The Reference Librarian's Bible

November 1, 2018

With so much unverified information available on the Internet, it can be difficult to choose reputable sources. Making it easier on librarians, Sowards (associate director for collections, Michigan State Univ. Libs., coauthor, Guide to Reference in Business and Economics) and managing editor of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) Chenoweth have compiled a core list of best reference sources from ARBA and ARBAonline. The volume contains 500 reviews drawn from 29,000 titles published in ARBA from 2000 to the present. Each book reviewed was published by a reputable source and selected by numerous libraries for their collections; reviewers are identified by expertise and affiliation. Supplementary notes are added to newer editions and related works. Certain categories are omitted, such as directories, bibliographies, and indexing and abstracting tools. It's noted that some suggested sources may be too old or be unbalanced in terms of coverage. Online sources (Wikipedia, Google Maps) are included. VERDICT Libraries without access to ARBA or ARBAonline should consider this reasonably priced title. Library and information science students will also find it beneficial.--Susan Belsky, Oshkosh P.L., WI

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