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Types of ResourcesDifferent resources serve very different purposes.Where to begin?Where are some good places to start in addition to the catalog? Do you know the difference between an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an almanac, yearbook, handbook, directory, or dictionary and what kind of information is found in each? Which one do you start with if you only need an address, a few facts, complete coverage, or a little bit about everything? The question that results from the reference interview determines the type (form) of resource needed. Brief descriptions of the basic types of resources available in the library, particularly in the reference collection, are provided here. Encyclopedias and Almanacs, a Good Place to StartThe catalog is always a good place to start your search. Search the catalog for an almanac if brief, factual answers are needed, or search for an encyclopedia for more complete, general information on a topic. Almanac An almanac contains brief factual information on a broad range of subjects and is usually published annually. Typical information would be statistics, historical events, weather, geographical facts, awards, people, astronomy, economic facts, etc. An almanac may contain brief information on just about anything and is a good place to begin almost any search. Almanacs often cite the resources used, which will lead you to other specific resources. An encyclopedia contains information about a broad range of topics or one special topic. Entries are generally longer than in an almanac, directory, or dictionary. Encyclopedia entries (articles) are in alphabetic order. General encyclopedias are multi-volume with an index volume to help locate information on topics that do not have a separate entry. Not all information in an encyclopedia has its own entry, but instead may be covered in another entry and accessed only by using the index. Other Basic Types of ResourcesAtlas An atlas contains maps. Special subject atlases are also available on history, astronomy, archaeology, the environment, etc. Bibliography Bibliographies are lists of relevant resources for specific topics. These may be a list of references at the end of an article or a whole book. Dictionary Dictionaries list the words in a language or subject alphabetically, giving definitions, pronunciation, and etymology (where the word came from). Directory Directories give only brief information about people, organizations, companies, or institutions. Information may include addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, email addresses, and web sites. Gazetteer A list of geographical places and locations. Handbook A handbook generally pertains to a specific subject, e.g. chemistry or physics, and contains quick facts, tables, statistical information, and perhaps lists organizations connected to the subject. Periodicals Periodical publications are ongoing publications that are published periodically, such as newspapers, magazines, or journals. Also called a serial. Magazines often contain popular information, have more advertising, and are written largely by the magazine staff. A journal is often a scholarly publication with longer articles contributed by professionals in a field and is more research oriented than a magazine Yearbook Yearbooks are annual publications that pertain to the happenings of one specific year. A yearbook may be general, about all the happenings of one year, and is often published to supplement a general encyclopedia. Many professions also publish yearbooks with information about events, statistics, and people connected with the profession. Subject Headings for Resource TypesSubject headings in the catalog will indicate the type (form) of a resource. Many resources can be located quickly by doing a catalog keyword search that combines your topic along with resource types such as Atlas, Bibliography, Encyclopedias and Dictionaries, Almanacs, Directories, Gazetteers, Handbooks, Indices, Manuals, or Periodicals, etc. For example:
Major Point: Know what to expect from different types of resources and match the resource to the question.
1. Identify one of each of the following in your library: atlas, bibliography, dictionary, directory, gazetteer, handbook, periodical (or index to periodicals), and yearbook. 2. How many of these (atlas, bibliography, dictionary, directory, gazetteer, handbook, periodical or index to periodicals, or yearbook) can you find that pertain specifically to Ohio, e.g. a periodical about Ohio or a directory of Ohio businesses?
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Know what to expect from different types of resources and match the resource to the question. |
You are here: OLC > ORE > Module 5 > Types of Resources |
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