Reference Book Suitability

By: Laura Panopoulos

“A good reference source is one that serves to answer questions,
and a bad reference source is one that fails to answer questions” (21)

Types of References

Compilations that… Compilations that…

furnish information directly (encyclopedias, refer to other sources containing information,
directories, atlases) indicating places in which information can be
found (bibliographies and indexes)

The Evaluation Process

Content Scope The purpose of the source and its audience; how curry are the contents?
Aspects of scope such as subject, geographical, and time-period coverage.
Accuracy, Authority Education and Experience of authors editors and contributors and the
and Bias reputation of the publisher.
Arrangement and Availability of indexes, physical makeup, binding illustrations, and layout
Presentation (concerns for print resources). Site layout clarity for site’s organizational.
Relation to Similar What will this new resource add to the current collection?
Works
Timeliness and All sources checked for currency. Online sources should have a posting or
Permanence revision date. Note date and time of sites visited.
Accessibility/Diversity Resources available to entire student population; may have many
reference items covering same content for diverse learning needs.
Cost Determination whether price is appropriate in relation to student needs
(anticipate frequency and length of use)

Replacing Reference Materials

Print Encyclopedias, Science books (print format except botany and natural history), technology
related, inventions and medicine (print format) and newspapers and magazines (print format)
should be replaced every 5 years. Print psychology, history, business, and education should be
replaced every 10 years.

Reference skills for the school librarian: tool and tips

Ann Riedling-Loretta Shake-Cynthia Houston – Linworth, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC-2013