Aging

Library Journal

Developed as a first source for general readers and students who want a better understanding of aging, this two-volume work consists of 319 entries prepared by more than 300 university-based contributors and edited by Roberts (California State Lib., Long Beach). It offers basic information on a variety of subjects--social and financial issues, physical and mental health, legal concerns, employment, and family relationships--and includes media images of aging and biographies of pioneers in gerontology. Entries range in length from 300 to 4000 words; reference lists and summaries accompany longer pieces, which are illustrated with photos, medical drawings, tables, and other graphics. Appendixes provide annotated bibliographies of professional and consumer materials, a mediagraphy, and resource organizations and programs. Finding aids consist of alphabetical topic lists for each volume, a categorized subject list, and a cross-references index. While many of the entries are well written and appear authoritative, the list of contributors (and the editor) fails to mention credentials beyond academic affiliations. Some entries are interesting but not essential--images of aging in greeting cards, mini-reviews of films--while significant topics like adult day care are folded into larger entries. The sturdy binding is a plus. This would be useful for general collections lacking an aging encyclopedia, but a better choice is The Encyclopedia of Aging, edited by George L. Maddox (LJ 4/15/87) and written by national experts in gerontology and geriatrics. The third edition of that work is due out in 2001 from Springer.--Karen McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Inst., Cleveland, OH Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.