Basic reference sources
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IntroductionSee also Authority & Evaluating basic reference sources
Librarians are diagnosticians and detectives. They must take the information provided to them by patrons and assess it, determining through the reference interview the true nature of the information need, formulate a strategy to satisfy it, and pursue possible answers through the appropriate application of reliable resources. Basic reference sources are the first resources to which librarians turn; they are typically general in scope, provide a certain type of information in a particular format rather than being subject-focussed. One chooses a basic reference source by thinking about how the requested information is likely to appear: What type of resource would present information of this kind in this way? For librarians and patrons, the simplest, quickest, and most direct route to an answer is usually preferable. Basic reference sources are designed to provide that directness. In earlier days, basic reference sources were always "low-tech". Now, however, websites replace traditional reference sources as the easiest, most direct method of answering some queries, though in many cases print sources are still superior. The choice of web resources available to librarians changes, literally, from moment to moment, so one should always be investigating new sites as reference tools. Rather than presenting you with ten individual basic reference sources, I am dividing the resources into ten "genres" or formats. These are based not so much on the information presented, but on the way in which it is presented. As you explore them, see that formats in each genre are the guiding factor in how it is categorized. There can be considerable overlap and sources can be included in more than one category or grouped differently. The important thing with basic reference, searching by format is the way in which the information is presented - may be a more direct route to the answer than a subject search. When examining a new reference source, read the introduction or FAQ. They will usually describe the resource’s function and explain how it can be used. Sometimes reading these sections reveals possible uses of which you may have been unaware. Explore each section of the resource and the index. Finally, think of a search question and try to use the source to answer it. Almanacs
Representative Print Sources
Representative Internet Sources: This source is most like a general almanac with an index similar to the print version.
A sampling of more specialized almanac sites:
Atlases
Representative Print Sources:
Representative Internet Sources: These world geography information sites contain much more than just geography.
A gazetteer lists names of places; this site provides national information. A good source for street maps as well as written directions Bibliographies
Some bibliographies will include groupings by subject or geographical area. Representative Print Sources:
These sites are helpful when searching for information about a book, such as the title or author: For information about books that may be out of print: For reader's advisory lists:
For plays, quotations, song lyrics, or poems, often the best way to search is to bypass print sources and specialized websites and go straight to a large search engine such as http://www.google.com or http://www.altavista.com. Type the title or line from the poem or song in quotes and hit "go." We have found many an obscure poem or song very quickly using this method. Biographical
Some biographical sources cover only those people who cooperate by sending in biographical information. Others require that the individual approach the publication and submit a request for inclusion. Some, like Who's Who, indicate those entries for which the subject declined to provide information. Representative Print Sources:
Short biographical sketches on many political, cultural, historical, etc., persons:
Consumer/Self-Help
Representative Print Sources:
Dictionaries
General dictionaries will include pronunciations, grammatical forms, etymology, meanings, variant spellings, synonyms, and antonyms. Dictionaries can be specialized, such as in medicine, science, law, business, etc.
Directories
Inclusion in directories is not always automatic. Generally the front of the book states the conditions of inclusion in or exclusion from the directory. Most directories group entries according to several different classifications such as name, area, region, etc. for ease of searching.
People and business finder sites: Encyclopedias
NOTE: While there are online and CD-ROM formats for many encyclopedias few are as easy or more direct than print. Indexes
Librarians frequently research locations (books, etc.) listed in an index and write the call numbers next to the titles for easier use.
Statistical
Representative Print Sources:
Miscellaneous Websites and Sources
ConsultationThe best resource of any reference staff is the colleague beside them. Never hesitate to seek the advice of your co-workers. Everyone has their areas of expertise and esoteric knowledge and two heads are better than one sometimes, if for no other reason than to confirm that you've done all you can. Seek each other out and support each other in service. ReferralReference librarians are aware that they can't always locate the right answer. One of the finer points of good reference service is knowing when you've searched long enough and it's time to refer the patron to someone else. Other public libraries may have larger collections, academic and special libraries will have different collections. Learn what other libraries in your area have, the nature and format of their resources and their openness to referral, so that you can send your patron to the most productive place. |
