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Module Module 5
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Lists of Essential Resources

What are the resources that every library needs?

Helpful Lists

     A majority of reference questions are answered with a small part of the reference collection! Sometimes a small group of frequently used reference sources is called Ready Reference. What are the basic resources considered essential for reference work? Listed below is a generic list of print resources. For recommended reference web sites, see the Internet page in this module.

Essential Resources for Libraries

     These reference sources are considered to be essential to even the smallest library. Look for the latest print or online versions. For specific titles, consult a source such as Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-sized Libraries and Media Centers, published annually by Libraries Unlimited.

1. General Almanac (current year)

2. Encyclopedia (current within 3 years)

3. Unabridged Dictionary

4. Telephone Directory (current year)

5. Auto Repair Manual (current within five years)

6. Consumer information (current editions)

7. Family Medical Guide

8. Atlases (all should be current within five years or latest editions of classic atlases), local maps, road atlas, world atlas

9. Index to Periodicals (current year)

10. Statistical Sources, state-wide, and Statistical Abstract of the United States

11. Occupational Information (current year), Occupational Outlook Handbook

12. Ohio Resources (current editions)

  • State of Ohio Executive Budget, Ohio Office of Budget and Management, Annual.
  • Official Roster: Federal, State, County Officers, and Departmental Information, Ohio Secretary of State, Biennial.
  • Ohio Legislative Directory, provided by Ohio Library Council, Annual.
  • Resource Ohio, Ohio Department of Development, Irregular.

Major Point: Identify and familiarize yourself with recommended resources in your library and on the Web.

 

Exercise

1. Locate any of the resources on the Essential List in your library that are unfamiliar to you and use the Book Examination Checklist to examine them. Try to do at least one a day.

Answers

Next!
Dewey Decimal System

 

What's new in reference?

Recommended reference books

Watch for the latest editions of recommended reference books. For example, Libraries Unlimited has an annual series, Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-sized Libraries and Media Centers.

Identify and familiarize yourself with recommended resources, in print and online.

Ohio Libraries

More than the essentials, videos at London Public Library

But sometimes you need more than the essentials! Holiday movies at the library. [Karla Arnold]

Web Links

Look at the 'Best of the Best' Business Web Sites, organized by subjects and compiled by the Education Committee of the Business Reference and Services Section

Guidelines for Information Services 2.2 states: "The library should develop an information resources collection and development policy consistent with the goals of its institution or community. These information resources should satisfy through content, currency, format, organization, and quantity a diversity of user needs."
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