This comparison of the most recent edition of the American Library Association's "Guide to Reference Books" with earlier editions discusses (1) purpose; (2) organization; (3) bibliographic description; (4) annotation style; (5) attempts to select major titles; (6) balance in subject disciplines; and (7) media sources and databases. (MES)

Describes a comparative survey of Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory and the Guide to Microforms in Print which indicated that the information on microform availability given by Ulrich's is not accurate. The results of the comparison are summarized in a table. (JL)