Careers in Focus

Library Journal

Ferguson, producer of the popular and useful Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, a mainstay in many libraries because its information is thorough, reliable, and practical, has issued six new titles in its "Careers in Focus" series. The editors have chosen a theme for each volume and reproduced, in some cases expanding, appropriate entries from the encyclopedia. Each entry details a specific career under the headings "Overview," "The Job," "Requirements," "Exploring," "Employers," "Starting Out," "Advancement," "Earnings," and "Outlook" (based on the information in the Occupational Outlook Handbook), among others. The entries include a range of information, from advice on what courses to take in school and what summer jobs will provide applicable work experience to detailed descriptions of working conditions and job prospects. This makes the books appropriate for high school or college students preparing for a career as well as for older workers who may want to change careers. Because these books are smaller than the encyclopedia and contain thematically similar entries, they will be useful to patrons who want to explore related careers rather than a single one. The volumes in the series also use a larger typeface than the encyclopedia for their headings and text, and they use more graphics and white space, which may make them more appealing to some patrons. Many public and high school libraries will wish to purchase this series in addition to or instead of the encyclopedia. The price and organization of these books make them good candidates for the circulating collection.--Cheryl Van Til, Kent Dist. Lib., Comstock Park, MI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.