From The Critics
The first edition of this well-written guide was favorably reviewed in "RBB" in 1987. The second edition is also highly recommended. Its focus has remained the same, covering botany in its broadest sense but excluding agriculture, horticulture, and gardening. Little attention is given to materials needed for instructional use, such as films and audiovisual materials. The guide is appropriate for all levels of users, from the layperson to the specialist. Coverage extends through 1994, and entries include prices, when available The introduction has been expanded to include a discussion of computers and the botanical literature as well as the characteristics of botanical literature and the future of botany. The main part of the book is arranged in 11 chapters, including "Abstracts, Indexes, and Databases" ; "Identification Sources" ; "Taxonomy" ; "Biographical and Historical Materials" ; and "Key Publishers, Institutions, Services, and Important Series." This is a welcome change from the first edition, which was in three parts. By using the detailed table of contents the user can easily proceed to the appropriate chapter. The 934 numbered entries (compared with 720 in the first edition) have brief evaluative annotations. Electronic counterparts to print are mentioned when available. While the authors discuss Internet sites, they don't give addresses because they feel these change too frequently. There are no references to book reviews as there were in the first edition. Two indexes are provided: to subject and to author, title, or electronic resource This is an excellent guide that can be used for collection development and reference work. It is also the only guide that laypersons and specialists can consult for sources of information on botanical topics. Public, academic, and special libraries will all benefit from purchase.
Booknews
A bibliographic survey of information services in the botanical sciences, for students, librarians, and botanists. Contains some 900 annotated entries on material for all levels, organized in chapters on bibliographic sources; abstracts, indexes and databases; dictionaries and encyclopedias; handbooks and methods; directories and groups; taxonomy; biographical and historical materials; textbooks; and important series. This second edition reflects the transition from print to electronic resources. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
