Libraries and Reference Materials

Children's Literature

Libraries are excellent sources for entertainment and information, no matter the patron's age. Hamilton has provided a concise look at the history of libraries, interspersed with information about libraries' collections and different classification schemes. The majority of the text is taken up with the history of libraries, from the library at Alexandria to present day national libraries, and the last half of the text describes the differences between public libraries, school libraries and media centers, and academic libraries. How libraries are set up and which libraries are more likely to use the Dewey Decimal or the Library of Congress classifications are then discussed, as well as how the different classification systems are set up and used. One brief chapter is provided which identifies different reference sources, such as dictionaries or encyclopedias, and the title of the book may appear misleading to some. Each brief chapter is filled with full color illustrations as well as "Extra!" asides that offer more information regarding the chapter topic. This book is part of the "Straight to the Source" series. 2005, Abdo Consulting Group, Ages 6 to 10.
—Danielle Williams

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These slim books have scant but generally clear, up-to-date, basic information and full-color photos. Each title begins with a history of its subject. The first one describes how books are made; the text is dry and uninteresting. The second title discusses the history of the Internet in more detail than most readers may want. Libraries contains a short and confusing explanation of the Dewey decimal system. Magazines and Newspapers both have more complete material about their subjects, focusing on the types and parts of these kinds of publications. Readers will be better served by Linda Granfield's Extra! Extra!: The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Newspapers (Kids Can, 1993) or Julie Cummins's The Inside-Outside Book of Libraries (Dutton, 1996). Additional purchases.-Katherine Devine, Westminster Academy No. 26, Elizabeth, NJ Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.