Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries and Media Centers, 2001

Library Journal

Now in its 21st edition, this annual collection development tool digests the current edition of American Reference Books Annual (Libraries Unlimited, 2001), incorporating reviews only of those reference books best suited for smaller libraries. The roughly 500 titles, most published in 2000, are arranged according to Library of Congress subject headings; a subject index also provides excellent access to the listings. Each review describes the work, purpose, depth of coverage, and comparisons to similar works and cites other reviews. Librarians will also find helpful the single letter key indicating the type of library for which each reference book is best suited, although the inclusion of more public and school librarians on the panel of reviewers would increase the authority of this feature. Because it covers only a year's worth of reference publishing, this is not a standalone selection source, but when used in conjunction with the similar Reference Sources for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries, 6th ed. (Professional Media, LJ 10/1/99), it is a superior tool for any reference librarian. Jennifer Haven, Amesbury P.L., MA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

This reference collection development tool is designed to assist librarians at smaller libraries in the systematic selection of reference materials for their institutions. Listings for approximately 500 titles are provided, and include both books and electronic resources, most published in 2000 and some in 1999. The items are grouped within four major subdivisions: general reference works, social sciences, humanities, and science and technology. The reviews of the works, chosen from the current edition of (which Wynar edits), include a description of the work, its purpose, depth of coverage, and how it could be used. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)