Basic References Sources

Introduction

What makes basic reference sources "basic?" What does the word "basic" mean? It can mean:

• Essence - possessing the central, defining characteristic of its type. The template for all other reference tools.
• Starting Point - the foundation. One may not find any or all of the answer there, but it’s the place to start.
• Simple or Simplified - fundamental, direct, easy. This is important for good reference service.

Librarians are both diagnosticians and detectives. They must take the information provided by the patron and assess it, determining through the reference interview the true nature of the query, formulate a strategy for answering it, then pursue it using the proper resources.

Basic reference sources are the first sources to which librarians turn. They are usually general in scope, providing a certain type of information displayed in a particular format rather than being subject-oriented. One chooses a basic reference source by thinking about how the requested information is likely to appear: What type of resource would present information of this kind in this way?

For both the librarian and the patron, the simplest, quickest, and most direct route to an answer is usually the most preferable. Basic reference sources are designed to provide that. In earlier days, basic reference sources were always "low-tech". Now, however, certain websites are replacing traditional sources as the easiest and most direct method of answering some queries, though in many cases print sources are still superior. The choice of web resources available to librarians changes, literally, from moment to moment, so one should always be investigating new sites as reference tools.

Rather than presenting you with ten individual basic reference sources, we have divided the resources into ten "genres" or formats based not so much on what information is presented, but on the way in which it is presented. As you explore them, you will see that the format in each genre is the guiding factor in how it is categorized. However, there can be a great deal of overlap and many of these sources could be included in more than one category or grouped differently. The important thing to remember is that with basic reference, searching by format - the way in which the information is presented - may be a more direct route to the answer than a subject search.

When examining a new reference source, read the introduction or FAQ. They will usually describe the resource’s function and explain how it should be used. Sometimes reading these sections reveals possible uses of which you may have been unaware. Explore each section of the resource and the index. Finally, think of a search question and try to use the source to answer it.

Learning Goals

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. List, describe and use ten basic reference "genres."
   
   
2. Demonstrate knowledge of resources by analyzing and answering ten practice reference questions.

Task

1. Complete a Subject Resource form for at least 3 resources in each of the 10 genres (categories). Post at least 3 resources each week.
2. Complete ONLY part A for each question on the electronic version of the Basic Reference Challenge. Submit your answers and print. Bring your copy to the session.
3. Complete and submit the Basic Reference Challenge.

Process

1. Read through entire module. Keep track of the time you spend doing steps 2 and 3. Record the time in your journal.
   
   
2. Examine and complete a Subject Resource form for at least three resources in each genre (category)
   
   
3. After completing steps 1 and 2, try the Basic Reference Challenge.
   
   
4. Complete and submit the Basic Reference Challenge.

Questions

To discuss the assignment or have your questions answered, email:

coordinator@latimd.org

Almanacs

* - items are especially important to view, if available

• Facts; calendars; people; statistics; folklore; astronomical, astrological, and meteorological charts, tables, unusual phenomena.
  
  
• Most almanacs have two indexes: a short one for quick searching and an exhaustive one by general, rather than specific, subject heading.
  
  
• First place to look if the question is when? And how many?
  
  
• Most almanacs will only give information for the current year or current and past years.

The World Almanac is the best source for data covering many years.

Representative Print Sources:

The World Almanac *

The Old Farmer's Almanac

Chase's Calendar of Events *

The Guinness Book of World Records

Various religious and ethnic almanacs

Representative Internet Sources:

This source is most like a general almanac with an index similar to the print version.

A sampling of more specialized almanac sites:

www.almanac.com (an online version of the Farmer’s Almanac)

www.baseball-almanac.com

www.netstate.com (facts about the states)

Atlases

* - items are especially important to view, if available

• A collection of maps or charts usually bound together. But also can include pictures, tabular data, facts and indexes of place names and statistics.
  
  
• Specialized atlases include those for climate, economy, geology, history, languages, religions, resources, boundaries, population, and transportation.
  
  
• Answers global or regional questions.

Representative Print Sources:

Representative Internet Sources:

These world geography information sites contain much more than just geography.

www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/

economist.com/countries/

A gazetteer lists names of places; this site provides national information.

A good source for street maps as well as written directions

yahoo.com*