In their Top Trends of 2012, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) named data curation as one of the issues to watch in academic libraries in the near future (ACRL, 2012, p. 312). Data curation can be summarized as "the active and ongoing management of data through its life cycle of interest and usefulness to scholarship,…

Reviews 20 selected reference works published in 1991 and 1992 with purchasing recommendations for academic libraries. Titles are grouped under the following headings: National Bibliographies, Abbreviations, Librarianship, Religion, Mythology, Literature, Music, Art and Architecture, Popular Culture, Women's Studies, Area Studies, and Health…

Describes the development and history of "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," a reference source first published in 1870 that includes the etymology of phrases, allusions and words. Discusses reviews that reflected and shaped its status as a standard reference book, describes the current edition, and considers its enduring value.…

Provides an annotated bibliography of audiocassette tapes for instruction in 16 foreign languages. Methods of language instruction are discussed; differences in the target audience are considered, including tourists and business people; and guidelines for developing a library collection of language tapes are suggested. (LRW)

Reviews recent reference works and compares them, as appropriate, to other works. Topics represented are the Internet, periodicals, religion, literature, women's studies, ethnic studies, United States history, English history, and French history. Brief descriptions of new editions of standard works is provided at the end of the article. (KRN)

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)

Reviews 25 reference sources published in 1987 or 1988 in several formats--books, CD-ROM products, online databases, and government documents--and recommended by librarians. Materials in the following areas are included: general reference; business; science and technology; fine arts and literature; history; medicine and health; and social sciences…

Discussion of the rapid growth in CD-ROM products highlights "HyperIntro to CD-ROM Technology and Products," an electronic publishing product. Three main components of the system are described: CD-ROM Technology; CD-ROM Products; and CD-ROM Usage, which describes how CD-ROM is being used and evaluated in libraries and information centers…

Provides a brief overview of CD-ROM products that emulate a library's print collection. Highlights include reference works, including "Microsoft Bookshelf" and "Toolworks Reference Library"; the "New Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia"; periodicals and news services, including "Magazine Rack" and "Front…

Evaluates six CD-ROM products for library users that provide information on companies: (1) CD/Corporate: U.S. Public Companies; (2) Compact D/SEC; (3) Compustat PC Plus Corporate Text; (4) General Business File; (5) Moody's 5000 Plus; and (6) Standard and Poor's Corporations. Information provided includes companies included, online database…

Summarizes the storage capacity, advantages, disadvantages, hardware configurations, and costs of CD-ROMs. Several available titles are described, including "Books in Print," literature study guides, the works of Shakespeare, a historical almanac of "Time Magazine" articles, a scientific dictionary and encyclopedia, and a…

This book provides descriptions of approximately 270 CD-ROM packages and series, and references to dozens of others, all which are especially suitable for libraries. Organized by subject, entries include the vendor price (when available), platform and hardware requirements, and availability of network versions. In addition, evaluative comments…

Considers the differences between the use of printed materials and Web sites for reference, including technology problems, currency, and lack of depth on the Web. Reviews several examples of quality print reference books related to food, recipes, and culture that are suitable for school libraries. (LRW)

Reviews six reference materials for young people: "The New York Public Library Kid's Guide to Research"; "National Audubon Society First Field Guide. Mammals"; "Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary"; "Encarta Africana"; "World Fact Book, 1998"; and "Factastic Book of 1001 Lists". Includes ordering information.(AEF)

Describes a reference source for middle school students on biotechnology that is useful for science and social science curricula as well as interdisciplinary approaches. Explains the four-volume format and various features that make it useful to media specialists and students. (LRW)