available for searching.
Authority
This directory is a collaborative effort between Ulrich's staff, information specialists,
serialists, national libraries, and serials publishers who continuously update,
maintain, and add to its collection.
Format
Ulrich’s Periodicals Directory is both a print index and an online database of
periodicals published around the world.
Arrangement
The print version is arranged alphabetically by subject heading, with the first three
volumes of the work containing classified listings of serials, and the fourth volume
containing a title index, an ISSN index, an index of publications of international
organizations, and listings of U.S. newspapers, ceased serials, serials online and
serials on CD-ROM. The “User’s Guide” section provides information on the
formatting of each entry, along with a sample entry and key. It also explains the
meaning of symbols that appear next to the titles. A “Subject Guide to Abstracting
and Indexing” is included, along with a translation of the subject headings into
French, German, and Spanish.
Online, serials may be browsed according to 21 different classifications, including
title, subject, language, country of publication, Dewey Decimal Number, etc.
Advanced searching options are available to connect users to periodicals through
every possible access point.

Special Features
Because of the scope and size of the print version of Ulrich’s it is limited in the
special features it can offer. The online resource is offered as an alternative to the
print version, rather than a supplement.
The online version contains a variety of special features. A desktop alert feature
keeps subscribers updated on serials that are added to the directory, have changed
names, or have ceased publication. Free technical support and product training are
available with each subscription.
Latest Edition
The 47th edition is the latest publication of the print version. The online version is
updated continuously.
A new edition of the print version is published yearly. The online version is updated
on a daily basis.
Cost
The print version may be purchased through the publisher for $966. A subscription
to the online version depends on the type of library the product will serve and how
many individuals will use the product.

What Do I Read Next?
Citation
What Do I Read Next? Reader's adviser. Thompson Gale.
http://0-rqst-agent.autographics.com.csulib.ctstateu.edu/LoginModule
/Goto.aspx?cuid=rqst&dataid=52
Scope
It ranges from older publications as well as the latest titles and ranges in both fiction
and non-fiction. There are over 100,000 searchable titles include Adult, Children,
and Young Adult non-fiction and fiction.
Authority
Printed by Thompson Gale.
Format
Accessed online through agent or IConn.org in which literature both fiction and non-
fiction can be searched. New titles are added couple times a year.
Arrangement
The information is accessed through basic and advanced search tools with a keyword
search, exact title, series, genres, and award winners. Include characters or the
locations in the book, description, date of publication, a list of books also written by
the author, and books of a similar nature.
Special Features
Award winning books are searchable within the database.

Evaluation Set #2
Group 4
Meghan Glasgow evaluated numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7
Christina Hill evaluated numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11
Jessica Venturo evaluated numbers 14, 15, 16, and 17
Terry Wasserman evaluated numbers 18, 20, 21, and 22
Indexes and Abstracts
Article1st
Citation
OCLC. (1990s). ArticleFirst. Dublin, Ohio: OCLC Online Computer Library Center.
http://firstsearch.oclc.org/dbname=Article1st;done=referer;FSIP.
Purpose
Aritcle1st is one database available through FirstSearch supplied by OCLC that
indexes journal articles from more than 16,000 different journals.
Format
Article1st is an online database supplied by OCLC on FirstSearch. There is no CD-
ROM or print version available.
Scope
There are over 16,000 sources with 23,000,000 records from journals dealing with
business, medicine, science, technology, social sciences, and the humanities. Dates
included are from 1990 until the present.
Authority
Article1st is produced by OCLC, Online Computer Library Center, and is available
through FirstSearch and WorldCat.
Arrangement
Each entry describes one article, new story, letter, or other item from a journal.
Search options include keyword, author, title, OCLC number, source, volume,
publisher, and more. Searches can be limited by year and full text.
Special Features
Search options include the ability to limit based on libraries held at local libraries.
Updated daily.
Book Review Digest
Citation
H.W. Wilson Company. (1906). Book review digest. [Bronx, N.Y.]: H.W. Wilson.
Purpose
The Book Review Digest includes both book citations as well as citations for reviews
written about each text included. More than 8,000 current texts are included in the
monthly printings. The Digest allows for patrons and librarians to obtain
information about newly published books both fictional and nonfiction for all ages.
It can be used for both patrons research and for collection development.
Format
It is available in print and CD-Rom versions. Also there has been a web based
version available at www.hwwilson.com/Databases/brdig.htm, since 1983.
Scope
Book Review Digest includes more than 8,000 different current texts with more than
112,000 books to date including juvenile and adult fiction, as well as nonfiction,
pulled from more than 109 periodicals published in the United States, Canada, and
Great Britain. The only language included is English. Government publications,
textbooks, and technical books in both science and the law are excluded from
coverage. In order for books to be listed within the Digest they must contain the
following requirements: published or distributed in the U.S. or Canada; nonfiction

books must have been review by at least two sources; fiction texts must have three
review; reviews must have been written within 18 months of publishing; any review
written in Reference Books Bulletin is automatically included; and at least one review
must come from within the United States.
Book Review Digest Plus, the online version of Book Review Digest contains more
than 1.3 million reviews on 660,000 texts.
Authority
Published by The H.W.Wilson Company and is available online through the Wilson
Web with indexing completed by professionals.
Arrangement
The entries are arranged in alphabetical order, according to the Library of Congress
Filing Rules, by the author’s last name or if no name is included then the citations
are included under the title. Included in the books citations are title, authorship,
edition, series, pagination, illustration notes, binding, year of publication, publisher,
price, classification accorded to Dewey’s classification system for the nonfiction
entries, and subject headings under the Sear’s list. Also given are the ISBN and
Library of Congress Control Number when they are available. Notes are included on
the appropriate age or grade level.

Excerpts and review citations are contained in separate sections, arranged by journal
in which they had appeared. Review citations are labeled as Review. They are
arranged alphabetically by the periodical title abbreviation. Also included in the
review citations are the reviewers name volume number, pages, date of the periodical
and the approximate number of words included in the review. The excerpt follows
the citation when one is included.
Book Review Digest Plus contains an easy-to-use interface with content that contains
the same bibliographic data as the print version, review excerpts, review citations,
full-text reviews, and book summaries. In addition to basic search options there are
“Master” records available which connect to reviews from sources outside of the
website. The web version also contains up-to-date subject headings, descriptive
annotations, and a library holdings indicator which allows libraries to link their
OPAC to the index.
Special Features
•There are separate subject and title indexes included at the end of the main body of
text. They are interfiled alphabetically.
•There are separate sections listed under “Children’s Literature” and “Young Adult
Literature.”
•A list of periodical names is given in order to decipher the abbreviations listed with
each review citation.
•Contains added entries for co-authors, editors, illustrators, and variations of titles.
•Online version allows libraries to connect citations with OPAC features to let users
know what periodicals are available at the library.
Book Review Digest is published monthly except for February and July. There is
also an annual bound cumulation. Book Review Digest Plus is updated daily.
Cost
The annual bound cumulations cost $470.
Use and Overall Evaluation
The Book Review Digest is a great resource however it is limited in that in order to
be included fiction books need to have been reviewed by three journals and
nonfiction by at least two. It would be extremely helpful in reference work for those
books that are popular enough to be included. This text is useful to both the patron
completing research and the librarian looking for assistance when building a library
collection.
Book Review Index
Citation
Gale Research Company, & Gale Group. (1965). Book review index. Detroit: Gale
Research.
Purpose
The purpose of Book Review Index is extremely similar to Book Review Digest in
that it too provides access to reviews of thousands of books. More books and
reviews are indexed than in Book Review Digest, due to fewer criterions as to what
can be included. Another difference is that no excerpts or full-text reviews are
included which results in a user having to go to source to read the review, however
the online version does contain full text reviews.
Format
The Book Review Index is available in text and an online format through two
different subscriptions, Book Review Index Online Plus or the index-only option.
While the index-only subscription offers more than 5 million citations the Book
Reivew Index Plus also offers 664,000 full text reviews through InfoTrac, OneFile,
and InfoTrac Expanded Academic.
Scope
Book Review Index contains more than 4,000,000 reviews on more than 2,000,000
different books ranging in subject from the social sciences, humanities, sciences,
business, fine arts, and other general areas of interest. Years from 1969 to the present
are covered. Book, audio books, and e-books are all included in the reviews. More
than 400 journal publications from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia
are included. Sources that reviews come from include: reviewing journals such as
Choice, Booklist, and School Library Journal; national publications; scholarly and
literary journals, and electronic publications. Citations are included for any type of
published or soon to be published book including adult fiction and nonfiction books,
poetry and song books, children books, audio books and electronic editions, and e-
books for all ages. Each book must be at least 50 pages long with the exception of
children’s literature and poetry.
Authority
Published and indexed by Thompson Gale.
Arrangement
This text is split into two major parts. The main section of the book contains review
citations arranged by the author’s name of the reviewed book. These citations
include: title; illustrations; name of the reviewing source; date of publication; length
of the review; and in some cases the age range that the book is appropriate for. In
addition to this main section there is a title index which gives cross reference points.
Special Features
•Works are coded to allow for easy access
•A periodical abbreviations list to correspond to a full title used is included in the
front of each edition.
It is published three times a year, cumulating annual. The online version also
updates at least three times a year.
Business Periodicals Index
Citation
H.W. Wilson Company. (1959). Business periodicals index. New York: H.W. Wilson.
Purpose
The purpose of Wilson’s Business Periodicals Index is to provide an index of
English-language periodicals from across the world. It covers a wide degree of
business areas in both print and online formats.
Format
Can be found both in print and online at Wilson Business Full Text. Other online
options include Wilson Business Abstracts, Business Periodicals Index, Business
Periodicals Index Retrospective: 1913-1982, and Applied Science & Business Index
Retrospective. Each of these online services offers a slightly different scope of
information for instance Wilson Business Abstracts contains the same citations at
Wilson Business Full Text but does not contain full text articles.
Scope
Business Periodicals Index contains more than 1.6 million records pulled from 527
international English periodicals adding more than 96,000 entries each year. It
covers from 1982 through the present. Subjects included are: behavioral and social
sciences; management sciences; accounting; acquisitions and mergers; engineering;
government regulations; insurance; finance and investment; and many other.
Document types include product reviews, biographical sketches, corporate profiles,
reports of association, graphical data, and other items can also be found.
Authority
Selection of periodicals for indexing is accomplished through a subscriber vote.
They are asked to rate periodicals under consideration and also to give particular
consideration to the balance of subjects being entered so as to not over look any one
subject. Final decisions for the periodicals to be index are ultimately determined by
the H.W. Wilson Company.
Arrangement
The main body consists of subject entries arranged alphabetically, with numerals
appearing before the A terms. In addition to this main body of text there is a separate
listing of citations to book reviews. Within each entry the article title, subject
heading, author, document type, a physical description, any websites, whether it was
peer reviewed, and all magazine citation information is given.
Special Features
•Notes can be added by the indexer to help clarify the meaning of the title if
necessary within the entries.
•Links to OPAC to allow views of holding in your library.
•Additional subscriptions can purchase retrospective article ranging back to
1913.
•Contains a Subject Thesaurus
The online version is updated daily while the text version is updated once a year.
Cost
The cost of the print index is 650 dollars for a one year period.
This is an extremely valuable resource for business professions, as it indexes
information that can be used to track competitors, monitor new products, and gather
data on industry and financial trends and more.
Children’s Magazines Guide
Citation
Children's magazine guide. Subject index to children's magazines including
professional supplements. Multimedia index. (1994). New Providence, NJ: R.R.
Bowker.
Purpose
Children’s Magazine Guide indexes by subject more than 60 magazine commonly
used in public libraries, schools, and at home. Beyond magazine coverage they also
recommend websites which correspond to the subjects covered
Format
It is available in both print and online.
Scope
Children’s Magazine Guide indexes more than 60 magazines that are used in Public
Libraries, Schools, and at home. Magazines indexed include but are not limited to
Boys’ Life, Children’s Digest, Cobblestone, Discovery Girls, Highlights for Children,
Humpty Dumpty’s Magazine, Your Big Backyard, Time for Kids, and many more.
Authority
Children’s Magazine Guide, produced by Libraries Unlimited, has received praise
worldwide and within the United States from such reviewing journals as Booklist.
Each magazine included in their index must reach all criteria including accuracy,
child appeal, and age appropriate writing for their audience.
Arrangement
Entries are organized according to subject alphabetically Each entry contains a
subject heading, article name, notes if clarification needed for the title along with
illustration notes, author, magazine, issue, date of publication, and page numbers.
Cross-references are provided that help find more information on alternate terms or
the proper term.
Special Features
•Many entries contain suggested websites thought appropriate and topic related.
•Each entry contains explanatory notes which can add detail to the article title
and give illustrations and other notes.
•Each issue of Children’s Magazine Guide includes a “Whiz Quiz” that help
students us the Guide and to help build literary skills. Quizzes are also
available online.
Children’s Magazine Guide is published 9 times a year, one each month except for
June, July, and a shared edition for the April and May months. The August issue is
an annual cumulation which included June, July, and August.
Cost
The cost of a subscription is 79.95 for one year, 136.00 for two years, or 10.00 for
any single back issue. The online database is provided free with the print
subscription.

Children’s Magazine Guide is an excellent resource with some possible uses
including: acting as a guide to the best magazines available for children; helps to
locate specific subject articles; Helps teachers and Parents find curriculum oriented
materials.
The Columbia Granger’s Index to Poetry in Anthologies
Citation
Frankovich, N. (1997). The Columbia Granger's index to poetry in anthologies. New
York: Columbia University Press.
Purpose
The Columbia Granger’s Index of Poetry has been the definitive source in English
for locating poems within anthologies since first being published in 1904.
Format
Granger’s is available in print, CD-Rom and online.
Scope
The Columbia Granger’s Index of Poetry online contains more than 250,000 poems
in full text and 450,000 citations. The most recent print version of Granger’s
contains 85,000 poems by 12,000 poets. Languages included in the text are English,
Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Yiddish, Wels, Gaelic, and
other Celtic languages. Both classical poets and current poems pulled from current
poetry magazines such as Poetry Magazine and The Southern Review.
Authority
The 13th edition of Granger’s is edited by Tessa Kale and published by Columbia
University Press.
Arrangement
The volume is divided into three different sections. The first is title, first line, and
last line index, the second is an author index, and the final is a subject index,
consisting of more than 6,000 different subject headings. Each of these sections is
arranged alphabetically and each poem covered within the text is cited at least once
in each section. Each entry includes author, title, the name of anthology found in,
first line of the poem, and the last line of the poem.
Special Features
•The online search features include the ability to search within schools, ears, religion,
nationality, and language.
•Translations of poems
•The complete bibliographical citations for each anthology are included within the
list of abbreviated symbols.
The latest version was published in January 2007.
Cost
The print version is available through the publisher for $295. For the online version,
Granger’s costs different amounts based on the type of institution using the product
and the amount of people who will be using it. The subscription length is for one
year. For Public libraries there are four different price ranges based on population
size. For locations under 10,000 people is cost $630, $735 for 10,001 to 50,000 and
$840 for 50,000 to 100,000. Elementary and High school age libraries would pay
$475 for the yearly subscription. Undergraduate and graduate level is based on a tier
system in which prices range from $725 to $1,200.
There are many different uses possible for an Index such as Granger’s. Granger’s
allows for a variety of poems from different authors, on different subjects and from
different parts of the world. All of this dissimilarity allows for the experienced fan to
expand their knowledge or for the novice to begin their searches. There is also the
possibility to create a person’s own anthology by letting them locate all poems on a
certain topic or within a certain anthology. Finally, there are helpful tools to allow a
person to compare different types of poems.
Dissertation Abstracts Online
Citation
ProQuest Information and Learning Company, & OCLC. (2000s). Dissertation
abstracts online. Ann Arbor, Mich: ProQuest.
http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/dbname=Dissertations.
Purpose
Dissertation Abstracts Online is a subject, title, and author guide to every American
dissertation written and accepted at any accredited institution since 1861. Since
1961 a select amount of Masters Theses have been included as well as citations for
dissertations from 50 British universities since 1988.
Format
Dissertation Abstracts Online is available online. Dissertations included are from
1861 through the present and are updated monthly. The print counterpart is
Dissertation Abstracts International.
Scope
Any abstract dissertation written at for an accredited American institution since 1861
is included in this Index. Also selected international dissertations are incorporated.
Subjects included are: Agriculture; Astronomy; Biological and Environmental
Sciences; Business and Economics; Chemistry; Education; Engineering; Geology;
Health Sciences; History; Physics; and many others.
Authority
Dissertation Abstracts Online is published by ProQuest Information and Learning.
Dissertations are collected from individual, degree-granting universities and colleges
who submit copies of dissertations and theses to University Microfilms International.
Other publications that submit dissertations include American Doctoral
Dissertations, Comprehensive Dissertation Index, and Masters Abstracts
International.
Arrangement
Each entry includes title, author, degree, year published, institution degree was
earned from, supervisor, source information, number of pages, and subject
descriptors.
Special Features
•Can limit the search by publication year and the level of dissertation being looked
for.
•Options for current searches.
•Duplicates can be removed from any search.
Updated Monthly
Cost
Cost varies based on ways of purchasing. Cost per minute totals 62 cents while per
month the total would be 22.47.
Essay and General Literature Index
Citation
Greenfieldt, J. (Ed.) (2000). Essay and general literature index 1995-1999. New
York: H.W. Wilson.
Purpose
A digital guide to 86,000 essays in 7,000 anthology collections.
Format
Online and in Print http://www.hwwilson.com/Databases/eglit.htm.
Scope
Twenty selected annuals and series, as well as 300 single and multi-author
collections. The material covers humanities, social sciences, literary works, art
history, drama, and film. There are 300 volumes indexed annually. Covers works
from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. Covers works dating back to
1985.
Authority
Created by professionals.
Arrangement
Searches can be performed by keyword, subject, title, author, date of publication, or
any combination. There are citation links that list other works in the collection and
by other authors of similar subjects.
Frequency of Updates
Indexed annually, updated daily.
Ethnic NewsWatch
Citation
Ethnic NewsWatch. (I entered this database through the Wheaton College Library’s
homepage, since my first try using the suggested link failed).
Purpose
A compilation of full-text articles and citations from racial and ethnic newspapers,
magazines, and journals from the United States.
Format
Web based
Scope
The ethnicity of the publications are comprised of African-American, American
Indian, Asian American, and United States Latinos. Publishers directory, advertising
rates, history of the newspapers, and circulation statistics. It is also in Spanish and
English. The archives date back to 1995.
Authority
Various ethnic publications.
Arrangement
There is both a basic and advanced search. The search applications allow for Boolean
search techniques. The results can be ordered by relevance, chronologically, or by
format such as scholarly journals, newspapers, and magazines.
Updated monthly
General Science Index
Purpose
Indexing and abstracting of popular science magazines and journals. Provides access
to scientific disciplines.
Format
Print
Scope
The database indexes houses 190 popular and professional science journals
published in the United States and Great Britain, and the Science section of the New
York Times. The indexes cover both the United States and Great Britain. Subjects
include atmospheric science, earth science, conservation, food and nutrition,
genetics, nursing and health, physiology, and zoology. Broad subjects covered are
Physical Science and Engineering.
Authority
Gathered from Professional journal publications, science magazines and the New
York Times Science Times.
Arrangement
Subject headings are meant for use by both non-specialist and students and cross-
referenced with technical, chemical, and common language terms.
Global NewsBank
Global NewsBank. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/ I wasn’t able to use this database. I
looked at the information on the Web site.Purpose- Current and archived news source for
both foreign and domestic issues. Users can research about worldwide developments.
Format
Web Based
Scope
\The cllection covers both foreign and domestic issues about politics, economics,
culture, business, science, technology, the environment, and etc. Full-text newspaper
articles are available as well as full-text periodicals. Wire services, magazines, radio
and television broadcast transcripts, news agency transmissions and government
documents from Asia, Africa, Europe, Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent
States, the Pacific Rim, Central and South America, the Middle East, and other
countries. Provides current and archived news dating back from 1996 to the present.
Authority
Global News Bank carefully selects articles based on its research value.
Arrangement
Extensive reviews and indexing processes for every article.
Special Features
The database contains over 1,000 popular and hard to find sourceses world wide.
Maps and statistics are included. Both knowledgeable and beginning users have
specific searches tailored to them.
Humanities Index
Citation
Humanities index. (1975). [New York]: H.W. Wilson.
Purpose
The Humanities Index is a collection of English language periodicals organized into
author and subject entries.
Format
Available in both print and web subscription services.
Scope
More than 600 periodicals are indexed dating back to 1984 with more than 400 being
peer-reviewed. Included are the following: feature articles; interviews; obituaries;
bibliographies; reviews of plays, operas, ballets, dance, musicals, motion pictures,
video recordings, television and radio programs; and works of fiction, drama, and
poetry. Excluded works include advertisements, announcements of meetings, and
other similar items. Subjects covered are archaeology, classical studies, area studies,
folklore, history, language, literature, performing arts, philosophy, religion, and other
related subjects. The online version of the text has more than 250 in-depth articles
dating back to 1995.
Authority
Published by H.W. Wilson Company.
Arrangement
Humanities Index contains author and subject entries to periodicals arranged
alphabetically. Subject headings are arranged beginning with the numerals and
following according to the alphabet. Subdivisions of subject headings are group by
historical period, form and topical, and geographical. Under the author entries
articles are indexed under the surname of the author. Each entry indexed contains as
much of the following information as can be supplied: title of article; author; type of
article; journal; volume; page number; publication year; language of the article;
ISSN; any websites; and a short explanation of the work.
Special Features
•Each entry is accompanied by an explanation of the work that was indexed.
•Contains a library holdings indicator through your OPAC.
•Links to websites cited in the text.
•Contains uniform name authority control while makes searching easy and reliable.
•Online text contains graphical content including PDF images, to accompany full text
articles.
•Also available through willsonweb are Humanities Abstracts, and Humanities Index
Full Text.
The web based version is updated daily while the print version is updated quarterly
with an annual cumulation.
Cost
The print version costs $650.
Media Review Digest
Citation
Media review digest. (2008). Ann Arbor: Pierian Press.
Purpose
The purpose of the Media Review Digest is to make an annual list of the reviews,
evaluations, and descriptions of all non-book materials.
Format
Media Review Digest was available in Print and web services but it was cancelled in
2007.
Scope
Media Review Digest contains more than 40,000 citations, and cross-references to
reviews and descriptions of films, videocassettes, videodiscs, and filmstrips;
educational and spoken-word records and tapes; slides, transparencies, illustrations,
globes, charts, media kits, games and other media forms ranging from 1989 to the
present. The emphasis is placed on educational, instructional, and informational
media. A separate index contains addresses, frequency, and subscription
information.
Authority
Published by The Pierian Press and edited by Lesley O. Regan.
Arrangement
The text is divided into several sections covering different media forms. The four
sections are film and video, filmstrips, audio, and miscellaneous. Each section is
alphabetically order by title or other main entry. Entries include: title or series title; a
brief description of the theme or content; producer or distributor, or country of
origin; date released; total running time; sound (silent, dubbed, or subtitles); black-
and-white, color sepia, or colorized by computer; and pricing information.
Cataloging rules were applied according to the Library of Congress Subject
Headings. Each entry also contains a level of appropriate audience rating from pre-
kindergarten to adult. Also each entry is given a rating from ++ meaning excellent to
– worst.
Special Features
•Cross-references bring users to foreign-language titles, and series titles.
•Carries a listing of important awards including Academy Awards, Golden Globes,
and more.
•Contains indexes: video; general subject; alphabetical subject; reviewer index;
geographical.
•Contains a directory with the producers and distributors who’s media have been
included.
This publication was cancelled and has not been available since June 30, 2007.
Cost
The 2006 edition of Media Review Digest cost $310.
New York Times Index
Citations
In print: New York Times Index. (2008). New York: New York Times Co.
Online: New York Times Articles Archive. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2009, from
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/nytarchive.html
Purpose
The New York Times Index acts as an index and historical archive to the New York
Times. It provides access points to its contents by subject headings, so that they may
be searched by researchers.
Scope
The New York Times Index lists all articles published in the New York Times from
1851 to the present. Print volumes are still available, but the publication seems to be
shifting emphasis to its online New York Times Articles Archive.
Authority
The index is arranged by staff of the New York Times Company.
Accuracy
As the staff is responsible for indexing only one periodical and are employed by the
company that publishes it, accuracy should be expected. Any corrects are printed in
the Addenda and Errata section of the annual cumulations.
Arrangement
Articles listings are arranged alphabetically by subject headings and subdivisions
that appear under those headings. Under each subject heading and subdivision,
entries appear in chronological order by the date they were printed. Geographical
names are cross-referenced to applicable subject headings, meaning that subject
headings for each news event that occurred in a specific country, state, or city would
appear under it in the index. The listings include the title of the article, date it was
published, section in which it appears, page number, and column. Abstracts appear
for significant news stories, along with an indication of the length of the article (“L”
for long, “M” for medium, and “S” for short). Each entry also indicates if there are
graphics or photos associated with each article.
Bi-monthly, with quarterly and annual cumulations
Special features
Bi-monthly issues contain pictures and a featured story. The abstracts of significant
news stories can also be considered special features.
Cost
Cost was not specified in the printed resource. It is virtually impossible to find any
information on the printed index online. Nytimes.com is offering free public access
to the New York Times Articles Archives, though the bibliographic data for is not as
complete as it is in the index. Articles in the public domain and some of the more
current articles can be viewed for free, while premium articles may be purchased for
$3.95 per article, or as part of a “10-pack” for $15.95. With a bit more emphasis on
bibliographic information, the archives could replace the index as an electronic
resource.
NewsBank NewsFile Collection
Citations
NewFile Collection. (n.d.) Retrieved March 21, 2009,
from http://www.newsbank.com/Libraries/product.cfm?product=33
NewsBank Databases. (2005). Retrieved March 21, 2009, from
http://www.nova.edu/library/dils/lessons/newsbank/
Purpose
This product provides online access to full text news articles. It is primarily
marketed to public and small academic libraries for use by their patrons and
librarians.
Scope
NewsBank NewsFile Collection is an online subscription database that indexes full
text articles from more than 500 American and international sources from 1992 to the
present. The product’s website lists the topics covered in the database, which
include “social issues, economics, environment, health and science, government,
sports and much more. Additionally, NewsFile Collection provides news articles and
reviews on theater, film, art, music, literature and TV, as well as biographical articles
on individuals, professions and vocations. It also offers graphics—maps,
illustrations, charts, tables and more (NewsFile Collection, 2009).”
Authority
Now specializing in web-based research products, NewsBank has been an
information provider for more than 35 years. They partner with publishers to
provide access to current and archived information to libraries that purchase their
products.
Accuracy
As the content of this database comes directly from the publishers of the material, it
should be accurate.
Arrangement
Articles are indexes by subject heading, and can be browsed by subject on the main
page. Searches can be limited by date of publication. Terms can be searched for in
the following fields: “in All Text”, “in Lead/First Paragraph”, or “in Headline/Title”.
Special Features
NewsFile Collection can also be purchased with Popular Periodical Premier, which
allows patrons to search for magazine articles in addition to newspapers and
newswires. It also includes a section that helps patrons cite articles they find in
NewsFile in APA format.
Frequency of Update
This source is updated daily.

Cost
The cost was not provided on NewsBank’s website. Most likely, the cost is variable
based on the institution subscribing to it.
PAIS International in Print
Citations
PAIS International in Print. (2006). Bethesda, MD: CSA Journal Division.
PAIS International. (2009). Retrieved March 21, 2009, from
http://www.csa.com/factsheets/pais-set-c.php
Purpose
PAIS International focuses on indexing internationally published public and social
policy materials of use to legislators, government officials, the business and financial
community, policy researchers, academics, and students.
Scope
The latest print edition of PAIS International includes 14,400 total entries from 5,378
monographs and serials from 254 publishers and distributors. This includes 8,639
articles from 783 different journals, 4,297 internet documents, 383 websites, and
1,718 government documents. Because of the great variety of government
documents available, this work does not index all of them.
There are 6,757 subject headings. All subjects pertaining to contemporary public
issues and the making and evaluating of public policy, regardless of source, are
included. Business related topics emphasize economics and business in relation to
society.
Publication of the print version ceased in 2006, a year prior to eh publisher’s merge
with ProQuest. It is now available as an online subscription database that contains
610,754 records as of March 2009.
Authority
PAIS International’s publisher, CSA, merged with ProQuest in 2007. ProQuest is a
leading database vendor; its products are used by many of the country’s top
universities. ProQuest is, in turn, part of the Cambridge Information Group.
Accuracy
I was unable to identify any inaccuracies in the text of this source.
Arrangement
There are two volumes to the printed resource: the subject index and the author
index. The subject index is arranged alphabetically by subject heading and
subheadings, with entries appearing in alphabetical order according to author. An
abstract of the article is published along with the bibliographic information. A web
address where the article can be retrieved is also included where applicable. Entries
for monographs include their price. Entries are cross-references with “see” and “see
also” headings.
The author index is arranged alphabetically by the last name of the author. Each
article written by the same author is listed separately, and arranged alphabetically by
title. The entries in the author index are abbreviated in comparison to the subject
index, and they contain no abstracts. Both volumes include a guide to using the
index, which includes a key to abbreviations, examples of headings, and a sample
entry. They also include a “Key to Periodicals Referenced in this Issue” section,
which includes the name and contact information for the subscription department of
each publication, a directory of publishers, and a “Websites Referenced in this Issue”
section.
The online database can be browsed according to 24 “Broad Topic” subject headings,
and 569 subtopics. It can be searched through 21 indexed fields. The publisher’s
website includes a link to a database guide that describes the database’s features and
provides instructions for searching the database and a key to field abbreviations.
Special Features
The online database can link to other CSA Illumina databases. It also provides a
utility for formatting citiations.
Frequency of Publication/Updates
The print version was published annually. The online version is updated monthly.
Cost
The cost of the PAIS International database varies depending on the institution.
Current issues of PAIS International in Print can no longer be purchased.
Periodicals Contents Index (Now called Periodicals Index Online)
Citation
Information Site – Periodicals Index Online. (2009). Retrieved March 21, 2009,
from http://pio.chadwyck.co.uk/marketing/index.jsp
Purpose
Periodicals Index Online provides bibliographic data for articles published before
1995. Their aim is to highlight content that has not been digitized or indexed
previously.
Scope
The database indexes nearly 16 million articles from over 4,700 journals. The dates
of coverage range from 1665 to 1995. 37 subject areas are indexed from the across
the fields of art, science, and social science.
Authority
PIO is published by Chadwick-Healy, another member of the ProQuest family of
databases.
Accuracy
As I did not have direct access to the database’s interface, I was not able to
effectively evaluate the accuracy of this database.
Arrangement
The database can be browsed according to 37 subject headings. It can be searched
using a “Quick Search” tool, or a detailed search screen. Fields that can be searched
include Article Title Keyword(s), Author, Journal Title, Language, Journal Subject,
Year of Publication, and ISSN.
Special Features
Users who have access to PIO’s sister database, Periodical Archives Online, or
JSTOR can link directly to a full text version of articles they retrieve. They can also
save article citations and searches via the “My Archive” feature.
Not specified on vendor’s website.
Cost
The cost is not specified on vendor’s website. Most likely, it varies based on the
institution subscribing to it.
Play Index
Citations
Yaakov, J. & Greenfieldt, J. (Eds.). Play Index. (1998). New York: H.W. Wilson Co.
Purpose
Whether published separately or in a collection, the PI provides the full publication
details, allowing theatre groups, drama coaches, students and performers to quickly
and easily locate the play they are searching for.
Format
The Play Index (PI) is available in print or online.
Scope
The cited volume includes 4617 plays that were published between 1993-1997 and
written in or translated into English. The scope of the publication is broad enough
to include everything from classical drams to puppet plays making it useful for every
dramatic need. The online version includes 31,000 plays published between 1949
and the present.
Authority
H. W. Wilson
Accuracy
Due to the professionalism of H.W. Wilson’s staff, the afore-mentioned volume is
likely to be very accurate. The online version, which contains materials from 1900
onwards is likely to be the most accurate as it is updated so regularly.
Arrangement & Entry
Part 1 is the Author, Title and Subject Index; part 2 is the Cast Analysis, part 3 is the
List of Collections indexed and part 4 is the Directory of Publisher and Distributors.
Part 1 is organized under author title or subject in a single alphabetic list. The author
entry is the most inclusive and lists the author, title, descriptive note, number of acts
and scenes, size and composition of cast and number of sets.
Special Features
The online version includes all sorts of special features: keyword search, links to full
text plays, 600+ monologues, the ability to search for roles by gender and the ability
to search for plays by age (under 6th grade, 7th-12th, adult).
The print version is updated every 4-7 years; the online version is updated weekly.
Cost
The print version is $285 and the online cost can be obtained by contacting H.W.
Wilson.
Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature

Citation
H.W. Wilson Company. (1904). Readers' guide to periodical literature. Minneapolis:
H.W. Wilson.
Purpose
Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature serves a wide variety of users through their
print and easy to use database. It provides indexing and accurate bibliographic data
for schools, colleges, and public libraries. It is meant not for one specific subject
area or age group but for all people to be able to use and understand.
Format
Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature is available in both print and online formats.
Scope
Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature indexes more than 400 periodicals dating
back to 1983. Full-text articles from 215 journals from 1994 through the present are
available through online services. Subjects covered include antiques; arts;
computers; dance; education; fashion; fiction; food; literature; popular culture;
science; and many more.
Authority
Published by H.W. Wilson with indexing completed by professionals.

Arrangement
Entries are arranged in an author and subject index organized alphabetically. Some
basic organizational rules within the Readers’ Guide include that subjects beginning
with numerals are placed before the alphabet; subdivisions are possible within
subject headings such as topical, geographical, and chronological; and titles by an
author precede titles about an author. Types of entries include books, reviews of
sound recordings, videos, television programs, operas, plays, and others. Within
each entry information is given on the author, title, any clarify notes, name of the
magazine, volume and issue number, page numbers, publication date, notes about
bibliographies, illustrations, portraits, footnotes, or maps.
Special Features
•Contains cross references to guide users from one subject heading to another. Types
of cross-references include “see” and “see also”.
The guide is published 12 times a year. A quarterly issue appears four times in three
month segments and hardbound compilation is created annually while the online
version is updated daily.
Cost
A subscription to Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature costs $440 within the
United States.
The Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature enables the user to find information
spread out between 300 popular magazines. An easy to use subject and author index
helps users to find these periodical titles quickly and easily. In addition cross-
references, abbreviations lists, and an easy to use online database assist even further.
Short Story Index
Citations
Greenfieldt, J. & Yaakov, J. (Eds.). Short Story Index. (1999). New York: H. W.
Wilson Company.
Purpose
The Short Story Index indexes short stories that are written in or translated into
English; the index is used by readers, students and teachers.
Format
This index is available in print and online.
Scope
The cumulative volume cited above included short stories published in collections
and selected periodicals between 1994-1998. This index contained 23,397 stories: of
these 19,320 appeared in 1,143 collections and 2,933 appeared in 97 periodicals.

Short Story Index printed volumes go back to 1900; the online version covers 1984
to the present.
Authority
H. W. Wilson publishes the volume—the publisher is probably the best known in the
field and highly respected.
Accuracy
Due to the professionalism of H.W. Wilson’s staff, the afore-mentioned volume is
likely to be very accurate. The online version, which contains materials from 1984
onwards is likely to be the most accurate as it is updated so regularly.
Arrangement & Entry
Part 1 is the index it is arranged in alphabetical order in a single list consisting of
author, title and subject entries. Part 2 is a List of Collections Indexed. Part 3 is a
Directory of Publishers and Distributors and part 4 is a directory of periodicals.
Each entry in part 1 includes basic citation information.
Special Features
Short stories are also indexed in two of Wilson’s other publications, Reader’s Guide
to Periodical Literature and Humanities Index. The online website includes links to
full text stories, a library holdings indicator and up-to-date subject headings to keep
up with modern interests.

The print version is indexed annually and a cumulation is published ever 5 years.
The online version is updated daily.
Cost
The price for the print version is $260 per annum and WilsonWeb should be
contacted to find out the price of the online version.
Social Sciences Citation Index
Citation
Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Accessed via Web of Science. Retrieved 19
March 2009.
Purpose
The SSCI is a multi-disciplinary index to the journal literature of the social sciences
—it provides full reference citation for each article. SSCI is a research tool to be
used by scientists, students, researchers and information professionals.
Format
SSCI is available in print and web-based formats.
Scope
SSCI covers all of the social sciences from anthropology to library science to social
work to women’s studies—the index ranges from 1956 to the present. It indexes
1950 journals in 50 social science disciplines and indexes individually selected,
relevant items from 3300 of the world’s leading science and technology journals.
Authority
SSCI is available via Web of Science which is a product of Thomson (Reuters).
Accuracy
Thomson Reuters is a business service, created and maintained for both researchers
and potential investors and is run by educated professionals—because of the possible
financial implications of incorrect information, it is a reliable source of scientific
information.
Arrangement & Entry
The index is arranged by subject and citations can be found via a keyword, title or
author search. Each entry contains title, author, source, pagination, publication date,
times cited on index, references, abstracts, document type, language, reprint address,
publication information, e-mail, IDS number, ISSN and DOI.
Special features
Web of Science is a fantastic resource, gathering seven databases together and
dispensing citations from thousands of scholarly journals, books, reports,

conferences, etc… However, when searching a term, there is no way to know which
index database it was found on. The Related Records and Additional Information
sections on the right of the screen for each citation are very useful as is the “times
cited” part of the entry that tells the researcher when/where the article was cited
elsewhere in Web of Science. It is also interesting to note that the SSCI was one of
the first databases to become computerized.
The online database is updated weekly. The print version is published three times
per year with annual and five year cumulations.
Cost
No cost was listed, but cost can be obtained by contacting Thomson Reuters.
Social Sciences Index
Citations
Social Sciences Index. (2008). New York: The H.W. Wilson Company.
Purpose
This is an English language index for articles written on topics within the social
science spectrum for use by librarians, researchers and students.
Format
Social Sciences Index (SSI) is available both in print and online.
Scope
SSI provides cover-to-cover indexing of over 500 key international English-language
periodicals and spans all of social science. Beginning in 1974, the index indexes all
feature articles, review articles, scholarly replies, interviews, obituaries and
biographies.
Authority
The publisher, H.W. Wilson is responsible for all editorial decisions; however the
publisher is advised by the Committee on Wilson Indexes of ALA’s RUSA. RUSA
conducts in-depth studies of the content of SSI and attempts to build a selective and
well-balanced list that allows coverage of all subject areas in the index.
Accuracy
H.W. Wilson is a highly respected publisher in the world of indexes and with a ALA
over-sight, it’s hard to envision too many inaccuracies making their way into SSI.
Arrangement & Entry
SSI is arranged in alphabetical order in one author/subject index. Under author or
subject headings, titles are arranged alphabetically. Subdivisions within subject
headings are arranged alphabetically except in the case of historical period
subdivisions, which are listed chronologically. Subject headings are based on

Wilson’s own categorization, which itself is based on LOC, other reference works
and the literature itself. Each entry includes basic citation information.
Special features
Though the online version of SSI is available and updated daily, Wilson also puts out
an online Social Sciences Full Text database that would be additionally useful to
students, scholars and researchers.
The print edition is published quarterly with additional annual cumulations. The
online edition is updated daily.
Cost
Though the cost depends on a variety of factors, the print version is minimally $650
and H.W. Wilson should be contacted for price quotes for the online version.
Evaluation Set #3
Group 4
Reference Sources and Services
Spring 2009
Jessica Venturo evaluated encyclopedia numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and dictionary numbers 1, 2, 3,
4, 6, and 7
Meghan Glasgow evaluated encyclopedia number 5, 6, 7, 8 and dictionary numbers 5, 8,
9, 10, 11, and 12
Christina Hill evaluated encyclopedia numbers 9, 10, 11, 12 and dictionary numbers 14,
15, 16, 17, 18, and 19
Terry Wasserman evaluated encyclopedia numbers 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and dictionary
numbers 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26

Academic American Encyclopedia
Citation
Academic American Encyclopedia. (1986). Danbury, CT: Grolier.
Purpose / General Information
The Academic American Encyclopedia is meant to serve as a reference for the mid-level
student. With a multitude of entries, it can serve as a well-illustrated ready reference tool
as well. This is the only encyclopedia I examined that contained exclusively full-color
illustrations. It also seemed to have more cross-references than other works.
Scope
This encyclopedia is comprehensive, but seems to strive for a breadth of entries rather
than depth. Compared to other general encyclopedias, the entries are mid-length.
Format
The encyclopedia is divided into 21 volumes.
Audience
The preface identifies the main users of the encyclopedia as students in the upper
elementary grades, junior high, high school, college, and “the inquisitive adult”. It
outlines how the editors of the encyclopedia attempted to meet the expectations of these
users by creating a readable, easily navigable, objective, and comprehensive

encyclopedia with full-color visuals.
Authority
This encyclopedia is published by Grolier, a well-recognized publisher of general
encyclopedias. The preface describes the editing process, which is carried out by
scholars and subject specialists.
Writing Style
Entries are short and succinct. They are very easy for the lay person to follow.
Currency
While the print volume I evaluated was published in 1986, the information it contained
seemed quite current for the time. The preface indicates that a yearbook was published
annually. According to the Books in Print database, the most recent edition was
published in 1998 by Scholastic Library Publishing. Most likely, it was replaced by the
Grolier online portal.
Viewpoint and Objectivity
The objectivity of the text is scholars and experts in each field. The preface also states
that the book attempts to not offend readers, and is “free of sexist addressed in the
preface, which states that the editors seek to incorporate multiple perspectives from
language”.
Arrangement and Entry
Like most encyclopedias, this volume is arranged alphabetically by subject and contains
many cross-references. Many of the entries are supplemented with full-color
illustrations, fact boxes, graphs, maps, and bibliographies.
Index
The index appears in the final volume of the encyclopedia. It provides additional cross-
references to what appears in the text.
Cost
Books in Print lists the 1998 edition for $725. It classifies the availability of the work as
“hard to find”.
Cambridge Encyclopedia
Citation
Cambridge Encyclopedia. (1997). (3rd ed.) New York: Columbia University Press
The Cambridge Encyclopedia is a single-volume encyclopedia that was first published in
1990. Despite receiving positive reviews, it has since been overshadowed by the older
and well-respected Columbia Encyclopedia.
Scope
Cambridge aims to be comprehensive, and focuses on breadth rather than depth.
Format
This is a single volume encyclopedia. In addition to the A to Z entries, there is a tabular
ready reference section.
Audience
Although the entries are short, the vocabulary in this work is very advanced. It is most
likely aimed at the high school level and above.
Authority
Cambridge University Press is a leading publisher of academic texts and journals around
the world. It is associated with Cambridge University in the UK.
Writing Style
Because a number of entries are condensed into a single volume, this encyclopedia reads
more like a dictionary. The writing style seems to assume that the reader has a fairly
advanced vocabulary.
Currency
Based on the reviews in the Books in Print database, it appears that this encyclopedia was
quite current when it was published. The most recent edition was published in 2000.
Publication ceased after that year.
It would be difficult to provide an in depth explanation of an issue in the space allotted to
each entry in this encyclopedia. As such, controversial issues are presented and defined,
but the controversy surrounding them is given little more than a mention. There does not
appear to be an discriminatory language in any parts of the book I perused.
Entries are short and succinct. Some of them have full-color or black and white
illustrations. Cross references appear throughout the text.
Index
Because this is a one volume work, it does not have an index to accompany it.
Cost
$60, according to Books in Print.
Collier’s Encyclopedia
Citation
Collier’s Encyclopedia. (1996). New York: P.F. Collier.

Collier’s Encyclopedia is a general encyclopedia for more advanced students and readers.
Scope
The preface states that the major areas covered in the text are physical science, life
science, earth science, social sciences, and humanities. The encyclopedia seems to focus
more on depth than on breadth.
Format
Collier’s is separated into 24 volumes, with a list of contributors and preface in the first
volume and the index and bibliography appearing in the final volume.
Audience
The preface states that the encyclopedia is meant to support the curricula of colleges,
secondary schools, and advanced classes in lower grades.
Authority
Collier’s is a recognizable name in encyclopedia publishing. Its editors and outside
contributors, which hale from prestigious universities, are listed in volume 1 along with
their credentials and which articles they contributed.
Writing Style
Compared to other general encyclopedias, the writing appears to be aimed at this more
advanced group of students. The information is aimed at non-specialists, but is meant to
be relevant to professionals as well.
Currency
Because the latest volume of Collier’s was published in 1997, it cannot be expected to
excel in currency.
The preface states that “articles are submitted to authorities representing all major points
of view” to insure objectivity.
This work is arranged in a similar fashion to other encyclopedias, but contains more in-
depth, general articles than short, specific articles. As such, use of the index is essential
for research on specific topics, as it includes more cross-references for specific subjects
than the encyclopedia itself. Additionally, the bibliography is provided in the final
volume rather than at the end of each article. The bibliography contains a subject guide
and is divided by subject headings, with sub headings for more specific categories and
types of publications. Articles are supplemented with illustrations and photographs, both
in color and black and white.
Index
The bibliography and the index appear in the final volume. As mentioned above, the
index is comprehensive and essential to successful research on specific topics.
Cost
Books in Print lists the price of the latest edition as $499.
Columbia Encyclopedia
Citation
Print: Columbia Encyclopedia. (2000). New York: Columbia University Press.
Electronic: Columbia Encyclopedia. (2007). New York: Columbia University Press.
Retrieved from http://www.bartleby.com/65/
The Columbia Encyclopedia is a single-volume reference work that attempts to cover a
bit more ground than the Cambridge Encyclopedia.
Scope
Like Cambridge, this encyclopedia focuses more on breadth than depth, but to a much
greater degree. Its entries are shorter and more numerous than those in Cambridge.
Format
This work is a one-volume print encyclopedia. It also appears as a free, searchable
encyclopedia through bartelby.com.
Audience
The audience is not specified in the preface, but the writing style appears appropriate for
advanced elementary students and up.
Authority
Columbia University Press publishes some of the most respected reference texts.
Columbia Encyclopedia has been published since the late 1800s and today is unrivaled as
a single volume encyclopedia.
Writing Style
Columbia Encyclopedia is written so that it reads like a dictionary, more so than the
Cambridge Encyclopedia. The vocabulary is simpler than Cambridge and it seems to be
aimed at less advanced readers.
Currency
The edition I evaluated was published in 2000, and therefore does not contain any of the
events that have occurred over the last decade. However, the most recent edition was
published in 2007, and contains over 1,300 new entries according to Books in Print.

The length of the entries warrants only a brief definition of controversial issues. I did not
see any evidence or discriminatory language.
The beginning of the encyclopedia contains a short user’s guide, an extensive list of
abbreviations, and a pronunciation key. The entries are arranged alphabetically with
cross references, and are supplemented by small illustrations. The illustrations are
smaller and less colorful than those that appear in the Cambridge Encyclopedia.
Index
No index is included with in this work.
Cost
$80.50
Bartleby.com
Citation
The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001–07.
www.bartleby.com/65/
Bartleby.com provides free access to books of all kinds. Included on this site are
reference, verse, fiction, and nonfiction books. A few reference texts include Columbia
Encyclopedia, The Encyclopedia of World History, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, World
Factbook, Anatomy of the Human Body, Robert’s Rules of Order, and many more.
Scope
Bartleby has a strong literature focus with sections on verse, fiction, and nonfiction.
Despite this a wide variety of subject are covered within this area including anatomy,
geography, etiquette, and more. Encyclopedia reference is pulled from the Columbia
Encyclopedia, 6th edition. This text is a general encyclopedia and contains information
on most topics.
Format
Bartleby is an internet resource. They do however have a store from which print versions
of many of the online resources can be purchased.
Audience
Text is written for high school through adult audiences.
Authority
Bartleby receives information directly from well known and established publishing
companies.
Writing Style
All text is taken directly from other resources.

Currency
The Columbia Encyclopedia through Bartleby.com webpage was last updated in
December 2007.
Bartleby.com allows for keyword searches within any one text on the website or through
the entire website. Bartleby Daily provides a biography, definition, quotation, and poem
of the day. Through Columbia Encyclopedia entries are listed in an alphabetic index of
more than 51,000 entries. Search options for this section also include keyword full text
search and entry word search. Other information included within the encyclopedia page
is bibliographic record, an abbreviations guide, and a pronunciation key.
Index
Searches can be completed on the website through the subject, title, and author indexes.
Within the Columbia Encyclopedia page there is an alphabetic index of entries as well as
an index to biographical entries.
Cost
All features are free of charge however Bartleby.com reserves the right to charge fees at
any time.
The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia

Citation
The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is also known as Encyclopedia.com. This
multimedia encyclopedia covers many different topics with access to more than 50,000
topic summaries, pictures, and videos. This website provides credible entries from
published sources such as Oxford University Press and Columbia Encyclopedia.
Scope
As a free online encyclopedia, Encyclopedia.com covers information on many different
subjects including art, science, sports, medicine, accounting, and management. A few
well known encyclopedias that are available through this source are The Columbia
Encyclopedia, Oxford’s World Encyclopedia, and The Encyclopedia of World Biography.
The Dictionary collection contains items that are both general and very specific such as
the Oxford Pocket Dictionary and A Dictionary of Food Nutrition.
Format
This is an online reference resource with keyword search options. It contains information
from more than 49 encyclopedias from a wide array of reliable print and online sources.
Audience
The audience that these entries are written for are all ages. According to the website
“Encyclopedia.com is an ideal online reference source for researchers, students,
educators, and professionals alike.”
Authority
A few reliable encyclopedias that are available through this online “research library”
include: The Columbia Encyclopedia; World Encyclopedia; Gale Encyclopedia of
Surgery; and Encyclopedia of World Biography.
Writing Style
Entries are taken directly from other encyclopedia sources. The writing style for each
entry therefore depends on the original entry’s location.
Due to the fact that this website only provides information from other sources no personal
opinions seem to be expressed. Included in the “essential readings” section of the
webpage are links to articles of a factual nature, and opinions pieces from both sides of
an issue.
Entries are returned through keyword searches. Searches return results from several
different sources such as The Columbia Encyclopedia, or The Oxford Dictionary and an
option to compare entries side by side. There is also a section of related topics with links
to other entries. Also provided are links to “essential readings” These readings can
include other encyclopedia entries, newspaper and magazine articles, and facts or
information from other sites.
Cost
This reference tool is available free of charge at www.encyclopeida.com.
Compton’s Encyclopedia and Fact-Index
Citation
Encyclopaedia Britannica, inc. (2007). Compton's encyclopedia & fact-index. Chicago:
Encyclopaedia Britannica.
The 2007 Edition of Compton’s Encyclopedia and Fact-Index contains more than 50,000
articles, maps, charts, tables, and other images in 26 volumes for students ages 10 to 17.
They work to give the basic facts while providing students with the desire to dig deeper
for their answers to more complex questions.
Scope
Compton’s Encyclopedia and Fact-Index includes 37,000 articles and 23,000 maps,
charts, table, and other images over 26 volumes of text. The information is meant for use
for students ages 10 to 17 however college students and adults might also find some
information covered useful. Coverage of school subjects is extensive. Special features
include biographies, glossary of terms included in articles, times lines, previews or table
of contents for longer articles, and 23,000 images to make the text visually appealing.
Format
Compton’s Encyclopedia and Fact-Index is available in Print, CD-ROM, and online
formats. The Print version is contained in 26 volumes that weight about 56 pounds. The
CD-ROM format contains up-to-date interactive material.
Audience
This encyclopedia is designed for use by students ages 10 to 17.
Authority
Compton’s Encyclopedia is produced by Encyclopedia Britannica.
Writing Style
The writing in Compton’s Encyclopedia is straightforward and easy for elementary and
high school student to understand. Information is consistent with the content for National
Curriculum Standards and benchmarks.
Currency
More than 50 percent of the content has been revised or is entirely new since 2004.
Articles included in these revisions include Australia, genetic engineering, global

warming, Hamas, Iraq, New Orleans, Pope Benedict XVI, astronomy, and more. The
CD-ROM version is updated monthly.
This encyclopedia is objective in its articles with equal representation of both sides of
controversial items through bibliographic materials.
Entries are organized in alphabetical order. Some important features contained in each
volume include lists of question that introduce each volume, and a guide that organizes
the information contained in the volume into subject, articles and page numbers. Most
entries include bibliographies with related sources that are written in language that
children from 10 to 17 would find easy to understand. Also included are numerous
pictures. Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia 1999 Edition, the CD-ROM version of the
text, has an easy to use user-friendly interface. Searches are completed through a
Boolean search engine. Video clips, sound clips, pictures, and web links are also
incorporated with many articles.
Index
Volume 26 of this encyclopedia contains the Fact-Index. The Fact-Index is a miniature
encyclopedia that has more than 29,000 short article entries. It also contains a traditional
index.
Cost
Compton’s Encyclopedia can be purchased in print format for 599.00 dollars. The CD-
ROM version, Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia 99 costs only 40 dollars and the
online version is available at www.comptons.com/encyclopedia for no cost.
Encyclopedia Americana
Citation
Scholastic Library Publishing. (2006). Encyclopedia Americana. Danbury, Conn:
Scholastic Library Pub.
Encyclopedia American was the first encyclopedia ever published within the United
States. It is an encyclopedia written for a mature audience, grades 8 and up, with 30
volumes of information. The 2006 edition contains more than 45,000 articles written by
experts in easy to understand language. There is a strong scholarly emphasis as well as a
focus on the United States.
Scope
The 2006 edition of Encyclopedia Americana is contained in 30 volumes with 45,000
articles, 23,000 illustrations, and 353,000 index entries. Its focus is on U.S. history,
geography, bibliography, science and technology. Other countries and topics are covered
as well and they make a point of noting that these topics are not sacrificed for the others.
Depth and coverage is extremely good. The 2006 edition includes major revisions on
articles having to do with science, technology, society and politics, visual and performing
arts, literature, philosophy, and others.
Format
The print edition is available in 30 volumes. It is also available on CD-ROM, exactly the
same as the print edition. The online version is available through a subscription with
Grolier.
Audience
Encyclopedia Americana is advertised as being a resource for “grades 8 and up” yet
many entries in the text prove that it can be used as a general reference source for most
adults.
Authority
Encyclopedia Americana was the first encyclopedia printed in the United States and has
been published for more than 175 years. Articles are written by experts in their
respective fields. It is also published by Scholastic with the online version being
produced through Grolier.
Writing Style
Articles are written by experts in their fields. Some articles can be technical in language
however the majority are very easy to understand.

Currency
The print version is updated annually. The 2006 edition included 9,500 pages that were
revised or added from the 2005 edition as well as 450 new photographs, illustrations and
maps. The American Annual is also published annually which compiles all of the year’s
main events. The online version is updated quarterly and monthly updates to links.
The text remains objective throughout controversial article topics.
The print version of Encyclopedia Americana is organized alphabetically. Articles vary
in length from a couple hundred words to more than 100 pages. Several articles even
include their own table of contents and bibliographic materials. Cross-references can be
found throughout the text. Illustrations are used sparingly with only 23,000 appearing in
the entire text and only 20 percent of those being in color. The online version allows for
keyword and Boolean based searches. Other features of the online version include access
to The Americana Journal, 6,000 bibliographies, 155,000 website links, and access to
several other resources.
Index
There is a comprehensive index included for the print version.

Cost
The 2006 text can be purchased for 729.00 dollars.
International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences
Citation:
International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. 19 vols. New York: Free
Press/Macmillan, 1968-1991.
Scope
Text written for researches inside and outside academia, the audience is high school and
college students. Includes cross-referencing and indexes. Some topics include the
routinization of the use of applied statistics and mathematically modeling as well as the
rise of cultural studies. Social developments that have transformed Orientalism, causality,
post colonialism, etc. society are included such as
Authority
Edited my expert William A. Darity Jr. Professor of Economics and adjunct faculty in
sociology at the University of North Carolina. Over 2,000 authors.
Kister’s Best Encyclopedias: A Comparative Guide to General and Specialized
Encyclopedias
Citation
Kister, Kenneth F. Kister's Best Encyclopedias: A Comparative Guide to General and
Specialized Encyclopedias. 2d ed. Phoenix, Ariz.: Oryx Press, 1994.
Purpose
Provides authoritative answers to such questions about general topics. The encyclopedia
aims to guide consumers to distinguish the quality of an encyclopedia.
Scope
Descriptive and critical information about more than 1,000 encyclopedias.
Authority
A compilation by various librarians, scholars, and experts.
Accuracy
Describes all aspects of the encyclopedia to the best of their ability.
Arrangement
The front of the book provides notes concerning all the important aspects of an
encyclopedia, the purpose, history, types, uses, publication, merchandising, and
evaluation. There is a preface, acknowledgments, entries, then index.
Cost
$145.00
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
Citation
McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. 8th ed. 20 vols. New York:
McGraw-Hill, 1997.
Scope
Twenty volume set with topics ranging from 1994-1997 with 7100 entries and 1750 of
13,000 are of illustrations. Entries include acquired immunological tolerance, aircraft
design, fingerprinting, industrial trucks, and narcotics.
Authority
Around 5,000 authors from universities, industry, and government agencies including
Nobel Prize winners.
Accuracy
Revised for accuracy every 5 years.
Cost
Full set $3, 407. 63
Microsoft Encarta Online

Citation
Microsoft Encarta Online. http://encarta.msn.com/
Purpose
Encourages Learning and respect by ensuring their content follows the Internet Content
Rating Association’s Guidelines.
Scope
Covers various topics and includes articles as well as cross-references of searched topic.
Over 5,000 detailed articles illustrations and photos.
Format
Online
Authority
Articles chosen are of award winning content.
Accuracy
Contains award winning content about various topics.
Arrangement
Articles will have the outline, media items, web links, related items, and further reading
lists and links.

Special Features
Premium subscription allows full access to up-to-date content, more multi-media and
more relevant and reliable information.
Cost
Will be discontinued refunds of yearly subscription will be issued.
Subject Encyclopedias: User Guide, Review Citations, and Keyword Index
Citation
Mirwis, Allan. Subject Encyclopedias: User Guide, Review Citations, and Keyword
Index. 2 vols. Phoenix, Ariz.: Oryx Press, 1999.
The Subject Encyclopedias is really a list of good subject encyclopedias written between
1990-1997 for older students or adults. It was published by Oryx Press, an independent
well-respected publisher that has since been purchased by Greenwood Publishing Group,
another, larger, well-regarded publisher.
Scope
It is an index to assist students and/or library patrons in finding and using the appropriate
subject encyclopedias for their research. Over 1100 subject encyclopedias are included.
Format
Subject Encyclopedias was published in print form only. The 2nd volume has a keyword
index to articles from nearly 100 of the subject encyclopedias—these articles were
chosen so as to be useful to library patrons in beginning their research.
Audience
The audience for these volumes is older high school or college students and adults.
Authority
Aside from the authority of the publisher, the editor chose only subject encyclopedias that
had been reviewed in scholarly journals.
Writing Style
Listings are clear and concise.
Currency
The Subject Encyclopedias was published in 1999.
Including all “scholarly-recognised” subject encyclopedias means a great breadth of
information and without comprehensive articles there is little room for bias.
Articles are arranged by partial LOC classification number. Each entry includes a
bibliographic citation, citations to reviews and awards from library journals, approximate
number of OCLC holdings, a title index, LC subject headings index, Dewey classification
index, publisher index, and rating index are also provided. Part II of Subject
Encyclopedias is a keyword index to specific articles from 98 subject encyclopedias,
selected from the entries in Part I because they were deemed to be useful to library
patrons in beginning a subject search.
Index
The source is an index—there is no additional index.
Cost
$187.95 for both volumes (on Amazon.com).
New Encyclopaedia Britannica
Citation
New Encyclopaedia Britannica. 15th ed. 33 vols. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Inc., 1992. www.eb.com
First published in 1768, the Encyclopaedia Britannica has been a mainstay at most
libraries since the turn of the last century. The publishing house moved from the United
Kingdom to the United States in 1901, but retained its British orthography while
broadening its subject matter to compete in the US market.
Scope
Originally written at some length, articles are now concise and straight to the point while
continuing the Britannica’s tradition of erudition.
Format
The New Britannica is available in print and cd-rom, as well as an online edition of the
Britannica.
Audience
The New Britannica is written with college students and educated adults in mind. It is a
general encyclopedia, useful to someone looking to get a first grasp on a new topic.
Authority
Articles are not signed, but the editorial board is made up of academics from some of the
most prestigious universities in the world. There are over 4000 contributors as well as a
full time staff of 100—
Writing Style
The sophistication of the writing fits well with the editors’ intended readership—it is
written in an academic style for use by those familiar with scholarly writings.
Currency
The New Encyclopaedia Britannica begin evaluated was published in 1992.
The New Britannica is a fairly traditional and conservative encyclopedia. With the vast
number of scholars a wide-array of viewpoints are given, but the encyclopedia does tend
towards being more conservative.
Entries are arranged in continuous alphabetical order, regardless of the spaces between
the words. The encyclopedia is arranged into three basic sections: a micropaedia
(consisting of short articles, usually fewer than 750 words, vol. 1-12), a macropaedia
(consisting of long articles, 2+ pages, vol. 13-29) and a propaedia (a summary of all
human knowledge, vol. 30).
Index
The final volumes, 31-32, are the index.
Cost
New Encyclopaedia Britannica published in 2007 costs $1149.
Britannica
Citation
Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from www.britannica.com on 8 April 2009.
The encyclopedia itself is a general encyclopedia spanning the breadth of human
knowledge in a clear and easy to read form. Whereas, the website is a watered down
version of the old warhorse, The Encyclopaedia Britannica, now in its third century of
publication. There is also a premium version of the website that contains the entire
contents of the 32 print volumes as well as an online school edition for youths.
Scope
In 1994 the Britannica became the world’s first online encyclopedia and remains a
standard by which other compare. As of 1933 the encyclopedia was continually revised
annually and it is updated even more frequently online.
Format
While still available in a print version as the New Encyclopedia Britannica the many
online versions have given it international prominence (Britannica Mobile, Britannica on
YouTube, Britannica Online Premium, Britannica Online Student, etc…). A CD-Rom is
also available of the encyclopedia and has been since 1989. Britannica also offers
articles to users via other respected magazines and journals.
Audience
The Britannica is written for a general audience of educated adults. It is considered more
academic than its oft-found shelf-mate, WorldBook.
Authority
The writers and editorial board of Britannica consist of leaders in their fields, from Nobel
Laureates to renowned artists, presenting a nearly unimpeachable façade of respectability,
knowledge and authority.
Writing Style
Articles in the Britannica are clear and easy to read (despite still being written using the
English spellings instead of the American ones). The interface is also very user-friendly.
Currency
The encyclopedia is updated frequently and the editorial board meets regularly to discuss
changes and advances to the text.
Britannica is a fairly conservative encyclopedia where matters of controversy are
concerned. It is certainly objective and gives broad coverage to a wide array of topics,
but if there is a viewpoint to lean towards, the Britannica will lean towards the more
conservative one.

Keyword searches are easily performed and the interface is user-friendly, however, I
repeatedly ran into the problem of not being a premium subscriber and so only being
allowed to view part of an entry (not very rewarding or useful).
Index
N/A.
Cost
The cost can be obtained from the corporate office and depends on the features desired.
The Random House Encyclopedia New Revised 3rd Edition.
Citation
The Random House Encyclopedia. Rev 3rd ed. New York: Random House, 1990.
Random House is the largest American publishing house—known for its dictionaries and
fictional presses (Knopf, Bantam Dell, Doubleday, etc.).
Scope
The encyclopedia is geared towards older children and as a basic reference for adults. It
would be easy for a teacher to create a curriculum based on the large subject areas
covered in the “colorpedia’s” nearly 14,000 entries.

Format
The encyclopedia is available in a print edition. It is broken up into a number of sections:
the colorpedia, time chart, alphapedia and atlas. The colorpedia has over 11,000 color
illustrations, whereas the alphapedia is a more traditional all-print listing.
Audience
Too sophisticated for elementary school children, the encyclopedia was likely intended
for middle school and high schoolers. The articles can be long, but are exceedingly well
illustrated and will retain a child’s visual interest.
Authority
Articles are not attributed and so there is no way to decide who contributed to what—
there is a list of editors and contributors, many of whom are specialists.
Writing Style
The writing is more complicated than one would instinctually assume, given the
wonderful illustrations. A younger child would love the pictures, but would be unable to
read the text. However, the encyclopedia is really too simplistic for college students or
educated adults, so it is best used by 12-18 year olds and adults looking for fairly simple
explanations.
Currency
It is outdated, no doubt—it was published in 1990, before the World Wide Web.
Controversial topics are glossed over—there are fewer than 100 words on AIDS.
It’s arrangement is unusual and although the “colorpedia” has excellent illustrations, the
encyclopedia is not in an overly user-friendly form. The time chart and atlas are helpful,
but it would have been easier to have one encyclopedia instead of two separate parts
(colorpedia and alphapedia).
Index
An index would have added greatly to this encyclopedias usefulness—without one, it is
difficult to find articles.
Cost
At the time of purchase, this edition cost $129.95.
World Book Encyclopedia
Citation
World Book Encyclopedia. 22 volumes. Chicago: World Book, 2008.

World Book is probably one of the most used and best known encyclopedias in the library.
It is a general knowledge encyclopedia and has been in publication for nearly a century.
Scope
World Book is intended for a general audience and as such has an easy to use format and
clear presentation of materials that elementary school children are able to follow. Articles
begin with the basic information and progress to more advanced information within the
article. Articles are not too long for a child’s attention span while still being informative.
There are over 27,000 illustrations and 3800 contributors to the articles.
Format
The World Book is available in many forms, from the print edition to the online edition to
the dvd edition (that has over 10,000 pictures and illustrations and more than 1500 maps
as well as a search engine). The print edition even comes in different spinal bindings: the
classic binding or the spinescape.
Audience
The World Book is written with students in mind and so the articles’ depth and length are
suited to even elementary students.
Authority
The World Book has nearly 4000 contributors, many of whom are specialists in their
fields, and each article is signed.
Writing Style
The writing style of the encyclopedia is student-friendly, the English is clear and easy to
follow. Each entry begins fairly simply and the longer ones progress to a more advanced
level, but even younger children can usually understand the first paragraph of entries.
Currency
The World Book has updated or revised nearly a third of its content over the past half
decade. Published and revised annually, it is as up-to-date as possible.
As it is written with children in mind, most topics are treated fairly and with a more
international perspective due to the diversity of the contributors.
The encyclopedia is arranged alphabetically, letter by letter. Each entry is well-layed out
and easy to follow, the more complicated entries including outlines, chronologies and a
list of related topics. There are also guides to writing and speech making included in the
encyclopedia.
Index
The index is a separate volume, entries are listed alphabetically by letter.
Cost
The print edition for this year is $1009. The dvd is selling for $40 and the online
subscription is $50.
Dictionaries
Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviation
Citation
Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations Dictionary. (2006). Farmington Hills, MI:
Thomson Gale.
Purpose
This dictionary lists and defines acronyms, intialisms, abbreviations, and similar
contractions.
Scope
This dictionary provides definitions for thousands of acronyms, initialisms, and
abbreviations for a variety of fields.
Format
The print edition has four volumes, which are arranged alphabetically. Capitalization,
spacing, and punctuation are not taken into account. An e-book version also exists.
Authority
Thomson Gale is a leading publisher of reference books. Contributions were compiled
by experts in each of the represented fields.
Understandability
Looking up an abbreviation that has several different meaning attached to it can be a bit
dubious. Subject headings might lend this work a bit more clarity, but it is still an
excellent resource.
Comprehensiveness
There were over 800,000 entries in the 2003 edition, and the 2006 has since added to this
number.
Currency
The work was published in 2006 and contains new terms in areas such as associations,
medicine, education, and the internet.
Value-added features
A companion volume, called Reverse Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations, can be
purchased from the publisher. It arranges entries alphabetically by meaning.
Cost
Print: $685
E-book: $984
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
Citations
Print: American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. (1980). Boston: Houghton
Mifflin.
Electronic: American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. (2000) Boston:
Houghton Mifflin. Retrieved from: http://www.bartleby.com/61/
Purpose
A desk dictionary for high school students and above.
Scope
The scope of the American Heritage Dictionary is midway between a college dictionary
and an unabridged dictionary, with an emphasis on etymology.
Format
The American Heritage Dictionary is available in printed format and as a free online
resource through bartleby.com.
Authority
In addition to being one of the most recognizable names in standard desk dictionaries,
American Heritage provides a list of editors, contributors, and their usage panel consulted
while compiling the dictionary, along with their credentials.
Understandability
Definitions are very comprehensible. Etymological notes add to the understanding of
word.
Comprehensiveness
The latest edition contains over 90,000 entries.
Currency
10,000 new entries were added to the 2000 edition. The latest edition was printed in June
of 2001.
Katz states that “American Heritage is the best singe desk dictionary for etymology and
details on the linguistic sources of most words” (2002, pp. 393). The online version
contains 900 full-page, color illustrations, language notes, and root word appendixes.
Cost
The price of the most recent print version ranges from $5.99 to $19.60, depending on the
publisher. The online version is available for free.
Columbia Dictionary of Quotations
Citation
Columbia Dictionary of Quotations. (1993). New York: Columbia University Press.
Purpose
This dictionary is a compilation of quotations that is arranged by subject to facilitate
browsing.
Scope
The book contains 18,000 quotations under 1,500 topics which were selected to represent
the range of the human experience, according to the introduction.
Format
The print version contains entries arranged alphabetically by subject with an index of
sources. The book is also available online through bartelby.com.
Authority
The Columbia University Press is a leading publisher of world renowned reference
books.
Understandability
The book is well-organized, and often entertaining.
Comprehensiveness
With 18,000 quotations, book is not quite as comprehensive as Fowler’s, but contains
11,000 quotations that have never appeared in any other quotation book.
Currency
The most recent edition was published in 1993. Each entry contains a sprinkling of
modern and historical quotations.
Value-added Features
A citation is provided for each quotation. The introduction provides an interesting
glimpse into how the quotations were selected.
Cost
$64.50
Familiar Quotations
Citation
Print: Bartlett, John (ed.) (1992). Bartlett's Familiar Quotations : A Collection of
Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs Traced to Their Sources in Ancient and Modern
Literature. (16th ed.). Boston: Little, Brown.
Electronic: Bartlett, John (ed.) (1999). Bartlett's Familiar Quotations : A Collection of
Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs Traced to Their Sources in Ancient and Modern
Literature. Boston: Little, Brown. Retrieved from: http://www.bartelby.com/100/
Purpose
Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations serves as a compendium of famous quotations from
ancient Egypt and biblical times to the present day. It is a useful resource for writers and
public speakers.
Scope
The editors attempt to encompass all quotations that have influenced speech throughout
the ages.
Format
Familiar Quotations is available in print and online. Entries are arranged alphabetically
by the source of the quotation. The index is searchable by author, subject, and keyword
in both versions.
Authority
Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations has been in print for over a hundred years and is regarded
as a trusted source.
Understandability
This resource is well organized and easy to navigate. Any incomprehensibility in the
quotations is the fault of the author, not the compiler.
Comprehensiveness
The most recent addition contains 25,000 quotations from 2,500 authors.
Currency
The electronic version focuses mostly on historical quotations, but the print version
contains quotations from modern personalities such as Maya Angelou, Bill Clinton, and
Jerry Seinfeld.
Footnotes provide added information about the origins of some quotations.
Cost
The price of the print version ranges from $5.95 to $79.99 depending on the distributor.
The online version is available for free at bartelby.com.
Dictionary of American Slang

Citation
Chapman, R. L., Wentworth, H., & Kipfer, B. A. (1995). Dictionary of American slang.
New York: HarperCollins.
Scope
The third edition of the Dictionary of American Slang contains more than 19,000 terms of
American slang. Words included range from the common and acceptable to the most
unmentionable. All periods of American history are covered from railroad workers, to
cowboys, to the rock ‘n roll world.
Format
Dictionary of American Slang is available in print from HarperCollins.
Authority
Edited by Robert L. Chapman and published by HarperCollins.
Arrangement and Entries
Entries are arranged in alphabetical order. For each entry the term is given in bold print
with variations of the term given in parentheses and the definition following. Use
examples are given in italicized text following the definition. Cross-references are used
considerably.
Accuracy
Terms seem to be very accurate.

Understandability
The definitions that are given are easy to understand.
Comprehensiveness
This dictionary accomplishes its goal of creating a dictionary of American slang from
across many generations and America.
Currency
The third addition contains over 2,000 new terms including terms that have come into
being because of the invention of the computer and its popularity.
Included in the text are pronunciation guides, word origins, and examples of appropriate
usage. A highlighting system has also been integrated to help user know which terms
should be used with caution.
Cost
The fourth edition can be purchased through any bookstore for about forty dollars.
New Fowler’s Modern English Usage
Citation
Burchfield, R.W. (1996). New Fowler’s Modern English Usage. New York: Oxford
University Press.
Purpose
Fowler’s is a guide to properly using words when writing and speaking the English
language.
Scope
Entries describe the proper usage of thousands of English words, including proper
grammar, syntax, style, and appropriateness. Word usage is covered for all major English
speaking countries.
Format
The most recent edition of Fowler’s is a single volume paperback book.
Authority
The most recent edition was edited and updated by Robert Burchfield, who was the Chief
Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary from 1971 to 1984. The Chicago Tribune called
him the “greatest living lexicographer”.
Understandability
The entries in this book are quite readable, and often entertaining.
Comprehensiveness
Usage for thousands of English words are included in this text. Emphasis is placed on
British and American usage, but Australian usages are presented as well.
Currency
Burchfield added 24 new entries in a special supplement. Entries themselves have been
updated to reflect usage in the 1990s.
Value Added Features
Several entries reference popular culture.
Cost
$29.95
Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary of the English Language
Citation
Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary of the English Language. (1963). New
York: Funk and Wagnalls.
Purpose
This dictionary was intended as a standard, unabridged dictionary.
Scope
The Standard Dictionary of the English Language was first published by Funk and
Wagnalls in 1894. The New Standard Dictionary of the English Language is a result of
several decades of changes and additions to that original text. The editors have attempted
to capture the language as it is being used during the time of publication.
Format
This is a print dictionary published in two volumes.
Authority
The dictionary was prepared by 380 scholars and specialists under the direction of the
editing staff.
Understandability
The definitions are well organized and easy to understand.
Comprehensiveness
Certainly one of the largest standard dictionaries available, but with very few modern
words and word uses.
Currency
I was unable to find any evidence that Funk and Wagnalls continues to publish
dictionaries with this exact scope and title. The 1963 appears to be very outdated in both
appearance and scope.
Several entries include small illustrations.
Cost
Unavailable
A Dictionary of Modern American Usage
Citation
Garner, B. A. (1998). A dictionary of modern American usage. New York: Oxford
University Press.
Scope
A Dictionary of Modern American Usage is the authoritative reference work on the way
American’s use the English language. Topics covered include: basic grammar; word
preferences; punctuation; idiomatic phrases; and spelling. Modern American Usage
prides itself on being the essential work for teachers, scholars and students, professional
editors, proofreaders, businesspeople, advertising and public-relations writers, and others.
Format
This printed text is available through Oxford University Press. It contains more than 700
pages in a single volume and weights approximately 2.8 pounds. This text can be found
online through a subscription with Oxford University Press for their Oxford Reference
online. It is one of more than on hundred texts included in the package.
Authority
A Dictionary of Modern American Usage is published by Oxford University Press. It is
written and edited by Bryan Garner.
Accuracy
Library Journal refers the A Dictionary of Modern American Usage as “the best of its
kind”. Entries are direct and precise with extreme accuracy.
Understandability
Entries are clear and concise. Each entry is printed in bold text. Definitions of usage,
examples, and a short history of origin and usage are given for many texts. Several
entries also contain written examples to display how to use the rule. Cross-references are
used heavily throughout.
Comprehensiveness
This dictionary contains a vast amount of information on the English language as used by
Americans, as is its mission.

Currency
A Dictionary of Modern American Usage reports the newest usages of the “American”
language. Since 1998 a second edition has been produced under the name Gardner’s
Modern American Usage. This text contains more than 1,300 new entries as well as
revisions to several others.
Cost
Through Oxford Press this text is available for $21.95. Oxford Reference Online which
provides access to the dictionary can be purchased for $19.95 a month or for $159.00 for
an annual subscription.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
Citation
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. Springfield,
Mass: Merriam-Webster.
Scope
The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is written for an audience of college level
students, yet the definitions and information found within would be helpful for all adults.
This dictionary is based on the unabridged Webster’s Third New International Dictionary.
However from this text definitions were simplified and shortened as well as terms that
were too technical, archaic, and esoteric were deleted. In addition to Webster’s Third, as
with all previous editions of this text the words were taken from the collection of
citations, which total more than 15,700,000, housed in the offices of the company.
5,700,000 of these citations were not available to the producers of Webster’s Third.
Format
The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is available in print, CD-ROM and
through the internet. The CD-ROM and internet editions contain all of the text from the
print version as well as some multimedia features such as sound and graphics.
Authority
This text is published by Merriam-Webster.
Accuracy
Entries seem to be extremely accurate.
Understandability
Definitions are precise and clear with an emphasis placed on the contemporary use and
pronunciation of the words. Entries are begun by the term in bold type. Following this
term each entry includes the part of speech, pronunciation, inflections, etymology,
definitions, notes of usage, and any synonyms. If possible the date of the first known
occurrence of the word is given.

Comprehensiveness
This dictionary is one of the most comprehensive of its kind. It draws its words from
Webster’s Third International Dictionary which is one of the most comprehensive
unabridged dictionaries available. With more than 15,700,000 available citations for use
this dictionary includes words that are used both commonly and uncommonly throughout
the English speaking world.
Currency
While Webster’s Third International Dictionary is known to be in need of revision to
update many entries an emphasis is place upon having definitions that are consistent with
the contemporary use and pronunciation of the words.
•Separate lists of abbreviations; chemical elements; foreign words and phrases;
biographical names; geographical names; signs and symbols are all included.
•Contains a Handbook of Style
•There are excessive explanatory notes
•Explanatory chart at the beginning of the text details each part included in the
entries.
Cost
This dictionary is available through Merriam-Webster for $26.95. This print version
comes with the CD-ROM. The internet edition is available online at
http://www.merriam-webster.com/ free of charge.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus
Citation
Merriam-Webster's collegiate thesaurus. (2003). Springfield, Mass: Merriam-Webster.
Scope
The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus is written for an adult audience and
specifically the average college student. Similar to the Collegiate Dictionary the words
included in this text are developed from word lists created based on Webster’s Third New
International Dictionary, Unabridged. More than 340,000 synonyms, antonyms, and
related and contrasted words are included in this text.
Format
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus is available in print, CD-ROM and through the
internet. The Thesaurus is offered as a portion of the Merriam-Webster Online.
Authority
The thesaurus is published by Merriam-Webster.

Accuracy
Entries are extremely accurate and informative.
Understandability
Entries are organized in alphabetical order. Each entry contains a definition of the term, a
list of synonyms, antonyms, and other terms that are related or contrast. The key term is
separated from the rest of the text by bold font. A useful addition to the text is the guide
words that can be found in the top corners of every page. This text also used thousands
of examples to display how the words are mean to be used in context.
Comprehensiveness
The list of words included in this thesaurus is generated based on the citation bank
developed for the Webster’s Third New International Dictionary. It is therefore very
comprehensive.
Currency
There is a focus in this text similar to that of the Collegiate Dictionary to keep terms up
to date and contemporary.
Cost
This text cost $18.95 but can be accessed on the internet through http://www.merriam-
webster.com/ free of charge.

Merriam-Webster Online
Citation
(2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved April 12, 2009, from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
Scope
Merriam-Webster Online’s online dictionary is based on the print version of Merriam-
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (The 11th edition). Included from this text are the A-Z
entries, Abbreviations, Foreign Words and Phrases, Biographical Names, and
Geographical Names sections. It also includes illustrations and tables, with the exception
of the Signs and Symbols section. In addition to the basic dictionary features there are
also a Thesaurus, Spanish/English dictionary and a Medical Dictionary.
Format
This is an online product that draws its information from several printed texts including
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus, and
Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary.
Authority
Published and edited by Merriam-Webster.
Accuracy
All text is taken from print publications. The text seems to be very accurate.
Understandability
Entries are easy to understand. Entry titles are given in bold at the top of the page with
different possible uses given directly under. Pronunciation, function, etymology, and a
definition are all given as well. There is also and interactive feature that reads the word
aloud.
Comprehensiveness
This site encompasses not only a good general dictionary but a thesaurus,
Spanish/English Dictionary and a medical dictionary. In addition to these texts they also
have daily updates and games to learn spelling. Entries can be found through keyword
searching and limited by the type of resource being searched.
Currency
Due to the online format words are able to update much more quickly that the printed
text. This being said almost all text is taken directly from the print versions.
•Word of the Day
•Word Games
•Spelling Bee Hive – Has coverage from the national Spelling Bee as well as the
words used in the Bee and games with those words.

•Links to other sites such as Britannica Online, Learner’s Dictionary, and their online
store.
•Downloads to have Merriam-Webster Dictionary on Google or your desktop.
Cost
Features on this site are free however many of the link require a subscription to use.
Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
Citation
Knowles, E. (1999). The Oxford dictionary of quotations. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
Scope
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations compiles more than 20,000 quotations from more
than 3,000 authors. The text chronologically spans centuries of literature and documents
from 16th-century merchants to currant royalty. Quotations in this text can come from
many different locations such as literature, technological and cultural change, or even
royal figures. Texts that quotation can come from include: novels; plays; poems; diaries;
letters; speeches; and biographies. This dictionary also contains many special sections
including: Advertising slogans; Film lines; Newspaper headlines and leaders; and Last
words. There is also a significant amount of cross-referencing in this text.
Format
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations is available in print format. It is also available
through Oxford Reference Online as one of many resources available in their reference
package.
Authority
It is published by Oxford University Press and written and edited by Elizabeth Knowles
with Angela Partington.
Accuracy
The quotations seem to be accurate. Each is taken directly from specific sources and the
name of that source as well as page numbers is given in most entries.
Understandability
Entries are arranged according to alphabetical rules by the author’s surname. Author’s
names are followed by the dates of birth and death as well as a brief description as to who
they are. Within each author’s entry text are separate by the location the quote was found
and within each of these divisions they are arranged alphabetically according to title.
Cross references are used throughout the text. Each quotation includes the actual
quotation, the year it was published or said, and if possible the location that it was
published as well as the page numbers.
Two indexes, a thematic index and a keyword index are included to assist in find entries.
The thematic index contains a selection of quotations on a specific subject. Each subject
heading is followed by a short line from each of the selected quotations as well as a
reference to author’s name, page number, and quotation number. The Keyword index
organizes words by the most significant in each quotation and allows them to be traced in
this way. These key words are kept in strict alphabetical order.
Comprehensiveness
This dictionary accomplishes exactly what it set out to do, create a complied list of many
important quotes from throughout history.
Currency
For the 1999 edition of this text more than 2,000 brand new quotes were added. While
this text does provide current quotations from people and authors of today it is also an
important retrospective resource.
•Contains a selective thematic index which allows the best quotation on given topics
to be found. A few samples of topics are age, America, or the press.
•Author descriptions for each quote.
•Special section including: Advertising slogans; Film lines; Newspaper headlines and
leaders; and Last words.
Cost
The print version of this dictionary can be purchased through Oxford University Press for
$50.00. Oxford Reference Online which provides access to the dictionary can be
purchased for $19.95 a month or for $159.00 for an annual subscription.
Oxford English Dictionary
Citation
Oxford English Dictionary. 2d ed. 20 vols. New York: Clarendon Press/Oxford
University Press, 1989.
To provide alphabetical series words that have formed in the English language from the
first known definition to its most present use along with all relevant facts, pronunciation
and etymology.
Scope
The dictionary lists all definitions associated with the word, the proper spelling,
pronunciation, etymology, and other related facts.
Format
Print
Audience
Students and scholars.
Authority
Amassed by the editorial staff with help of organizations and many different
individuals.
Preface, The New oxford English Dictionary Project description, an Introduction
including special features, principles of integration, the translation of phonetic systems,
new vocabulary, statistics, then general explications of vocabulary, classification of the
vocabulary, main words, subordinate words, combinations, derivatives, ordering of
entries, ordering of senses, pronunciation, the history of the oxford English dictionary,
key to the conventions of the dictionary, key to the pronunciation, List of abbreviations,
signs and note on proprietary names.
Cost
$848 for the full set
Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English
Citation
Partridge, Eric. Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English. 8th ed. New York:
Macmillan, 1984.
To give a comprehensive and educational resource about unconventional colloquial and
slang English words from a variety of English speaking countries and cultures.
Scope
Over 60,000 entries and 2,000 pages. Coverage of English slang worldwide such as;
America, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, South Africa, Ireland,
and the Caribbean.
Format
Print
Audience
Intended of educational use.
Authority
Edited by Tom Slzell American Slang expert, Terry Victor a slang-collector and the
original author Eric Patridge.
Cost
$57.95
Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary

Citation
The Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. 2d rev. ed. New York: Random
House, 1998.
To provide an affordable comprehensive collection of definition of words from the
English language.
Scope
Over 315,000 entries and over 2,400 maps and illustrations as well as 1,000 entries of
new words.
Format
Print
Audience
Personal, professional, and institutional library use.
Authority
Consultants to the editors who expertise in linguistics and the English language.
Currency
Updates of incorrect entries or modifications to entries.
Contents, preface, new words section article, new words listed A-Z, vocabulary entries A-
Z. Can be browsed by main entry, definition, or anagram. Each word has the definition,
etymology, written pronunciation, date of when word or phrase entered into the English
language, part of speech, synonyms, antonyms, and usage.
Cost
49.95
Random House Webster’s College Dictionary
Citation
Random House Webster’s College Dictionary. 2d ed. New York: Random House,
1999.
To be a source of information about the English language for not only college students
but for most inquiring people.
Scope
The correct spelling, hot it should be hyphenated, pronunciation, variety of forms, the
meaning, origins, and history of a vocabulary entry.
Format
Print
Audience
College students and most inquiring people.
Authority
More than twenty years of research by random house staff.
Currency
Words are frequently updated from suggestions and comments of users
Preface, Staff list, consulting staff list, historical timeline of English language, etymology
key, Language key, pronunciation key, foreign sounds key, an article of the Pronunciation
of English, then vocabulary entries A-Z.
Cost
$36.25
Random House Webster’s College Thesaurus
Citation
Random House Webster’s College Thesaurus. New York: Random House, 1997.

To give accurate and up-to-date definitions to old and recent vocabulary in the
English language.
Scope
More than 12,000 main entries with synonym and antonym lists, over 400,000
word choices. Sentences giving examples of appropriate context.
Format
Print
Audience
College students, writers, public speakers, and scholars.
Authority
Scholars and experts.
Currency
Updated every couple of years.
Vocabulary entries from A-Z.
Cost
$22.95
Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus
Citation
Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus. 3d ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.
Scope
Definitions, full list of synonyms, and appropriate usage, cross-referenced words, and an
index which refers to related meanings.
Authority
Most of the editors contain masters degrees or a Ph.D.
Accuracy
Each editor specializes in a specific subject to master the vocabulary of that
subject to ensure the content is accurate and up-to-date.
Arrangement
Preface, introduction, how to use this book, vocabulary entries A-Z.
Cost
$36.99
Roget’s International Thesaurus
Citation
Roget’s International Thesaurus. 5th ed. New York: HarperCollins, 1992.
Scope
More than 330,000 words and phrases organized into 1,075 categories, thousands
of cross references, hundreds of supplemental words and synonyms.
Authority
Barbara Ann Kipfer, Ph.D; Dr. Robert L. Chapman, Editor: Greg Chaput and
contributions by Dr. Tracy Mansfield.
Arrangement
Biography of Peter Mark Roget, How to Use this Book, Peter Roget’s Preface to the First
Edition, Foreword by Barbara Ann Kipfer, Ph.D, synopsis of categories, abbreviations
used in this book, thesaurus of English words and phrases, index, and finally a how tot
use this index.
Cost
$79.81
Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage
Citation
Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster,
1989.
Purpose
The aim of the dictionary is to discuss commonly confused words or phrases
explicating them via their historical and modern contexts.
Scope
There are approximately 500 entries including both idiomatic phrases and commonly
misused words.
Format
It is available in print format and the words are listed in alphabetical order, letter
by letter.
Authority
The authors and editors of the volume are on staff with Merriam-Webster and are listed
by name in the preface. Merriam-Webster itself is over 150 years old and one of the most
well-regarded leaders in the dictionary publishing industry—it is now a subsidiary of
Encyclopedia Britannica.
Accuracy
Given the authority and the fact that there were five copy editors/proof-readers
going over the text, this dictionary is probably as close to accurate as is possible.
Understandability
Written for a scholarly audience, the language is sophisticated without being convoluted.
There are explanatory notes, a guide to pronunciation symbols and a history of English
usage in the preliminary pages to assist the reader further. There is also a bibliography at
the end of the volume.
Comprehensiveness
The editors looked through a number of sources with similar concerns to find the subjects
of this book and did a thorough job discussing most of the chosen terms/idioms.
However, this is only 500 English words; many more are misused or misunderstood
everyday and this is only a sampling of what the editors understood to be the most
grievous issues.
Currency
This volume was written in 1989 and the English language, due mainly to the
introduction of the World Wide Web, has undergone an enormous overhaul. Another
volume was published in 1994 and in 2002 a concise version came out as well.
The brief history of English usage is particularly useful to the novice.

Cost
$18.45 for the 1994 edition on Amazon.com.
Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms
Citation
Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms. Springfield, Mass: Merriam-Webster,
1984.
Purpose
A dictionary to help readers understand the subtle distinctions between synonyms.
Scope
This dictionary distinguishes the differing implications, connotations and
applications amongst synonyms to assist the reader in choosing the exact right word. It
also lists antonyms as well as analogous and contrast words.
Format
This dictionary is available in a single volume print edition. In addition to the
dictionary, the volume offers a survey of the history of English synonymy, an analysis
and definition of both synonym and antonym as well as an introduction to analogous and
contrasted words. There are also explanatory notes and a list of the authors quoted in the
definitions.
Authority
Merriam-Webster is one of the oldest publishers in the business and now a
subsidiary of Britannica—it is an authority in and of itself. In addition, the writers of the
dictionary were all from the editorial staff of Merriam-Webster and are acknowledged in
the preface.
Accuracy
This volume is a revision of a previous edition—the preface acknowledges the
editorial staff who put together and revised this edition.
Understandability
This is a fairly easy to use dictionary, including definitions of the words and,
unlike Roget’s Thesaurus, lists of antonyms and analogous words are included with each
entry as well. The definitions also use quotations to better explain word distinctions.
Comprehensiveness
The dictionary is based on American English usage and as such is from a
somewhat narrow perspective.
Currency
The version being evaluated was printed in 1984.
The way the synonyms are distinguished is very useful—especially the way the
synonyms themselves are not only listed but defined so that the distinction can be made
exceedingly clear. Some of the quotes really bring the dissimilarities to life.
Cost
This edition can be purchased for $15.61 at Amazon.com.
Webster’s New World College Dictionary.
Citation
Webster’s New World College Dictionary. 4th ed. New York: MacMillan, 1999.
Purpose
This dictionary is one of Merriam-Webster’s many that are on the market today.
Scope
The dictionary’s aim is to assist students in the comprehension of the fairly
esoteric words or unusual meanings of familiar words that they are likely to encounter in
the course of their university studies.
Format
This dictionary is in print form—In addition to the dictionary itself there are
guides to the dictionary and to pronunciation. There is an essay by S.I. Landau on
English language dictionaries as well as a world atlas. There is also an enormous
Reference Supplement at the end of the book.
Authority
There are a vast array of editors, writers and contributors; most of whom have
academic credentials and the least of whom is still a scholar in his or her own right. The
publisher itself, Merriam-Webster, is one of the best regarded in the industry.
Accuracy
The dictionary is stored electronically and thus has the double assurance of having
been checked over when being digitized. In addition, it took four years to compile this
edition and so there was ample time to check for errors.
Understandability
The entries are nicely presented and easily followed. The word-breaks are
particularly useful and comprehensible. The cross-references, idioms and usage labels
are especially helpful.
Comprehensiveness
The editorial staff keeps track of the way language is used via the collection of
thousands of expressions and citations each month. These then form the backbone of the
revisions to the word definitions.
Currency
This edition is ten years old and could probably stand to be updated as the
technical jargon of the last decade has been woven into our daily English usage.
The Reference Supplement is by far the most value-adding feature including all
manner of useful facts. To name but a few, the supplement contains world, Canadian and
US city populations, monetary units, books of the Bible, American Sign Language,
commonly used weights and measures, periodic table of elements, the Constitution and
the Amendments.
Cost
This can be purchased at Barnes & Noble for under $30.
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language.
Citation
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language.
Unabridged.
Springfield, Mass: Merriam-Webster, 1993.
Purpose
Merriam-Webster’s comprehensive English dictionary, it defines nearly every
word in the English language. It is also the dictionary of choice at the New York Public
Library’s Humanities Research Division.
Scope
This dictionary includes over 450,000 words—there are over 6 million citations
included in the definitions. This edition took 757 editor-years to complete.
Format
It is in one, gigantic printed volume.
Authority
All of the authority of Merriam-Webster’s 100+ years stands behind this
behemoth. In addition, the editorial staff consisted of scholars in almost every major
field as well as 200 other supporting staff members.
Accuracy
Beginning in 1936, dictionary editors began systematically combing through
magazines, newspapers, journals, catalogues and books to discover word usage to include
in the dictionary—this time-intensive process guarantees a well-developed understanding
of word usage.
Understandability
Enormous tome, tiny print and easily torn pages—every student on earth has dealt
with one of these and although it is unwieldy, the definitions it provides are valuable.
Comprehensiveness
The aim of the dictionary is the entire English language as it is currently being
written and spoken. It’s as comprehensive as it gets.
Currency
This dictionary is now sixteen years old. It does not include most of the new
terms derived from internet usage and could stand an update. But if it cost $3.5m to
produce this volume in 1993, the cost alone may well be prohibitive.
In addition to a plethora of features contained in the preliminary pages
(explanatory notes on spelling, plurals, capitalization, pronunciation, etc…), there are
also more than 50 tables on everything from Easter dates to Morse code to Uralic
languages included in the dictionary. In addition, there are eight full page illustrations.
Cost
This dictionary can be purchased for $81.27 on Amazon.com.
World Book Dictionary
Citation
World Book Dictionary. 2 vols. Chicago: World Book, 1997.
Purpose
World Book Inc., well-regarded producer of the student encyclopedia, created a
similarly simple and user-friendly dictionary.
Scope
With a clear and concise writing style, the over 225,000 entries are made easily
accessible to student readers (age 10+). And the 3000 illustrations not only assist in
comprehension but serve to make the 2 volume set less intimidating.
Format
The dictionary is printed in two volumes. It is also available online through a
subscriber service. Included in the print edition is a pronunciation guide, a guide to
prefixes/suffixes and capitalization.
Authority
The dictionary was created for a well-regarded encyclopedia publisher by
lexicographers, etymologists and linguists—it does not have the built-in authority of the
OED, Merriam-Webster or even Random House, but it is still published by reputable
source.
Accuracy
Having created 3 million word usage quotations over the better 3rd of a century,
the focus of the dictionary is on terms in common usage and not, say, the more esoteric
terms found in the OED or Webster’s Unabridged.
Understandability
Though 2 volumes might be a bit cumbersome, the articles are easy to read and
begin with the most common form of the word (ie, the one children are most likely to
have heard and be comfortable with).
Comprehensiveness
It is not meant as a comprehensive dictionary; rather it is a self-proclaimed
abridged dictionary. However, the definitions are complete enough to be used by
children or adults.
Currency
It is over a decade old at this point, but it is still useful for the words it contains, it
is simply lacking in newer ones.
The online version is the best feature—it allows for keyword searches and for
searches of the entire World Book library.
Cost
The print edition is $89.95 and the online subscription is $79.95.
Your Dictionary
Citation
www.yourdictionary.com
Purpose
YourDictionary is a website for students and includes well-regarded dictionaries,
thesauri and glossaries.
Scope
Intended for students or those beginning in a new field, YourDictionary has a full
range of sources from Webster’s New World Dictionary to community forum discussion
on etymologies to Roget’s Thesaurus to the American Slang Dictionary. The website
makes available audio pronunciations, language forums and articles as well.
Format
The dictionary is available online and is free.
Authority
The site is produced by a media conglomerate (LoveToKnow) but the accuracy of
definitions is guaranteed by the dictionary’s publisher, Merriam-Webster. Each definition

taken from Webster’s New World Dictionary is sited.
Accuracy
The definitions from Webster’s New World Dictionary are highly accurate—as a
Merriam-Webster publication, one would be hard-pressed to find a serious objection to
the validity of the content.
Understandability
The layout of the webpage is fairly easy to follow, though the Google sponsored
ads get in the way. A box including language and translation tools as well as a
separate area on how to create an effective search are both useful and on the homepage.
Comprehensiveness
YourDictionary claims to be the most comprehensive site with over 2500
dictionaries and grammars available in over 300 languages.
Currency
The website is updated daily, however the important updates are those made by
Merriam-Webster and Collins to Webster’s New World and Roget’s Thesaurus.
The myriad dictionaries and articles that are available via the Language Articles
tab are impressive and potentially handy. The community forums are very interesting for
“word nerds” and the world games present a fun way to broaden one’s vocabulary.
Cost
Free.
OneLook Dictionaries
Citation
www.onelook.com
Purpose
OneLook is a search aggregator and not a dictionary in and of itself.
Scope
OneLook has access to over 5 million words on 900 different online dictionaries.
Users can find definitions of words, sites that translate that word into different languages
and find words that fit a certain pattern (eg., b*?d: bard, bead, bird, etc…).
Format
This is a free online site.
Authority
Because this is a search aggregator, the user is relying on the dictionaries or
websites supplied by OneLook. The site indexes around a thousand different online
dictionaries including such standards as the Compact OED, Merriam-Webster’s Online,
Webster’s New World, American Heritage and InfoPlease. However, it also contains
many, many unknown quantities and so the user must be cognizant of the site s/he is
sent to.
Accuracy
Again, the accuracy the user is interested in is not that of the search aggregator,
but of the websites themselves.
Understandability
The site is easy to use and has such novel features as wildcard searches
(especially made for crossword buffs) and reverse dictionary searches.
Comprehensiveness
Searching nearly 1000 sites defines comprehensive.
Currency
The sites are all updated regularly and OneLook is updated daily.
The ability to look up phrases is a bonus as is the translation search. But the best
feature is the wildcard search that allows partial words to be queried. Though the reverse
dictionary search that allows for meanings to be looked up is also a wonderful tool.
Evaluation Set 5
Group 4
Reference Sources and Services
Spring 2009
Christina Hill evaluated directory numbers 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and biographical
numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Terry Wasserman evaluated directory numbers 2, 3, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15 and biographical
numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
Meghan Glasgow evaluated directory numbers 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and
biographical numbers 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18
Jessica Venturo evaluated directory numbers 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 and biographical
numbers 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25

Directories
AcgWeb’s Directory of Publishers and Vendors
Scope
An accompaniment to AcqNet which details acquisitions and collection development.
The details are of links to information resources about collection development and
acquisitions internationally.
Audience
Those inquiring about or professionals of acquisitions departments, vendors and
publishers as well as librarians who duties include collection development.
Format
Web Based companion to AcqNet
Comprehensiveness
There are verifications if an item is still in print, pricings, listings, if it is present in web
collections or online catalogs as well as web pages for library vendors and publishers,
associations and organizations for acquisitions and collection development, journals in
reference to collection development and acquisitions, reference resources and other
search engines.
Currency
Updated once a month.
References
There is an advisory board of librarian directors
Cost
Free
American Book Trade Directory
Citation
American Book Trade Directory 2008-2009. 54th ed. New Providence, N.J.: R.R.
Bowker, 1999.
Scope
This directory includes 21,214 retailers and wholesalers—over 600 of which are new to
this edition. It also includes almost 10,000 e-mail addresses, about 15,000 fax numbers
and 12,500 websites.
Audience
This directory was intended for booksellers, publishers and others in the book trade.
Format
This book is available in a single print volume.
Authority
This is the 54th edition published since 1915—it was published by Information Today,
Inc., the publisher of Information Today, American Library Directory and Literary
Market Place, amongst others.
Selection
This directory is meant to be complete and thus include all relevant retailers and
wholesalers in the U.S. and Canada.
Comprehensiveness
Entries are listed alphabetically—there are six sections. The first is Retailers and
Antiquarians, the second is Wholesalers, the third is Book Trade Information, the fourth
is Dealers of Foreign Language Books, the fifth is an Index to the Types of Stores and the
sixth is a general index. The information provided in each entry is chosen in order to
allow the reader the best access to the right person/office for queries. Entries are concise
without being abbreviated.
Currency
The most recent publication, the 55th edition, was put out this year—this directory is
updated annually.
Cost
$309
American Library Directory
Citation
American Library Directory. 61st ed. 2 vols. New Providence, N.J.: R.R. Bowker, 2008.
Scope
The directory is a listing of academic, government, public and special libraries in the U.S.
and Canada.
Audience
This directory can be used by the general public, students, librarians and information
professionals.
Format
This directory is available in print in 2 volumes.
Authority
This is the 61st edition published—it was published by Information Today, Inc., the
publisher of Information Today, American Book Trade Directory and Literary Market
Place, amongst others.

Selection
This is meant as a comprehensive directory, thus it attempts to include every library in the
U.S. and Canada.
Comprehensiveness Entries are arranged geographically and then alphabetized by
state/province and then by city and then by library name. Entries provide the name of the
library, its address, names of key personnel and the information on the library’s holdings.
Entries may also include information on income, e-mail, subject interests, special
collections, automation and publications. There are also organizational and personnel
indicies.
Currency
Updated biennially until 1978, it has been updated annually since then.
References
Most information was provided by the libraries themselves, there is no mention of
additional references.
Cost
The current edition costs $309.
American School Directory
Scope
Over 105,000 schools ranging from Kindergarten to twelfth grade in the United States are
listed. The entries contain, public, private and catholic schools, fax numbers, addresses,
telephone numbers.
Comprehensiveness
Each entry contains at least school name, address, office telephone, principal’s name,
grade levels and type of school. It is searchable by school name, city, country, or zip code
as well as maps showing the location of the school.
Currency
There are weekly updates during the school’s academic calendar year.
Cost
Subscription is $9.99 per month or $36 per year.
Annual Register of Grant Support
Scope
It is an authoritative reference source about financial support and grant funding.
Audience
For those seeking funding in the fields of business, civic improvement, and social welfare
that benefit hospitals, organizations, community service groups, research facilities, and
other institutions.
Format
Print
Selection
Grants were chosen that fund construction, facilities, or project costs for education,
medical research, health care, civic improvement, programs donating consulting services
instead of a direct money grant.
Comprehensiveness
The details of each funding resource consists of type, purpose and duration of the grant;
amount of money the foundation is willing to grant, the eligibility for grant applicants,
most recent year of statistics available, application instructions and deadline; the
foundations address, telephone number, fax number, email address, and website. Types of
foundations listed offer non-repayable financial assistance directly to grantee, accept
applicants from the United States or Canada, directed towards those earning their
graduate or postgraduate degrees, etc.
Currency
Updated annually by the foundations. Changes in the entry are added and research is
continuous by the staff up until weeks before date of publication.

References
An opportunity to update the entry data is offered to the foundations and funding sources.
Any information not updated by the sources is then researched by the staff and is second
hand information.
Associations on the Net
Citation
Associations on the Net (AON). Retrieved on 17 April 2009 from:
http://wwwsun.ipl.org.ar/ref/AON/ or http://www.ipl.org/div/aon/
Scope
This site is a collection of over 2000 Internet sites providing information about
associations. Within these associations there is a wide variety of associations and
organizations including academic societies, advocacy groups, art and cultural, labour
unions, political parties, and professional and trade associations.
Audience
This is a resource of the Internet Public Library (IPL) and as such is intended for public
library users who use the internet. IPL includes a “kispace” and “teenspace,” but this
particular information is meant for an adult audience.
Format
The online format has ten different main subject categories and then each is further
broken down into additional sub-categories. The ten main categories are business &
economics; computers & internet; education; entertainment & leisure; health & medical;
arts & humanities; law, government & political science; regional & country information;
science & technology; and social sciences.
Authority
The IPL began as an exercise in a graduate seminar at the University of Michigan in
1995. For ten years U. Mich. ran the site for the benefit of the public and the site
broadened to what it is today and incorporated new technology as it came into existence.
In 2006, Drexel University began hosting the site, though U. Mich. stayed on as an active
partner and the University of Florida became a collaborator as well.
Selection
The AON attempts to include all recognized associations and organizations within their
ten categories. Associations either write in with their own information or users identify a
source and the IPL staff checks the information.
Comprehensiveness
Each category is summarized in a sentence beneath the heading. Each entry includes the
name and site of the association as well as a blurb describing it. The subject category and
e-mail address are also included.

Currency
Most of the association information was put online before 2002, but newer associations
have been included since then (and are only on the 2nd website noted above).
References
The sources of information that IPL uses are the homepages of the associations and
organizations themselves.
Cost
IPL is a free service.
D & B Million Dollar Directory
Scope
Comprised of over 160,000 companies, 50,000 of which are top companies.
Format
Print and Web Based
Authority
Collaboration of D&B with expert business partners
Arrangement/Entries
Arranged by specific companies and specific industries, each entry detailing key decision
makers of the company and company prospect. The total employees, legal status, and
annual US sales.
Currency
Web site updated frequently
D & B Companies Online
Scope
Commercial database source for information about businesses. More than 140 million
business records, covering topics of risk management, sales and marketing, supply
management which range over 190 countries.
Audience
Web site states it is for a diverse set of customers
Format
Web based.
Comprehensiveness
Entries may contain lawsuits, lien or judgments filed against the company, telephone
numbers, changed numbers, and disconnected numbers, change of address, directorship,
new business, company name change, or bankruptcy filed.

Currency
Use data collection tools that allow for updates over 1.5 million times per day.
References (Sources of Information)- Data is integrated from a patented entity matching
system which collects data from a variety of sources world wide.
Directory of Research Grants
Scope
Up to date information about funding for research-related programs and projects,
scholarships, fellowships, conferences and internships. Over 4,000 research funding
programs.
Audience
Novice grant seekers and experienced grant seekers.
Format
Print; one volume.
Selection
Current foundations giving funds.
Comprehensiveness
Entries contain the description of the foundation, what the requirements are for funding,
the amount of money being granted the previous year’s amount of grant, the contact
information with full address, telephone number, email and website, along with the
deadline.
Currency
Updated annually.
Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers
Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers. Retrieved from Gale’s Ready
Reference via NYPL.org on 19 April 2009.
Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers. 24th ed. 3 vols. Detroit: Gale,
1999.
Scope
The Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers (DSLIC) includes
information on more than 34,000 special libraries and information centers internationally.
Special libraries, unlike public or academic ones, are restricted in their content by subject
matter and would include such libraries as museum or historical society libraries, law
libraries, medical libraries, corporate libraries and special collections (if maintained
separately) of public or academic libraries. The directory covers topics from anatomy to
zoology and everything in between.

Audience
The audience for DSLIC would be students, researchers or even the general public—
anyone who is looking for subject-specific resources (particularly someone looking for
primary source materials).
Format
The DSLIC is available both in print as well as online. The online format is available
through Gale Ready Reference which is a subscriber service. The libraries and
information centers can be accessed by doing a nominal, geographic or topical keyword
search.
Authority
Thomson Gale is a highly respected reference publisher and the authority for this source.
Selection
This is intended as a comprehensive source and as such attempts to include all special
libraries/collections and information centers.
Comprehensiveness
Each entry includes information on contacting, personnel, subjects, special collections,
holdings, subscriptions, services, automated operations, OPAC availability, electronic
resources, networks/consortia, publications, special catalogs, special indexes and subject
categories (approximately 1000 words).

Currency
The most current print edition is from 2004 and the online source is also copyrighted to
that year. It is updated periodically.
References
The information is cross-referenced, but acquired from the original source and so there
are no additional references.
Cost
Amazon is selling the print edition for $410 (per volume).
Encyclopedia of Associations: National Organization of the United States
Citation
Gale, (2009). Encyclopedia of Associations: National Organization of the United States .
Detroit: Gale Publishing.
Scope
The material has over 25,000 organizations, some of which are as follows; public
administration, engineering, educational, federations, Social welfare, labor unions,
military, legal, etc.

Format
Print; Two volumes.
Authority
Entries are provided by the organizations listed within the material.
Arrangement/Entries
Eighteen subject sections have entries that detail the contact information of the
organization’s name, founding date, head of the organization, staff, budget, languages,
description, libraries, geographic awards, services, staff, scope, conventions and
meetings, regional affiliates, publications, services, and awards. There is a key of
abbreviations.
Currency
Last edition was published in 2009.
Indexes
The six indexes include a geographic index, keyword and name index, a description of
numbered elements and an executive index.
Cost
$660.00
The Foundation Directory
Citation
Jacobs, D. G. (2008). The Foundation directory, 2008. New York: Foundation Center.
Scope
A listing of private foundations affording grants to the community projects in the United
States.
Format
Print; one volume and Web Based
Authority
Compiled by the staff of the Foundations Center, Inc.
Arrangement/Entries
The material’s entries contain in alphabetical order the address, name, funding
description, data for previous funding years, officer and trustee list, as well as the IRS
Employer Identification Number. The material provides a list of the top ten foundations
reported that fiscal year.
Currency
Yearly.
Indexes
Index contains, Donors, trustees and officers, support, subject, newly added foundations,
and foundation names.
Cost
Subscription costs for web based and 2006 print $195
Foundation Center
Foundation Center. Retrieved on 18 April 2009 from www.fdncenter.org
Scope
This online source provides a virtual ocean of information on foundations that provide
grants. The site provides information on grant-seeking, grant-writing, classes and
tutorials for grant-seekers as well as non-profit managers/fundraisers and a large,
librarian-approved reference guide to over 20 different topics.
Audience
The audience for this website includes individuals seeking grants, grant fundraisers, grant
makers, the media and the general public.
Format
This online format is user-friendly and efficient. There are five main drop-down menus
(Get Started, Find Funders, Gain Knowledge, View Events and Shop) as well as ten
buttons across the top of the screen. There is a Welcome box and a What’s
New/Headlines/Events box on the homepage too.
Authority
The website is run by the Foundation Center, a non-profit founded in 1956. The
Foundation is a well-respected authority on philanthropy, non-profits and grant makers.
Their mission is to broaden public knowledge about U.S. philanthropies.
Selection
They seek to publish all useful information about U.S. grants and philanthropies.
Comprehensiveness
The website provides a bevy of information on foundations, philanthropies and grant
makers, including a “foundation finder” service. The finder provides the contact
information, the types of grants made, the IRS exemption status, the tax data and the EIN
of the foundation. The “trend tracker” provides charts on philanthropies financial activity
and the “990 finder” provides the total assets, type of form, number of pages and EIN for
the philanthropy (all told, approximately 500 words on each foundation/philanthropy).
Currency
The website claims that the website is updated daily.
References
The website refers to their Foundations Online subscription service, their daily news
service Philanthropy News Digest and their annual Foundations Today Series.
Cost
This website is free to the public.
Foundations Online
Citation
Foundations On-line. Retrieved 19 April 2009 from http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/
Scope
This is a subscription service that allows users to search the Foundation Center databases.
These databases include information on over 95,000 foundations, corporate donors and
grant-making public charities in the U.S. and 1.3 million of their recent grants.
Audience
The site is intended for grant-seekers, grant-makers, policy makers and the media.
Format
The online format requires a certain amount of work on the user’s part—there are many
boxes to be filled in and it takes a certain amount of time. However, nothing compared to
writing an actual grant application, so in that sense it’s a gentle foreboding of what’s to
come. The homepage includes four main categories: Search Grantmakers, Search
Companies, Search Grants and Search 990s. There are tutorials and tours of the site, free
newsletters, Eye on FDO (blog), foundation-related stories and Update Central.
Authority
The authority of the site is based on that of the Foundation Center, a non-profit founded
in 1956. The Foundation is a well-regarded authority on philanthropies, non-profits and
other grant makers. Their mission is to broaden public knowledge about U.S.
philanthropies.
Selection
All respected U.S. grant-making organizations are included—however, in a search, the
searcher may limit the organizations to those that have given out grants recently. The
searcher will also limit the search by state, type of grant making organization, type of
grant, etc.
Comprehensiveness
The FDO provides all of the necessary information for a grant-seeker to assess a
philanthropy: a profile, basic information about the philanthropy, the donor, the
background of the philanthropy, their limitations, their purpose and activities, their
program areas, fields of interest, geographic focus, types of support, publications,
application information, officers and trustees, number of staff, memberships, financial
data, additional location information and selected grants (each entry, in its entirety
contains thousands of words).
Currency
The site is worked on daily and the information is updated regularly, as needed.
References
Foundation and philanthropy websites are referenced.
Cost
The cost of a subscription begins at $19.95 a month; however, the site can be accessed for
free at at all Foundation Centers and collaborating sites.
Hoover’s Online
Citation
Hoovers. Retrieved on 17 April 2009 from www.hoovers.com
Scope
Hoovers offers business information and analysis on its website through a database of
over 25 million corporations and organizations. It offers free and paid-subscription only
information.
Audience
Hoovers main source of revenue comes from selling its paid-subscription services to
marketing, sales and business development professionals.
Format
Hoovers is online as well as published in a print form. The online form includes tabs for
Companies, People, Industries and Expert Advice as well as newsletters and two blogs
(bizmologies). Searchers can browse through companies alphabetically or geographically
as well as view industry overviews.
Authority
Hoovers has been a subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) since 2003. D&B is one of
the best recognized and regarded names in business information and research in the field.
Selection
All pertinent information on corporations and organizations business information is
included in the database.
Comprehensiveness
Each entry offers a brief overview of the subject and then, for the companies it states the
headquarters, the news about the company, the financials and the jobs (all the data
together is about 1500 words). In the case of industry overviews, there are 11 subject
headings (under which are over a hundred sub-categories): Construction and Real Estate;
Finance and Insurance; Food and Agriculture; Healthcare; Manufacturing; Public Service,
Education and Recreation; Retails; Services; Technology and Communications;
Transportation, Energy and Storage; and Wholesale.
Currency (which will include frequency of publication)
References
Though most of the articles were written for Hoover, often the author’s name and home
institution are listed (as proof of authority). Hoovers also includes information from
TheLadders.com, Going Public LLC, Comcast Business, Franchise Gator, Kolbe Corp.
and features sponsors (e.g., The Ladders) as well as partners (e.g., Franchise Gator).
Cost
The student rate subscription begins at $50/month, the executive at $75/month or $845
for the year.
Literary Market Place
Citation
Information Today, Inc. (2008). Literary market place: LMP 2009 : the directory of the
American book publishing industry with industry yellow pages. Medford, NJ:
Information Today.
Scope
Literary Market Place is a complete business directory for the American book publishing
industry. It attempts to include all United States and Canadian publishers who produce
more than three books annually. This does not apply to publishers to dictionaries,
encyclopedias, atlases, Braille books, or University Presses. Literary agents are only
included Literary Market Place has received three letters of recommendations from
publishers, on the list, that have worked with the agent.
Format
This text is available in print, the newest edition is 2009.
Authority
If any type of mistake is found within the text corrections can be submitted to the editors
through the website.
Arrangement/Entries
Entries are arranged in two easy to use volumes and 54 sections meant to organize
everyone and everything having to do with the publishing industry. Volume one contains
publishing industry information such as book publishers in the United States, Canada,
and internationally if they have a U.S. office, book clubs, distributors, agents,
organizations, events and literary awards. Each entry contains the name of the
organization, address, telephone number, key personnel, branch offices, annotations and
some descriptive information about the company. The second volume contains “yellow
pages” of the industry and a directory of publishers and their toll free numbers. The
“yellow pages” contains and alphabetical list of companies and personnel.

Currency
Literary market Place gets published annually with additions and revisions to old entries.
Indexes
This text contains four indexes: Company Index; Personnel index; directory of
publishers’ toll free numbers; and a general index to all of the sections.
Cost
The 2009 print version of this text can be purchased for $309.00.
Literary Market Place Online
Citation
Information Today, (2009). Literary Market Place Online. Retrieved April 19, 2009, from
Literary Market Place Web site: http://www.literarymarketplace.com
Scope
This text has a similar scope to that of Literary Market Place however in addition to that
printed text International Literary Market Place is also included. International Literary
Market Place adds information from more than 180 countries.
Format
Online, it is the electronic version of Literary Market Place and International Literary
Market Place.
Authority
If any type of mistake is found within the text corrections can be submitted to the editors
through the website.
Arrangement / Entries
The online version of Literary Market Place has joined with International Literary
Market Place to bring subscribers listings on more than 30,000 companies, books,
periodicals, awards, organizations, agents, and more. Search options on the website
include quick search and advanced search. In advanced search there are four options to
limit results and obtain the desired results quickly including: Publishers; Agents; Trade
Services; and Trade Resources. Other search options include subject search, location,
and name. In addition to the search options it is possible to view alphabetical listings of
publishers, agents, and several industry services. Similar to the print text entries contain
name, address, telephone number, key personnel, annotations, and some more descriptive
company information.
Currency
literarymarketplace.com is updated continuously.
Cost
An annual subscription to literarymarketplace.com cost $399.00 or a weekly subscription
can be purchased for $19.99.
National Faculty Directory
Citation
Gale Group, & MSGi Direct. (2001). National faculty directory. Detroit: Gale Group.
Scope
National Faculty Directory is a list of more 900,000 members of teaching faculties in the
United States and some Canadian institutions. Community colleges, four-year colleges,
and universities are included. The text covers more than 4,600 American colleges, and
240 Canadian institutions that use English instructional materials. Faculty members
included in this text are obtained from class schedules and academic catalogs.
Format
This directory is available in print format and through Gale Directory Library.
Authority
This text is published by Gale.
Arrangement/Entries
Each entry includes the name of the faculty member in bold print, their job title, address,
institution name, department, and phone number. Entries are arranged in alphabetical
order according to surname.
Currency
This text is updated annually, each October, with supplements being published annually
in April. Each supplement contains the names of faculty members not included in the
most recent edition.
Cost
The most recent edition, edition 40, of the 2008 National Faculty Directory is available
through Gale for $1124.00.
Peterson’s
Citation
Peterson’s. Retrieved April 19, 2009 from http://www.petersons.com/
Scope
Peterson’s is a website that contains information on colleges, universities, graduate
schools, career schools, online and continuing education, summer opportunities, study
abroad, and K-12 schools and programs. In addition to basic information on each of
these types of programs there is also financial aid such as scholarship information, and
payment planning; college planning; test preparation; chats with experts; and career
exploration.
Format
Peterson’s is available in print and online from http://www.petersons.com/.
Authority
Peterson’s has been published since 1966.
Arrangement/Entries
Entry information contains names of schools, location of schools, amount of students
enrolled, SAT scores, ACT scores, tuition, and entrance difficulty. Some entries also have
an extend listing with virtual tours, pictures, and live chats. Entries can be located
through school searches. Search criteria on the site includes: location; size; male-female
ratios; GPA; Selectivity; majors; clubs; housing; and more. Searches can also be done by
subject or name.
Currency
This website is updated continuously.
Cost
Website is available free of cost.
PhoneDisc
Scope
PhoneDisc is a CD-ROM phone number listing of business, and residential listings.
Through PhoneDisc several options such as PhoneDisc Business which offers 9.5 million
business listings or PhoneDisc USA Residential which contains 81 million residential
listings are available. Items are collected from phone books, and from mailing lists.
Format
This is a CD-ROM format phone number directory.
Authority
Published by Info USA
Currency
Does not seem to be produced any longer
Publishers Directory
Citation
Publishers directory. (2008). Detroit: Thomson Gale.
Scope
Publisher’s Directory includes approximately 30,000 United States and Canadian
publisher, distributor, and wholesalers. Companies included range from small presses to
groups promoting special interests from ethnic heritage to alternative medical treatments.
Format
Available in print and online.
Authority
Published by Gale Publishing.
Arrangement/Entries
Entries include full contact information; basic information about the publisher including
sales, numbers of employees, date founded, affiliates, mergers, number of new titles, total
titles, description of activities, ISNBs, and other useful data; subjects of concentration;
listings of key officers and personnel; special services; subdivision and branch offices;
and more. Entries are organized alphabetically by the name of the publisher.
Currency
The next edition to be available will be in November of 2009. This text is updated twice
a year.
Indexes
Indexes give access point through name, imprints, areas of specialization and
geographically.
Cost
The print edition of the text cost $641.00 while for information on the online version a
person must contact Gale Publishing’s representatives.
Research Centers and Services Directories
Citation
Research Centers and Services Directory. Retrieved April 20, 2009 from
http://www.gale.cengage.com/pdf/facts/rcsd.pdf
Scope
Research Centers and Services Directory is a comprehensive guide to nonprofit research
organizations — government, university, independent nonprofit and commercial R&D
organizations operating in the U.S and throughout the world.
Format
This is a web-based resource.
Authority
The information is compiled by Gale-Cengage, a leading database vendor.
Arrangement/Entries
Searchable fields include: Research facility/institution name, Alternate and former
name(s), Acronym, contact information, Head of organization, E-mail and home page,
Sources of support, Annual research budget, Affiliations, Memberships, Research

activities and fields, Special resources, Publications and services, Meetings/educational
activities, Awards (Fellowships, grants, scholarships and other forms of
financial assistance), subject descriptor, and more.
Currency
Updated constantly
Indexes
N/A
Cost
Varies depending on ordering institution.
Research Centers Directory
Citation
Research Centers Directory. (2004). (31st ed.) Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale.
Scope
This directory lists nearly 13,700 university-related and other nonprofit research
organizations with established, permanent research programs in agriculture, astronomy
and space sciences, behavioral and social sciences, biological sciences and ecology,
business and economics, computers and mathematics, education, engineering and
technology, government and public affairs, humanities and religion, labor and industrial
relations, law, medical sciences, physical and earth sciences, and regional and area
studies.
Format
This is a print directory published in two volumes. It is also available in electronic
format on CD-ROM.
Authority
Published by Thomson Gale, one of the leading authorities in reference titles.
Arrangement/Entries
Listings are arranged into 17 sections by subject, which are grouped into five broad
categories. Entries are arranged alphabetically within each section. The first volume
contains an introduction, a user's guide, a list of abbreviations and the descriptive listings.
The second volume contains the four indexes.
Currency
This volume was published in 2004. A supplement titled New Research Centers is
available between printings of new editions.
Indexes
The second volume contains four indexes. The Master Index is a arranged alphabetically
and contains former names. The Personal Name Index lists alphabetically the names of
all research staff listed in the directory. The Geographic Index lists centers by the city
and state or province in which they are based and includes complete contact information.
The Subject Index provides terms and cross-references for classifying research centers
based on their primary fields of study.
Standard & Poor’s Register of Corporations, Directors, and Executives
Citation
Standard & Poor’s Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives. (2009).
Charlottesville, VA: McGraw-Hill
Scope
The Register provides descriptive listings of over 75,000 corporations, the names and
titles of over 390,000 executives, and 77,000 biographical sketches of top-level managers
in the United States and Canada.
Format
The Register is published in two print volumes.
Authority
Information in the directory originates from Standard & Poor’s databases, and is revised
with the assistance of daily news services, press announcements, trade publications, and
contact with listed companies.

Arrangement/Entries
Volume 1 contains an alphabetical listing of corporations by name. Each entry includes
the company’s contact information, officer descriptions, the names of company service
providers, stock information, a description of the company’s products and services, North
American Industrial Classification System code, annuals sales, number of employees,
division names and functions, subsidiaries, and affiliates. Volume 2 has two sections.
The first contains individual listings of directors and executives, along with their business
affiliations, contact information, year and place of birth, college and year of graduation,
and fraternal memberships. The second section contains the indices.
Currency
The 2009 Register contains over 600 new corporate listings and over 11,500 new
individual listings. It is updated yearly.
Indexes
The second section of Volume 2 contains the indices, which are divided into seven
sections. These include: a guide to the use of NAICS code numbers, a cross-reference to
listed corporations by NAICS number, a geographical index, a corporate family index, an
obituary section, a list of new individual additions, and a list of new company additions.
Subject Collections
Citation
Subject Collections. (1993). (7th ed.). New Providence, NJ: R.R. Bowker
Scope
This directory provides a listing of special book collections and subject emphases as
reported by university, college, public, and special libraries and museums in the United
States and Canada.
Format
Published in two print volumes
Authority
To compile the directory, editors sent questionnaires to listed institutions. Entries that
were compiled through research by the editors have been marked with a dagger.
Arrangement/Entries
Entries are arranged geographically under Library of Congress Subject Headings, then
alphabetically by the name of the library. The first volume contains subject headings
from A to L and the second volume contains M to Z.
Currency
The most recent edition was published in 1993.
Indexes
No index
Cost
Unavailable
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers
Citation
Thomas Publishing Company. (2003). Thomas register of American manufacturers,
2003. New York: Thomas Pub.
Scope
Thomas Register of American Manufactures, 2003 edition, contains 20 volumes of
information on products and services of approximately 160,000 United States companies.
Format
Thomas Register is available in print, CD-ROM, and electronically through Dialog. It is
also available on the internet at http://www.thomasnet.com/ for free.
Authority
Published by Thomas Publishing.
Arrangement/Entries
The 20 volumes of this text are divided into three sections: Products and Services;
Catalog File; and Company Profiles. Volumes 1 through 17 contain the products and
services, offering a subject approach to the text. These entries are arranged alphabetically
by the service or product. Within each product or service entry manufacturers or sources
are listed by state and organized within states alphabetically. Each of these entries
includes company name and contact information. Volumes 18 and 19 contain the
company profiles organized alphabetically. Each entry includes typical directory
information such as company name, phone numbers, addresses, and type of product
offered. Additional information could include: president’s name; subsidiaries and
divisions of the company; and a complete product line. The Catalog File section contains
the complete, current catalogs for more than 2,000 companies. These catalogs are cross-
referenced to entries in the first two sections of the text.
Currency
This text is updated annually. Online versions are updated more often, for example
Dialog updates quarterly.
Indexes
Volume 17 contains the index of products and services. It can be found directly
following that section of the text. Volume 17 also contains the trademarks and brand
names index.
Cost
The complete text is available on the web at http://www.thomasnet.com/ free of change.

The World of Learning
Citation
The Europa world of learning 2009. (2008). London: Routledge.
Scope
The World of Learning is an international directory which provides information on
research institutions, libraries, museums, and universities. The World of Learning
includes more than 30,000 profiles of academic institutions and more than 200,000 staff.
Each type of place of higher learning is included in the text including 6,200 entries in
Universities and colleges, 6,600 research institutions, 3,000 museums and art galleries,
5,300 learned societies, 2,500 libraries and archives, and 26,000 publications.
Format
This directory is available in both print and online formats.
Authority
It is published by Routledge and the 2009 edition will is its 58.
Arrangement/Entries
The minimum entry within this text contains the name of the institution, address, and
telephone number. Other features which can be contained in each entry include: number
of teachers and students; publication produced by the institution; institutions affiliated
with it; names of faculty members; e-mail addresses; and collection details. Entries are
organized by country. Within each country section there are further subdivisions into
museums or art galleries, learned societies, libraries, universities and colleges, and others.
Each institution is then organized alphabetically.
Currency
This text is updated annually.
Indexes
An alphabetical index is provided at the end of the volume.
Cost
The 2009 print edition can be purchased from amazon.com for $633.93.
Yearbook of International Organizations
Citation
Yearbook of International Organizations (1978). Brussels: Union of International
Associations.
Scope
This directory provides listings of governmental and non-governmental organizations
from around the world that have an international focus.
Format
The book was published as a single print volume. The current edition is published in six
volumes, and a CD-ROM version exists as well.
Authority
Inclusion in the directory was determined by the aims of the organization, its
membership, structure, finance, relations with other organizations, activities, and other
internationally based criteria.
Arrangement/Entries
The Yearbook is divided into two sections. Section A provides descriptive listings of
entries arranged by a number assigned by the publisher. Each entry includes the
organization’s name, addresses, date established, aims, structure, staff, languages,
finance, consultative status, NGO relations, activities, conferences, publications,
members, and classification. Section B provides a listing of organizations with their
numbers and inactive and defunct organizations.
Currency
The only edition I had access to was published in 1975. The most recent volume was
published in six volumes in 2009. A new edition is published yearly.
Indexes
The book contains seven indexes, which provide cross-references to listings by subject,
region, English name, other-language names, geographic location, initials and acronyms,
English keyword, and French keyword.
Cost
The most recent edition may be purchased from the publisher for $2894.
Biographical Resources
AnyWho Directories
Citation
AnyWho Directories. Retrieved April 19, 2009 from http://anywho.com/
Scope
AnyWho Directory is an online directory that contains White Pages which a reverse
lookup, Yellow Pages, Maps and driving directions, and an area code lookup.
Format
AnyWho Directory is strictly and online phone service.
Authority
White Page information is provided by Intelius Inc. and is derived from public records.
Yellow page information is obtained from yellowpages.com.

Arrangement/Entries
Entries contain the name of the person, the address, and phone number. White page
searches can be completed if the last name of the person is known along with the state,
city, zip code, or first name. Background and e-mail searches are also available though
this option. A reverse lookup can be completed if the phone number is known. Yellow
pages can be searched by general subject or by specific company or organization. Results
are limited by location.
Currency
Entries are updated on a continuous basis.
Cost
This website is free to use.
Biographies:
Almanac of Famous People
Scope
Guide to more than 36,000 famous and infamous newsmaker from biblical times to
present day. Entries detail the best known name of the individual, the complete name of
the individual, the nickname, name of a group he or she was/is associated with; dates and
places of birth and when appropriate death; as well as the nationality and occupation.
Those considered newsworthy are those who earned popular recognition, caused
controversy, or involved in scandal or crime. The persons are covered internationally.
Audience
Public or University libraries.
Format
Print
Selection
By the Gale Group
Comprehensiveness
There is an extensive list of popular reference sources such as indexes chronologically by
year, date, geography, and occupation.
Cost
$195.00
American National Biography
Scope
Over 400 biographies of people who died between 1996-early 2001. Some persons
mentioned include slaves, composers, assassins, and first ladies. The focus is on people of
American decent, around 17,500 historical figures are profiled.
Audience
Those inquiring about American history, university and school libraries.
Format
Print and Web Based; 24 volumes
Selection
Complicated and produced by the American Council of Learned Societies.
Comprehensiveness
It is indexed by occupations and realms of renown.
Cost
$1,995
Biographical Information
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/rex/erefs/biography.htm
http://www.uiuc.libguides.com/content.php?pid=2438 **Link did not work but I found
the biographical section of the university of Illinois Library web site.
Scope
General reference sources well detail prominent historical figures with a brief overview
of biographical information.
Audience
Students of the University of Illinois
Format
Web based
Selection
Based on reliable and affordable databases for the University.
Comprehensiveness
National and International searches for bibliographic sources, people, obituaries and other
people in the news, Genealogy Master Index, Biography Resource Center which contains
over 325,000 people through history around the world spanning many disciplines and
subject areas. There are over 427,000biographies from over 960 volumes and more than
135 Gale sources with full-text articles from over 270 magazines.
Currency
Updated frequently.
References
University librarians in the serials acquisitions department.
Cost
No cost to students (other than tuition cost)
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/rex/erefs/biography.htm
Citation
Biography. Retrieved 20 April 2009 from
http://www.library.uiuc.edu/rex/erefs/biography.html
Scope
This source is an index of electronic biography resources. It includes 17 databases, 2 of
which are open and accessible to the general public and 15 of which are subscription
services.
Audience
The audience for this website would undoubtedly be college and university students and
staff.
Format
This is an online resource.
Authority
The reference staff at the University Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign (the main U. of Illinois campus) is the authority for the source.
Selection
The site includes electronic biographical information that is deemed to be useful in
college level research.
Comprehensiveness
Each entry gives a comprehensive explanation of the site, its uses and the types of entries
it provides. Entries on this site are approximately 350 words long.
Currency
The website is updated frequently: more than once a month.
References
Within the short explanations of the site there is no room for additional references.
However, many of the websites that are linked to include references in their entries.
Cost
This is a free service.
Biography and Genealogy Master Index
Scope/Purpose
Shows multiple listings for the same person, more than 12 million biographical sketches,
biographical dictionaries, who’s whos, subject encyclopedias, volumes of literary
criticism, indexes of reference books containing multiple biographies.
Format
Print; three volumes
Selection
Compiled by Mirana C. Herbert and Barbara McNeil.
Comprehensiveness
Extensively give biographies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Individuals
names, birth, and death dates when appropriate.
Currency
Updates added to next edition.
References
Source document is included in the entry.
Cost
$325
Biography.com
Scope
Biography videos, audio, people database, top ten searched biographies, Bio channel
television shows, top ten searched videos, and other related sites on AETN networks.
Audience
Biography channel viewers and other television viewers or internet inquirers.
Format
Web Based and television channel.
Comprehensiveness
Very lengthy biographies that include picture of the individual, videos and images related
to the individual, a photo gallery, related projects of the person, people related to the
person who are of significance, and related sites.

Cost
Free
Biography Index
Citation
Biography Index. Webb, W. (ed.). NY: H.W. Wilson, 1984.
Biography Index. Retrieved on 19 April from
http://www.hwwilson.com/databases/bioind.htm
Scope
The indicies are published quarterly with annual cumulations beginning in 1946 to the
present. The information from the 1984 and onwards cumulations can be found in the
database. Each year the Index covers the over 3000 publications indexed by Wilson, plus
other selected journals and 2000 biographies or collective biographies or books that
contain some biographical materials.
Audience
The Index is intended for a general and scholarly audience.
Format
In addition to the print format, there is an online format Biography Index 1984-present
and a retrospective (which includes the new materials as well) Biography Index Past and
Present.
Authority
H.W. Wilson is one of the most well-regarded publishers in the industry; it is an authority
in and of itself.
Selection
The Index includes such biographical items as interviews, poetry, obituaries, collections
of letters, diaries, memoirs and bibliographies.
Comprehensiveness
The Index is intended to be comprehensive. Entries are listed alphabetically, letter by
letter, by last name—they are very short, approximately 50 words and the list of
abbreviations is essential in discerning an entry’s meaning.
Currency
Originally published quarterly with annual cumulations, the online version is now revised
at least monthly with daily updates.
References
The print version includes a Checklist of Composite Books Analyzed for the reader to
refer to.
Cost
Print editions (retrospective available only) are $395 and an online subscription is also
$395.
Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia
Citation
Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. New York: Cambridge University Press,
1998.
Scope
The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia (CBE) contains approximately 11,600
biographies ranging from a sentence or two to full length treatments. More attention is
paid to 20th c. personalities and special attention has been put to redressing the imbalance
found in many biographical dictionaries regarding their coverage of minorities.
Audience
The CBE is geared towards a general audience as well as students.
Format
The CBE is available in print—the information contained within CBE is available on
www.biography.com the website for the A&E’s Biography television series.
Authority
Cambridge University Press is the oldest printer and publisher in the world and one of the
largest academic publishers. It is a name so well-known that nearly anyone, scholar,
student or layman alike, will have heard of it and trust it.
Selection
In addition to making a concerted effort to include more women, African-Americans,
Aborigines and Maori, the CBE makes a point of including an international variety of
personalities, especially those from English speaking countries.
Comprehensiveness (which will include length of entry)
Organized alphabetically, the Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia contains around
1600 full length entries. In addition there is a 150 page Ready Reference section of short
entries on over 10,000 people. Most entries are around 70 words, but there are a few
cases of whole page biographical essays. Each entry includes birth time/place
information, family, career and any other pertinent information about the person.
Currency
The 2nd edition has 500 additional people and has coverage through the year 1998.
References
The print version includes cross-references—the online version does as well and also
includes references to other books on the same person.

Cost
This can be purchased from Amazon.com for anywhere from $3-$41.
Contemporary Authors
Citation
Contemporary Authors. Retrieved on 19 April 2009 via the New York Public Library’s
Access to Galenet.
Scope
The electronic version has 135,298 contemporary authors. This source lists biographical
details on current writers as well as well-known 20th c. literary figures; on journalists,
non-fiction writers, novelists, playwrights, poets and screenwriters.
Audience
This source is geared towards students, book club members, journalists and legal
departments.
Format
This source is available in print editions as well as electronically. The print editions are
no longer being produced.
Authority
Information is generally provided by the authors themselves or by their publishers—so
the authority is fairly well-informed. The publisher, Gale, is widely recognized for their
research materials and is a highly-respectable authority.
Selection
Authors listed are generally those who have been published in commercial print or by
university presses—the list also includes prominent journalists, cartoonists and
screenwriters as well as the literary greats of the early 20th century.
Comprehensiveness
Each entry contains a full length profile of the author ranging anywhere from 5500 words
to 12,000 or more. Most entries include the authors name, personal information
(birthdate/place, family data, etc…), genre, autobiographical essays, pseudonym,
nationality, ethnicity, education, political preference, religion, avocational interests,
addresses, career summary, memberships, awards and honors, biographical and critical
sources.
Currency
Data updates are continuous online. The print version is updated periodically.
References
Each entry includes further reading on or about the personality profiled.

Cost
The print version can be purchased on Amazon.com for $255 and for the online
subscription, interested parties must contact Gale directly.
Current Biography
Citation
Current Biography Yearbook 2004. Thompson, C. (ed.). NY: H.W. Wilson, 2004.
Wilson Current Biography. Retrieved on 20 April 2009 from
http://www.ovid.com/site/catalog/DataBase/174.jsp
Scope
Each yearbook contains new and updated biographical profiles and thus supersedes the
previous edition. The electronic version contains more than 15,580 biographies and more
than 9260 obituaries covering 15,000 individuals from 1940 to today.
Audience
The Current Biography series is geared towards students, researchers and reference
librarians.
Format
Current Biography is a monthly publication with annual yearbooks. It is available in a
print edition. All biographies from 1940 onwards are available electronically.
Authority
This source is published by Wilson, one of the best-regarded publishers in the industry.
In addition, the writers and editors are all listed.
Selection
Individuals are chosen for selection based on their prominence—Wilson attempts to
include all living leaders in all fields of accomplishment. Obituaries are provided for
these prominent people as well.
Comprehensiveness
In the print edition there are different sections for biographical sketches, obituaries and
then classifications by profession and an index. All are ordered alphabetically. Each
entry provides such biographical information as profession, gender, birthplace, date of
birth, education, race/ethnicity and much more. Entries tend to be fairly long, 2500
words.
Currency
Eleven publications come out a year and then an annual cumulation. 200-450 additional
profiles are added annually. The electronic version is updated regularly.

References
Each entry includes a bibliography. Also, the preface refers to the many magazines,
newspapers, etc. that were used as reference in order to create the biographies and
obituaries.
Cost
An annual subscription is $175 and a single copy can be purchased for $50.
Dictionary of American Biography
Citation
Dictionary of American Biography. Vol. 22, supp. 2. New York: Scribner’s, 1958.
Scope
This supplement to the Dictionary of American Biography (DAB) covers biographies of
well known American who died between 1936-1940. The DAB itself covers biographies
from the beginning of our national entity until the early part of the 1930s. The first
supplement picks up there and covers biographies of well-known Americans until 1935.
Audience
The DAB is intended for a general as well as scholarly audience.
Format
The DAB is in a print version; 20 volumes of the original with 10 supplements extending
up to the year 1980.
Authority
DAB is published by Scribner’s, one of the oldest and most venerable publishing houses
in the U.S. (it was purchased by Gale a decade ago). Entries are signed by the authors.
Selection
Biographies of the best known Americans (as understood by Scribner’s) are included in
each the original 20 volumes, alphabetically. Each supplement includes biographies of
well-known individuals who have died within the four year period the supplement covers.
Comprehensiveness
Signed entries contain approximately 600-6000 words; there are also mini-biographies
that have fewer words. Entries are fair and objective and the preface claims that every
effort was made to secure new information and not to simply rehash old standards.
However, there are fewer minorities represented here than there should be.
Currency
The most recent edition, supplement 10 includes biographies of well-known Americans
who died before 1980. Each supplement also includes corrections to the most recent
edition.
References
Each entry includes a list of references at the end that will help the scholar or student find
out more information about the individual.
Cost
Copies of the DAB can be gotten on Amazon.com for $75-$350.
Dictionary of American Negro Biography
Citation
Logan, R. W., & Winston, M. R. (1982). Dictionary of American Negro biography. New
York: Norton.
Scope
Dictionary of American Negro Biography includes more than 700 entries of African
Americans who have contributed to the history of America over more than three decades.
People included range from athletes, artists, and scientists to cowboys, and explorers.
Audience
This work is geared toward reference work and being used in a library.
Format
Dictionary of American Negro Biography is available in print format.

Authority
This text took more than ten years to compile and includes many facts that previously
unknown to anyone but experts. It is published by W.W. Norton. Each essay included is
written by an expert and is signed by the author.
Selection
People included must be African Americans who contributed significantly to the history
of America.
Comprehensiveness
Entries are arranged in alphabetical order based on the surname. Each entry ranges from
a few paragraphs to several pages. They each include the name in bold font, birth and
death dates, and an essay which includes a short biography and important events in the
person life. No index is included in this work.
Currency
The text was first published in 1982. It has not but updated or edited since.
References
References are included at the end of each entry. The type of reference is explained by
the author such as “Basic Facts can be found at…” or “… has many useful references.”
Cost
This text can be purchased through Amazon.com of only $9.00; the original cost was $50.
Dictionary of National Biography
Citation
Stephen, L., & Lee, S. (1909). The Dictionary of national biography. New York:
Macmillan.
Scope
The 1996 version of Dictionary of National Biography included essay entries about
37,986 deceased people from Great Britain, Ireland and the British Colonies. Since the
original was published in 1909, ten supplements have been released.
Format
Dictionary of National Biography is available in Print, CD-ROM, and online through
subscription formats. Some information is available through the online version free of
charge.
Authority
This text is published by Oxford, since 1917, and each essay included in the collection is
written by scholars.
Selection
Any deceased person who lived in Great Britain, Ireland, or one of its colonies and
contributed to the history of Great Britain can be included in this text.
Comprehensiveness
Each entry contains and essay ranging from a few paragraphs to more than 100 pages.
On average the length of the essay is approximately one page. Each essay includes
information such as birth and death dates, facts and dates from the subject’s personal life
as well as the public life, and important events. These essays are easy to understand.
Other helpful features include an index also known as Concise Dictionary of National
Biography that serves the original printing and all supplements. This text also gives a
brief introduction to each person included in the larger text.
The online text contains more than 56,862 biographies and 10,400 illustrations. Through
CD-ROM and online versions keyword searching is available.
Currency
Some essay date back to the original publication of the text, however new entries are
added consistently with ten supplements since the first printing.
References
References on the sources used to write each biographical essay are provided a the end of
the essay.
Cost
The online version is available for either $295 for one year or $29.95 a month. For the
newest edition through Oxford the print version costs $2,500.
Encyclopedia of World Biography
Citation
Gale Research Inc. (1998). Encyclopedia of world biography. Detroit: Gale Research.
The International Who's Who, 2000. 63rd ed. London: Europa, 1999.
Scope
Encyclopedia of World Biography contains 17 volumes with more than 7,000 entries of
notable people from all over the world, although an effort was made to include Asian and
African historical figures. Entries include both the living and dead from all professions.
The new additional also has 500 completely new entries.
Audience
This text is geared toward school age children but is very useful to all age groups through
adulthood.
Format
This text is available in print, ebook, and online through a subscription with Gale’s
Biographical Resource Center which also provides access to Who’s Who and others.
Authority
Each article is written by a scholar who is extremely well versed on the subject. The
articles were signed in the 1973 edition but not in this edition. The text is also published
by Gale Research Inc.
Selection
The selection of people was done to include individuals who were useful to school age
children through college. A special effort was made to include people of Asian and
African cultures.
Comprehensiveness
This text contains 17 volumes with more than 7,000 entries. The seventeenth volume of
the text is an index. Entries are arranged alphabetically by surname with portraits
included where available. The length of each entry differs between person but most
include birth and death dates and locations, a short description of why there are included,
and a detailed biography with information such as childhood, school years and college,
inspirations, events leading to their major achievements, their major achievements, and
life afterwards.
Currency
The 1998 edition of the Encyclopedia of World Biography contains 40 % more
information than the 1973. This update was the first in more than 25 years. Supplements
are printed every year to provide new entries as well as revisions to ones already
included.
References
Each entry includes a “further reading” section and some have an “Additional Sources’
sections which provide articles, books, and even websites that contain more information.
Cost
The print format can be purchased for $1559.00.
The International Who’s Who
Citation
The international who's who 2007. (2006). London: Routledge.
Scope
The International Who’s Who includes biographical information for approximately
20,000 individuals from all over the world. Professions included range from business,
politics, international affairs, diplomacy, and law to art, music, fashion, and sports. There
is also a separate section that gives information on royal families based on country of
origin.
Audience
This text is specifically geared toward reference work and use within a library.
Format
This text is available in print, CD-ROM, and online through a subscription with
http://www.worldwhoswho.com.
Authority
It is published by Routledge.
Selection
The editors attempted to include all individuals who have risen to the top of their
respective fields. There are no limits based on profession or location however, people
must be alive in order to be included.
Comprehensiveness
Covering more than 20,000 individuals from all of the world and from all different
occupations. Entries are arranged alphabetically by surname. Entries are fairly short
with the person names, birth date, nationality, field, and degrees all listed quickly.
Additional sections under each person include education, career information, any
publications, and contact information when available.
The online format include more than 60,000 detailed biographies with entries including
information such as nationality, date and place of birth, education, family details, career
information, and contact information.

Currency
This text is updated annually. People who have died during the course of the previous
year are removed from the text, and are included in an obituary page within the text along
with their date of death.
References
No reference information is given in this text.
Cost
The print edition of this text costs $570.00.
Marquis Who's Who
Scope
The Marquis Who’s Who database provides access to biographies published in the
Marquis Who’s Who print series. The text is international in scope with no limits based
on occupation. Some texts included in this online database include Who’s Who in
America, Who’s Who in Entertainment, Who’s Who in Religion, Who’s Who in Science
and Engineering, Who Was Who, and many others.
Audience
This text is appropriate for everyone.

Format
This format of Marquis Who’s Who is the online database available by Reed Reference
Publishing.
Authority
Published by Reed Reference. All information included in the text is provided to the
editors by the subjects.
Selection
The selection of information is determined by the text versions. The 2000 edition of the
text states that it is the goal to “list people who, through their careers, affect the political,
economic, scientific, and artistic life of the country.” There are no limited based on
locations or occupation. Some print texts included allow only persons who are still alive
to be included while others such as Who Was Who only include those that have died,
others include both.
Comprehensiveness
The database has an easy to use interface and allows for searching for more than a million
biographies. Entries are able to be searched through 15 different criteria. The search can
incorporate the entire body of printed text or can be limited. Most entries include the
vital statistics of the person, education, family background, religious and political
affiliations, contact information, career history, public works, club and professional
memberships.
Currency
This website is updated daily.
Cost
A subscription to Marquis Who’s Who on the web cost 1,595 per year with discounts
available based on the type of organization using it.
Merriam-Webster's Biographical Dictionary
Citation
Merriam-Webster, Inc. (1995). Merriam-Webster's biographical dictionary. Springfield,
Mass: Merriam-Webster.
Scope
Merriam-Webster’s Biographical Dictionary includes biographical information on people
from all fields of work including sports, politics, business, the arts, popular culture, and
science. Its emphasis is on historical figures from all eras and from all parts of the world.
More than 30,000 individuals are included from around the world including Africa, Latin
America, the Pacific, Europe, and the United States.
Audience
According to the publishers this text is useful for everyone who has ever had to write a
research paper, or had a question about a person in history. It is practical for home,
school, or work use.
Format
It is available in hardcover print format from Merriam-Webster.
Authority
Published by Merriam-Webster. It has been published since 1943, the 1995 edition is the
most recent, and is considered essential for ready reference. Entries are collected and
edited by the experts at Merriam-Webster.
Selection
This dictionary attempts to include as many noteworthy names from across time periods,
the world, and fields of work.
Comprehensiveness
This dictionary provides short, usually one paragraph, entries. The entries are organized
alphabetically according to surname. Information contained in each entry includes a
definition of who the person was, the proper pronunciation of the surname, dates of birth
and death, significant events in the individuals; career, nicknames, and pseudonyms.
There are numerous cross-references included throughout. Other useful features are keys
to abbreviations and pronunciation symbols.

Currency
The 1995 edition is the most recent and contains 287 new entries as well as revisions to
entries from the 1988 edition.
References
There are not further suggestions for readings included in the entries.
Cost
The Merriam-Webster’s Pocket Biographical Dictionary is available for 3.95.
New York Times Biographical Service
Citation
New York Times Biographical Service (2001). New York: New York Times.
Scope
This source is a compilation of biographical information as it appeared in the New York
Times.
Audience
All audiences
Format
Entries are arranged by the date of their publication, and are printed as they appeared in
the New York Times, with pictures included.

Selection
Only individuals who were written about in the New York Times in the year covered by
the most recent edition are included.
Comprehensiveness
N/A
Currency
The latest edition I was able to find of this resource was published in 2001.
References
Compiled from the previous year’s New York Times issues.
Cost
Unknown
Who Was Who
Citation
Who was Who. (1916-1980). (Vols. 1-7). Medford, NJ: Marquis’ Who’s Who.
Scope
This publication serves as a companion to Who’s Who. It provides an index to previous
volumes, and documents biographees who have died.
Audience
Researches in social and political history
Format
This is a print source published in seven volumes.
Authority
Marquis’ Who’s Who is a leading publisher of biographical sources.
Selection
The biographees included in this volume are previous Who’s Who biographees who have
died.
Comprehensiveness
Each volume provides an alphabetical listing of each biographee who died during the
indicated decade, along with their date of birth and death, and an indication of where
their biography can be found in previous volumes of Who’s Who.
Currency
The most recent volume was published in 1996.

References
The information in these volumes were compiled from previous editions of Who’s Who,
along with reports from the estate of the biographees and research by the Marquis’ Who’s
Who staff.
Cost
Unavailable
Who Was Who in America, 2000
Citation
Who was Who in America. Medford, NJ: Marquis’ Who’s Who.
Scope
This biographical dictionary includes profiles of prominent Americans who have died
since their names have last appeared in Who’s Who in America.
Audience
Researchers in political and social history
Format
A new volume of this source is published every year. There are currently 21 print
volumes.
Authority
Selection
Biographees have appeared in previous editions Who’s Who in America, but have died
since its most recent publication.
Comprehensiveness
Each volume provides an alphabetical listing of each biographee who died during the
indicated year, along with their date of birth and death, and an indication of where their
biography can be found in previous volumes of Who’s Who in America.
Currency
The most recent volume was published in 2008.
References
The information in these volumes were compiled from previous editions of Who’s Who,
along with reports from the estate of the biographees and research by the Marquis’ Who’s
Who staff.
Who’s Who in America
Citation
Who’s Who in America. (2009). Medford, NJ: Marquis’ Who’s Who.

Scope
Who’s Who in America is a biographical dictionary focusing on the lives of over 110,000
prominent Americans. The current edition celebrates the publication’s 110th anniversary
with a special, full-color insert.
Format
This source is published in two print volumes.
Authority
Selection
The preface states that individuals are chosen to appear in Who’s Who in America based
on their personal achievements, not by their desire to be listed. It goes on to say that
information is sometimes provided by the biographees, but more often it is collected
independently by the research and editorial staff. An asterisk indicates information that
was researched by Marquis’ Who’s Who.
Comprehensiveness
With over 110,000 listings, the source aims to be as comprehensive as possible in a
limiting medium. Each entry lists the biographee’s full name, occupations, date and place
of birth, family background, education summary, career summary, writings and creative
works, civic and political activities, military service, awards, membership, political
affiliation, religion, avocations, and address.
Currency
This source is published annually. The 2009 edition was published in October of 2008.
References
Biographees are invited to submit their own biographical details, but in many cases the
staff compiles the information from unspecified sources. The preface assures that a
“wide assortment of tools to gather the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date
information available.”
Cost
$789.00
Who’s Who in the World
Citation
Who’s Who in the World. (2009). Medford, NJ: Marquis’s Who’s Who.
Scope
Who’s Who in the World is a biographical dictionary profiles of 74,000 prominent
individuals from around the world, representing virtually every major field of endeavor.
Audience
All audiences
Format
This source is published in a single print volume. Entries are arranged alphabetically by
the last name of the biographee. A professional index is included, which lists and cross-
references entries by the individual’s professional field.
Authority
Selection
The preface states that “individuals profiled in Who’s Who in the World are selected on
the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy
accomplishments, visibility, and prominence, in a field are all taken into account. An
individual’s desire to be listed is not sufficient reason for inclusion. Similarly, wealth and
social position are not relevant criteria.” It goes on to say that information is sometimes
provided by the biographees, but more often it is collected independently by the research
and editorial staff. An asterisk indicates information that was researched by Marquis’
Who’s Who.
Comprehensiveness
This text provides to be as comprehensive as possible in a limiting medium. It covers a
broad spectrum of individuals, and provides a good amount of information about those
individuals. Information provided in the entries include: include information such as
name, occupation, vital statistics, parents, marriage, children, education, professional
certifications, career, career-related information, writings and creative works, civic and
political activities, military service, awards and fellowships, professional association
memberships, clubs, and lodges, political affiliation, religion, achievements, avocations,
home address, and office address. Few, if any entries will contain all of these headings.
Some contain more than others where more information is available.
Currency
This source is published annually. The 2009 edition was published in 2008.
References
No listing of references is provided outside of the assurance in the preface that the staff
uses a “wide assortment of tools to gather the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date
Cost
$590
Who’s Who of American Women
Citation
Who’s Who of American Women. (2009). Medford, NJ: Marquis
Scope
Who’s Who of American Women is a biographical dictionary that includes profiles of
prominent American women. The current issue includes a Then and Now, 1958-2008
feature.
Format
The source is published as a single print volume. Entries are arranged alphabetically by
the last name of the biographee. A geographic and professional index are also included.
Authority
Selection
The preface states: “Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility,
and prominence in a field are all taken into account in making selections for the book.
Final decisions concerning inclusion are made following extensive discussion,
evaluation, and deliberation.”
Comprehensiveness
This text provides to be as comprehensive as possible in a limiting medium. It covers a
broad spectrum of individuals, and provides a good amount of information about those
individuals. Information provided in the entries include: include information such as
name, occupation, vital statistics, parents, marriage, children, education, professional
certifications, career, career-related information, writings and creative works, civic and
political activities, military service, awards and fellowships, professional association
memberships, clubs, and lodges, political affiliation, religion, achievements, avocations,
home address, and office address. Few, if any entries will contain all of these headings.
Some contain more than others where more information is available.
Currency
The source is published biennially. The 2008-2009 edition was published in 2008.
References
Biographees are invited to submit their own biographical details, but in many cases the
staff compiles the information from unspecified sources. The preface assures that a
“wide assortment of tools to gather the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date
Cost
$305
Evaluation Set 6
Group 4
Jessica Venturo evaluated 1, 2, 3, and 4
Terry Wasserman evaluated 5, 6, 7, and 8
Meghan Glasgow evaluated 9, 10, 11, and 12
Christina Hill evaluated 13, 14, and 15
Geographical Resources
Atlas of the World
Citation
Oxford Atlas of the World. (2008). New York: Oxford University Press.
Scope
This book is an all-in-one geography reference, containing full-color world maps,
satellite images, a gazetteer of nations, and a geographic glossary.
Authority
The atlas is published by Oxford University Press, a leader in academic publishing.
Consultants and contributors are listed in prefatory material.
Currency and Accuracy

This edition was published in 2008 and contains up-to-date information on each country.
The atlas is updated and published yearly to reflect global changes.
Balanced Coverage
Every country has been included in this reference book. There is no apparent bias.
Legibility
Maps are readable. The atlas is well-organized overall.
Scale and Projection
Map scales vary based on type. Political, topographical, and city maps are all included.
Colors and Symbols
Maps are in full-color and not cluttered. Symbols are clearly defined.
Index
There are 84,000 names listed in the index. Entries include geographic features as well
as towns and cities. Each entry lists latitude and longitude and letter/figure grid
references.
Price
$80.00
The Chambers World Gazetteer

Citation
Munro, D. (ed.). (1988). Chambers World Gazetteer. New York, NY: Cambridge
University Press
Scope
This is a geographical dictionary published in one volume.
Authority
Published by Cambridge University Press, a leading publisher of academic literature.
The most recent volume was published in 1988, when it was renamed from the
Chambers World Gazetteer. This volume contains entries for the USSR and East and
West Berlin.
Balanced Coverage
Because of its size, this gazetteer excludes some towns and villages below a certain
country’s population threshold, provided they have no historic or societal importance.
Legibility
Guidance notes are provided in the prefatory pages to help the reader navigate the
gazetteer. There is also a “specimen entry” that diagrams a sample entry on a country.
Cross references are provided. Maps are legible.
In the text, the maps are outlines with no physical features that indicate the legislative
districts of each county. Full-color topographic maps are provided in the back.
Colors and Symbols
Full-color maps are provided in the back of the text. The maps are no cluttered. Symbols
are clearly identified.
Index
No index
Price
$44.95
Price
$29.95
The Columbia Gazeteer
Citation
Cohen, S.B. (ed.) (2008) Columbia Gazeteer of the World. New York: Columbia
University Press
Scope
This is a print gazetteer published in four volumes. It contains more than 170,000 entries.
Authority
The Columbia Gazetteer is published by Columbia University Press and is edited by Saul
B. Cohen. A list of contributors and consultants appears in the preliminary pages.
The second edition was published in 2008 and was edited to reflect changes that occurred
in the world between publications.
Balanced Coverage
Entries range from brief mentions of small villages to longer entries on larger, developed
countries.
Legibility
The guide is well organized. Each entry is easy to read and understand.
N/A
Colors and Symbols
N/A
Index
No index
Price
$595
Guide to Places of the World
Citation
Guide to Places of the World. (1987). New York: Reader’s Digest.
Scope
The Guide to Places of the World is a print gazetteer published in a single volume. It
contains about 10,000 entries.
Authority
This gazetteer is published by Reader’s Digest. A full listing of consultants and
contributors is provided in the preliminary pages.

The edition that I evaluated, published in 1987, still lists the USSR and Czechoslovakia
as countries.
Balanced Coverage
Most entries are about 4 to 5 sentences in length. Large cities and countries receive
expanded coverage through inserts and color photographs.
Legibility
Entries are written in natural language. The book is well-organized and easy to follow.
Inserts are written in the style of a magazine feature article.
Maps are small in scale. They are easy to read, but do not offer the depth of an atlas.
Color and symbols
This book contains a variety of full-color images and clearly illustrated maps.
Index
No index
Hammond Atlas of the World
Citation
Hammond Atlas of the World. 2nd ed. New York: Reader’s Digest Association, 1999.
Scope
This is a world atlas—it begins with a section on interpreting maps and a quick reference
guide to the world’s continents, countries, states, provinces, populations and capitals, all
with page numbers. Then there is a section on global relationships, including maps,
charts and graphs on world population, languages, religions, standards of living, energy,
resources, agriculture, manufacturing, environmental concerns and climate. Then there is
a section on the physical world with three-dimensional maps of the world and its
continents/large sections; followed by the maps of the world broken into continents.
Authority
The authority of this volume is both based on the many editors and cartographers that
were employed in its creation as well as the publisher itself. Hammond Incorporated was
started in 1900 by Caleb Stillson Hammond when he published his first map in that year
—Hammond has been a well-regarded name in cartography ever since.
Currency & Accuracy
The maps are beautiful and continually useful, but in our constantly changing political
world, a map that is over a decade old is not entirely accurate. For instance, Kosovo, a
country that declared independence last year, is not an independent nation in the atlas.
However, newer editions of this atlas have since been printed, the most recent, the fifth
edition, in October of 2007.

Balanced Coverage
The coverage of this atlas is fairly balanced, in that the rest of the planet is reported—
however, North America receives 36 pages of coverage whereas Africa receives only 20.
So, again here, coverage is based more on the anticipated audience of the atlas than on
the world population or area as a whole.
Legibility
Based on the beautiful computer-generated maps created for this atlas, it is highly legible.
This edition of the atlas includes satellite imaging as well as a comprehensive collection
of digital mapping.
Scale & Projection
The computerized geographic database used for this atlas also included Mitchell
Feigenbaum’s revolutionary map projection—a proprietary Hammond technology.
Additionally, the digital maps include shaded hypsometric tints for land elevations and
bathymetric tints to depict ocean depths. In this atlas, the most densely populated areas
are shown at a scale of 1:1,000,000 or 1:500,000 and the least populated areas are shown
at a scale of 1:9,000,000
Color & Symbols
The colors and symbols are both readily understandable and standard in most atlases—for
instance, Lake Elsinore is written L.Elsinore and colored blue.

Index
There is an index located at the back of the book in the ‘Statistics, Tables & Index’
section—it is an index of the world and incorporates 110,000 entries.
Price
The fifth edition of this atlas can now be purchased for $59.95.
Historical Atlas of the United States
Citation
Historical Atlas of the United States. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society,
1993.
Scope
The focus of this atlas is to cover the spectrum of U.S. geographical history from the first
century of European discovery/invasion of North America to the most recent
geographical changes. This atlas takes a two pronged approach at this objective by
utilizing both chronological sections (trends, events, ideas, etc.) and a thematic section
(examining historical development in relation to geography. The atlas includes five
sections, I. The Land (geology and climate change), II. People (first Americans,
immigration and 20th c.), III. Economy (agriculture and industry), IV. Networks
(transportation and communication) and V. Communities (small towns to megacities).
Authority
There are few better authorities for an atlas than the National Geographic Society—the
society, started by 33 explorers over 120 years ago. It is famous internationally for its
photos and geography education. In addition, the editors of this atlas are all listed in the
preliminary pages and include contributions by scholars, notably Pulitzer Prize winner,
Michael Kammen of Cornell University.
Currency & Accuracy
This edition is an updated version of the centennial edition, put out in 1988. Though
there are a number of modern events that aren’t covered (the presidency of George W.
Bush, for instance) the historical sections are certainly accurate. The newer edition,
published in 2004, contains more recent events, though is still lacking in the most recent
events (like the election of President Obama, for instance).
Balanced Coverage
As a U.S. atlas, coverage beyond the nation’s borders would be unexpected. This atlas
actually does a fair job of trying to give a broader version of both geography and history
than one might expect. Minorities, women and other potentially disenfranchised groups
are included—for example, the names of rivers are given in both their English and
original Indian versions.
Legibility
This is an enormous book, almost too big to hold, and the visibility and legibility of the
maps are wonderful.

Scale & Projection
The Lambert-Azimuthal Equal-Area Projection is used by the National Geographic
Society for their small polar insets. Scales are different for each map.
Color & Symbols
The National Geographic Society probably could have done more with colors as most of
the ones they chose are fairly washed-out pastels and not always immediately
distinguishable from one another. The symbols are familiar and easily understood.
Index
The final section of this atlas includes sections on bibliography, acknowledgements and a
broad index.
Price
The 2004 version can be purchased for $40.
MapQuest
Citation
Mapquest. Retrieved on 23 April from www.mapquest.com.
Scope
Mapquest is a digital mapping service that allows users to obtain maps and directions to
their chosen destination/s. MapQuest began as a navigational software and has expanded
into a more multi-dimensional service, even allowing users to search for the lowest gas
prices in an area. MapQuest has broadened their reach enough that they are even
partnered with On-Star, the in-car navigational guidance system, and so MapQuest turn-
by-turn directions can be accessible aloud in a car with On-Star. Users without On-Star
can either send directions to their e-mails or use wireless MapQuest, at an additional cost,
to text directions to their cell phones.
Authority
MapQuest is one of the leading providers of directions and maps on the internet. They
are trusted and recognized by millions of users globally. MapQuest uses the following
software: And Products B.V., Centrus, DMTI Spatial, Inc., Tele Atlas and Navteq—all of
which are known as authorities, especially Navteq which is the most widely recognized
and trusted name in the digital mapping industry.
Currency & Accuracy
The MapQuest maps and information are up-to-the-minute and updated constantly.
Having said that, MapQuest directions are not always accurate, as anyone who has ever
used them can explain. MapQuest directions navigate one generally to the right location,
while either under-explaining turns (as in, “Left onto X Ave.” without the explanation
that it is a five-way stop and there are two lefts) or describing roads by their route number
instead of their commonly used name.

Balanced Coverage
MapQuest does not provide universal coverage—directions within the U.S. and Canada
are easy to find and MapQuest also provides directions within France, Germany, Italy,
Spain, the U.K. as well as other nations of western Europe, but that’s it. After that, they
provide maps and atlases of the rest of the world, but no directions.
Legibility
The directions from MapQuest are easy to follow and the maps are generally easy to read,
though when street names change, the maps do not always indicate where that occurs.
Scale & Projection
MapQuest gives users the choice of scale with its zoom-in/zoom-out feature. It is
incredibly useful and much better than a traditional map in this way. The maps are flat
and appear to use the van der Grinten map projection.
Color & Symbols
The colors are easily discernable and symbols are generally simple to recognize—
however, if a symbol is not recognized, it is not always easy to figure out what it
represents.
Index
With keyword searches, online indicies are not very important.

Price
Free
Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary
Citation
Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary. 3rd ed. Springfield, Mass. Merriam-
Webster 1997.
Scope
This is a single volume geographical dictionary. It covers the world as a whole and
provides text, maps, spelling and pronunciation information, feature, location and
population size, economy, history and other matters of importance. The entries defined
here were chosen because of their interest to the general reader, for whom this work is
intended. There are entries on city-states, independent and dependent states, historical
locations and even administrative subdivisions.
Authority
The authority of this source is both its publisher, one of the best regarded names in the
dictionary publishing industry, Merriam-Webster, as well as its editors. The editors are
listed in the preface as well as the cartographers—the maps were provided by the
Cartography Department of the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Currency & Accuracy
At the time of its first printing, the 3rd edition was nearly perfectly accurate. However,
this geographical dictionary is over a decade old at this point—many, even most, of the
entries are still accurate. But, as would be expected, some of the information has
changed; for instance, the population of Appleton, WI, here recorded as 65,695 is now
70,087.
Balanced Coverage
The editor points out in the preface that the coverage is not even, but is biased towards
the United States and Canada, the public of whom is expected to be the readership of this
dictionary. Cities in the U.S. with more than 2500 people and in Canada with more than
4500 people are recorded here, whereas Brazilian cities of fewer than 50,000 or
Bangladeshi cities of fewer than 100,000 are unlikely to be recorded.
Legibility
The dictionary uses a small font, but puts entries in bold face as well as maps in colour
and so is easy to see and read.
Scale & Projection
The scale of the maps were easy to figure out and understand—they were not as large as
maps in other sources, but were constrained by the size of the book. The projections
appeared accurate and were different (conical, round, etc.) based on need.
Color & Symbols
The colors chosen by the cartographers were easily distinguishable and simple to follow.
The symbols are well explained in the preliminary pages.
Index
Though there is no index here, there are explanatory notes, abbreviations and symbols,
map projections, map symbols, a list of maps and a world map in the preliminary pages.
At the end of the book are the glossary and geographical terms in other languages—all of
these tools are very useful to the novice and amateur cartographer alike.
Price
$34.95
Atlas of the Universe
Citation
Moore, P. (1998). Atlas of the universe. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press.
Scope
The Atlas of the Universe includes information on the stars, planets, and the universe.
Hundreds of photographs from both ground-based and Hubble Space telescopes, as well
as images from robotic exploration of the planets are included. In addition to
photographs this atlas provides star maps, a complete map of the moon, and topographic
maps of the planets. This text is divided into seven section including: Exploring the
Universe; The Solar System; The Sun; The Stars; The Universe; Star Maps; and The
Practical Astronomer. The section on star maps is a complete atlas of the constellations.
Both the northern and southern hemispheres are covered in 22 maps. Tables, magnitudes,
and other technical data are included. There are more than 70 maps, 400 photographs,
and 90 artworks.
Authority
This text is written by Patrick Moore. He has written more than 60 books and is the
presenter of The Sky at Night. He was knighted in 2001 for his service to astronomy.
Also this text is published by Cambridge University Press.
This text was originally written in 1970 and completely revised in 1988. The new edition
includes events such as new mappings of mars, possible after mars landing, missions to
Halley’s Comet and others. Since 1998 several editions of the text has been published
including 2007. The maps are the most accurate of the field. Photographs are taken from
the most reliable telescopes and from more than 40 years for robotic exploration on the
planets. New editions have incorporated new information into the text.
Balanced Coverage
All constellations, planets, and star areas are covered with the exception of earth.
Legibility
Maps and information are easy to read and understand. Philips writing is done in a way
that is easy for the beginner to understand and yet not simplistic. Photographs are clearly
labeled and maps are easy to read and labeled.
Color and Symbols
The colors used in this text make the maps and diagrams easy to read. Symbols used in
this text are clearly explained are easy to understand.
Index
An alphabetical index is contained at the end of the text. For each entry in the index page
numbers are given as to where an image or further information can be found.
Subdivision can also be found for many topics, page numbers are also provided for each
subdivision.
Price
This text is available through amazon.com for $37.17.
The National Atlas of the United States of America
Citation
Geological Survey (U.S.). (2001). The national atlas of the United States of America.
General reference. Reston, Va: The Survey.

Scope
The National Atlas of the United States of America is produced by from information
gathered through the census and organized by the United States Geological Survey. The
newest version of the National Atlas of the United States of America is available online.
This website contains maps of all types of the United States. This version of the text
contains eleven categories such as agriculture, biology, boundaries, climate, environment,
geology, history, map reference, people, transportation, and water. Each of these sections
provides articles for information, sections for map makers, sample maps, wall maps,
dynamic maps, and printable maps. Not only does this site provide many different maps
of all areas but it allows users to create their own maps with the information that they
want contained as well as the area they want included.
Authority
This atlas is produced by the United States Geological Survey. It collects information
from more than 20 federal organizations.
Maps are extremely accurate taking their information from census information. The
website was last updated on October 27, 2008.
Balanced Coverage
This website covers all aspects of the United States.

Legibility
These maps are easy to read. In addition to the maps there is a significant amount of
supplemental written material provided with each map. This information contributes to
the legibility of each map.
The scale on maps is 1:1,000,000. It translates to one inch on the map equaling 16 miles
of land. This is a new scale allowing maps to become more detailed than any time in the
past. Additional levels of maps are being created at different scales which will be released
in 2009. Alternate scales exist for some specialized maps.
Color and symbols
The color of these maps differs based on the type of map being looked at. Each map is
clear and easy to read with many colors displaying the different areas. Symbols are
explained.
Price
This service is available for free through http://nationalatlas.gov/index.html.
Rand McNally Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide
Citation
Rand McNally and Company. (2000). Rand McNally commercial atlas & marketing
guide, 2009. Chicago, IL: Rand McNally &.

Scope
The Rand McNally Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide contains maps, tables, and
charts on current economic and geographic information. This atlas covers all areas of the
United States and has a focus in business data. The text is divided into six different
sections: United States and metropolitan area maps; transportation and communications
data; economic data; population data from the 1900 census with projections through the
year 2004; state maps; and an index of places and statistics.
Authority
Produced by Rand McNally.
This text was last published in 2000 and has been updated again in 2009. The
information contained within is accurate and despite no being update annually remains
current.
Balanced Coverage
Each section of the United States is treaded equally in this text.
Legibility
Each map in this atlas is extremely easy to read with information contained both in
prefatory sections and within the map as to how the map is to be read, scale, and symbols.
All text in the map is printed large and is easily legible.
Scales for each map differ based on the area covered in the map. Maps of larger area
usually have a scale of approximately 1 inch to 50 miles while the small area maps cover
1 inch for 4.7 miles. Each map contains its own scale information in the bottom left hand
corner of the page.
Color and symbols
The colors used in the atlas differ between maps however each uses colors that allow for
easy reading and sectional differences. At symbols are explained at the beginning of the
text in the Legend as well as before each section in the introductory materials. In
addition to these two places each maps also contains an explanation on specific
abbreviations used within it.
Index
An index is the sixth section of the book directly following the state maps. This index is
organized by alphabetically by state and then alphabetically by place. There are more
than 128,000 places listed in this index.
Price
The 2009 edition of the text is available through Rand McNally for 395.00.
Rand McNally Road Atlas: United State, Canada, Mexico
Citation
Rand McNally and Company. (2009). Road atlas: United States, Canada, Mexico.
Skokie, Ill: Rand McNally.
Scope
The Rand McNally Road Atlas provides maps of the driving roads, including major
highways, byways, and back roads to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This text is
divided into the three major categories of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From
here each of these sections is divided into states or province organized alphabetically.
Maps are provided for each state or province and in some cases major cities are covered.
Each map also contains sights to see and local facts for the area being covered.
Authority
This atlas is created by Rand McNally.
The Road Atlas is updated annually with the newest edition being the 2010. Rand
McNally works extremely hard to keep the information contained as accurate as possible.
Balanced Coverage
While the areas of all places included in the text are covered extremely well there is
definitely a U.S. bias to this text. Although the United States does take up the most area
in North America a disproportional amount of maps on the United States in included
while only one page of the text is dedicated to Mexico and only four are given to Canada.
Legibility
All maps are easy to read with words printed largely.
The map of the United States uses a scale of 1 inch to 146 miles. Each state map in the
text differs based on its size. States such as Connecticut and California use very different
scales.
Color and symbols
All symbols are explained in a legend located in the beginning of the text. In addition to
this legend prefatory material also includes a quick reference guide for areas that are used
the most. All colors are easy to see to and vary enough to display differences in the land
and roads.
Index
There is an index divided into the three sections of the atlas, the U.S, Canada, and
Mexico. Within each of these section states or province are arranged alphabetically and
then broken down again into cities or towns. For each entry the map and the page
number it is on is given as well as it exact location on the map and population
information for that area.
Price
The 2010 edition is available for 13.99 through Rand McNally.
The Times Atlas of the World
Citation
Times Books (New York, N.Y.), & Bartholomew (Firm). (1999). The Times atlas of the
world. New York: Times Books.
Scope
New map of the world’s physical features and enhanced areas of importance. Geopolitical
changes are represented in the eleventh edition such as Yugoslavia is now Serbia and
Montenegro is now independent of East Timor. Continental satellite images of each
continent, thematic maps, photographs, graphics and contributions from experts about the
physical aspects of the world, demographic, and economic issues.
Authority
Actual images taken from space and other aircrafts as well as cutting edge technology
that ensures accuracy of the physical lay out of a territory.

It is current as of the date it was released.
Balanced Coverage
It is not balanced from the perspective it takes on the world. It takes the perspective of a
northern hemisphere bias, printing the northern hemisphere at the top and the southern
hemisphere at the bottom of the page or the country facing north-to-south rather than
south-to-north.
Legibility
Color print with clear and crisp images.
The scale is from continents to individual islands.
Color and symbols
Land without major highways, routes, or roads are symbolized with the color green.
Counties in states within the United States are labeled and outlined in purple, major
highways are white with a red outline, state borders are black dashed lines highlighted in
light purple, and major urban areas are highlighted in yellow. Non-man made areas such
as rivers are blue, lakes are a darker blue with an even darker border, and major bodies of
water are labeled.
Index
The Index is located towards the back of the book names are referenced by plate number,
the first element of each entry, and by grid reference. Entries of the names have a small
box which is followed by an index number. The Index of abbreviations is in alphabetical
order, the rest of the index is divided into alphabetical sections then organized by number.
Price
$250
The Times Atlas of World History
Citation
Parker, G. (1994). The Times atlas of world history. London: Times.
Scope
It contains over 600 maps, 300,000 words of text, and 128 double-page spreads on major
themes in world history.
Authority
Thirty new contributors, compellation by Professor Lovett of Yale university.
Thirty maps have been replaced and 29 have been changed.

Legibility
Drawings of maps and other illustrations have been replaced with photographs.
International depictions
Color and symbols
126 color spreads
Index
Place-name Index
Price
$95
The Weather Almanac
Citation
Williams, J. (1999). The weather almanac. New York: Vintage Books.
Scope
Compliment to everyday sources that give information about the daily weather such as
the internet, newspaper, radio, and television. Advises on precautions to take during
violent storms, gives information on areas where most natural disasters frequent such as
tornadoes or floods. Basic facts are given about hurricanes, blizzards, heat waves,
earthquakes, thunderstorms, lightning, tidal waves, and volcanic eruptions. Monthly
averages, maps, temperature highs and lows, sunshine statistics, and growth season data.
Authority
Quoted directly from reports and records prepared by different United States Government
departments, agencies, and services.
Section most frequently updated is the “Weather of 109 Selected U.S. Cities”, its web-
based version is frequently updated.
Balanced Coverage
It only covers the United States but does not specify in the introduction or the title.
Legibility
Clear, concise, and well educated descriptions of the climates of a particular area. Nation
wide maps are convoluted and practically unintelligible.
Mostly on a national scale, however, the information and maps are specified by region if
a particular natural disaster is being focused upon and frequents that area.
Color and symbols

Black and white with many symbols.
Index
Alphabetical order by state, subject, and natural occurrences.
Price
$125

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1 Wasserman, T.

Group 4’s Evaluation Sets Spring 2009 ILS 504 Okobi

All Evaluation Sets

ILS 504 Spring 09

•Description of Reviewed References

I.Evaluation Set #1 Bibliographies and Catalogs

II.Evaluation Set #2 Indexes and Abstracts

III.Evaluation Set #3 Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Pgs. 103-141 Encyclopedias

Pgs. 141-189 Dictionaries

IV.Evaluation Set #5 Directories and Biographical Resources

Pgs. 190-234 Directories

Pgs. 234- 275 Biographical Resources

V.Evaluation Set #6 Geographical Resources

Reference Materials and Services, Spring 2009 with Prof. Okobi.

bibliographies, library catalogues, indicies and abstracts, almanacs, yearbooks,

handbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, biographical sources, directories and

assignment is the sister document to my individual evaluations which I have also

Definition of Reviewed Resources

a common principle such as subject, place of publication, etc.

Catalogue: A catalogue is a complete list of holdings or records of a library or

organization that allows the user full access to the collection.

orders entries in alphabetical order and provides locational material.

Encyclopedia: Encyclopedias contain articles on various topics, usually in alphabetical

Dictionary: Dictionaries are books containing an alphabetically arranged selection of

words and definitions, pronunciations and guidelines about these words.

Directory: Directories are alphabetical lists of select persons or organizations in a certain

category and include contact information for those listed.

people of note. Biographies may be found in encyclopedias, dictionaries or online and

cover the lives or careers of famous or well-regarded individuals.

Geographic Sources: Geographic resources assist users in placing locations physically

on the map either contemporaneously or historically.

the public-- they can be handbooks, yearbooks, census guides, etc.

Terry Wasserman evaluated numbers 3, 4, 5, 7, 8

Meghan Glasgow evaluated numbers 1, 2, 6, 11, 15

Christina Hill evaluated numbers 10, 13, 16, 17, 20

Jessica Venturo evaluated numbers 9, 12, 14, 18, 19

Bibliographies and Catalogues

American Book Publishing Record

New Providence, N.J.: Bowker.

United States over the past year.

books, and pamphlets. Not included are government publications, subscription

books, dissertations and pamphlets totaling fewer than 49 pages.

MARC records generated by the Library of Congress. The inclusion of pamphlets is

more subjective and based on the expertise of the staff.

The American Book Publishing Record is printed monthly with an annual

are included in the text.

subtitle; author statement; edition statement; publication place; publisher; publication

notes; Dewey Numbers; Library of Congress classification numbers; Library of

Congress control number; subject tracings; ISBN; binding; and price.

The 2008 edition of ABPR will be released in March of 2009.

Hardcopy. This text will be released in March of 2009.

Monthly with an annual compilation.

Uses and Overall Evaluation

order to obtain all possible information.

Cooley, L (Ed.). (1991). Bibliographic index: A cumulative bibliography of

bibliographies. 1990. New York. H. W. Wilson.

To create a list of bibliographies published separately and as part of works such as

books, pamphlets, and periodicals. It includes information retrieved from other

variety of texts across many different disciplines.

non-print items, reprints, catalogs of library holdings, and bibliographies in clinical

citations with the exception of bibliographies about a person or for specialized or

and 5,000 books each year.