Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Evaluating Reference Sources, Indexes and Abstracts (Week 5 Assignment)

INDEXES AND ABSTRACTS WORKSHEET
Student: Shelli Harrel
Date: 4/20/2015
PART 1:
Start at the TAMUC Libraries Homepage. Find the America: History and Life with Full Text database. Find the article “Robert E. Lee in Northwest Ohio”.
A.      Cite the article in APA format.
Baranowski, R.(2013). Robert E. Lee in Northwest Ohio. Northwest Ohio History, 80(2), 109-116.
B.      Copy and paste the abstract.
Abstract:
The article discusses a professional visit to northwest Ohio made by future Confederate army general Robert E. Lee in 1835. According to the article, Lee surveyed the Maumee Valley in northern Wood County, Ohio, during his time as a 2nd lieutenant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The article examines a territorial dispute over the city of Toledo between Ohio and Michigan, the political influence of Ohio and president Andrew Jackson's desire for its electoral votes in the 1836 U.S. presidential election, and Lee's journey from Washington, D.C., toOhio.
Source: America: History and Life Database

PART 2:
Using the same database, find another article on a topic or person of your own choice.
A.      Cite the article in APA format.
Zarefsky, D. (2015). LINCOLN AND HISTORICAL ACCURACY.Rhetoric & Public Affairs, 18(1), 155­159.

B.      Copy and paste the abstract.
Abstract:
The article discusses the 2012 film "Lincoln" directed by Steven Spielberg, focusing on how the film captures the various goals of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln portrayed by actor Daniel Day-Lewis in the film. Other topics include how Lincoln handled the political atmosphere in Washington, D.C. while gathering votes to pass the 13th Amendment, a discussion of Lincoln's goal for the U.S. Civil War, and a discussion of the historical accuracy of the film. It also discusses Lincoln's plans for emancipation of slaves prior to settling on a constitutional amendment.
Source: America: History and Life Database



PRINT REFERENCE RESOURCE WORKSHEET

(“100 most popular picture book authors and illustrators: biographical sketches and bibliographies” by Sharron L. McElmeel.)

For each print resource, use Titlewave, reviews, and other resources that you select to complete the assignment. You will have to put some thought into your answers. We are putting into practice the topics and activities we covered in the first four weeks of class.

Student: Shelli Harrel
Date: 4/20/2015
Type of reference resource: Biographies (Biographic Sketches and Bibliographies)
Grade level recommended (not interest level): Although the review listed in Titlewave does not specify a recommended grade level for this book, I would say that it would be perhaps most beneficial for students from grades 6-12. (The second review that I found recommended this book for students in grades 6 and up.)
Cite the book in APA format:
McElmell, S. (2000). 100 most popular picture book authors and illustrators: biographical sketches and bibliographies. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

If there are not at least two reviews in Titlewave for the book, find at least one more review that is relevant to school libraries and copy and paste it below. (Hint: You can find reviews in Academic Search Complete. Use the limiters on the left side of the page to select book reviews.)
I found this review information in Academic Search Complete.
100 Most Popular Picture Book Authors and Illustrators (Book review).

Authors:

Source:
School Library Journal. Nov2000, Vol. 46 Issue 11, p94. 1/5p.

Document Type:
Book Review

Subject Terms:

Reviews & Products:



NAICS/Industry Codes:
451211 Book Stores
451310 Book stores and news dealers
414420 Book, periodical and newspaper merchant wholesalers
424920 Book, Periodical, and Newspaper Merchant Wholesalers

Abstract:
Reviews the book `100 Most Popular Picture Book Authors and Illustrators: Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies,' by Sharron L. Mcelmeel.

254 0362-8930 3740651
Translate Full Text:
  
HTML Full Text
100 MOST POPULAR PICTURE BOOK AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS (BOOK REVIEW) 
ListenSelect:   
Section:
Reference Review
BOOKS
MCELMEEL, Sharron L. Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies. 579p. (Popular Authors Series). photos. appendix. further reading, index. Web sites. CIP. Libraries Unlimited. 2000. Tr $49. ISBN 1-56308-647-6. LC 00-023181.

Gr 6 Up --This solid resource offers brief yet substantial biographies of some of the best-known authors and illustrators of books for children. The alphabetical entries are clearly written and engaging. They note the individuals' birthplace and date and list a few of their well-known titles. The sketches contain nearly all of the facts that students doing reports would want to know and include some reflections on the nature of the creators' work and how it may have been shaped by their life experiences. Each article concludes with a bibliography (and Webliography, when available). The selections are balanced with respect to gender and ethnicity and represent the heart of a strong picture-book collection. Many of the profiles are accompanied by a black-and-white photograph. A detailed table of contents, a lengthy general index, and a genre index provide access. There are many worthy sources of similar information, such as the multivolume Something about theAuthor series (Gale), Deborah Kovics's Meet the Authors and Illustrators (Scholastic, 1996), and Connie Rockman's Eighth Book of Junior Authors andIllustrators (H. W. Wilson, 2000). Nevertheless, McElmeel's splendid book deserves a place on library shelves.
~~~~~~~~
By Daryl Grabarek, Reference Book Editor; Walter Minkel, Technology Editor and Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City

Copyright of School Library Journal is the property of Media Source, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

For each of the following evaluation criteria, explain your evaluation thoroughly based on the type of resource you are evaluating. This is not a short answer section of the assignment.

What is the authority of the publisher? The publisher is a well established company that has been in business since 1964. Libraries Unlimited serves academic, private, school, and special libraries by producing “science textbooks, reference works, handbooks, professional guides, etc.” The company has produced “more than 2,000 publications in both print and electronic format”.  

Is the information comprehensive? Based on the reviews, I believe that the information found in this resource is comprehensive. According to the second review, the book contains a well organized table of contents, along with a general index and a genre index.  The information is arranged alphabetically and features facts about the authors or illustrators, such as: birthdates, “reflections on the nature of the creators' work and how it may have been shaped by their life experiences”, and information about other “well-known works” by the same individuals. In addition, there are also bibliographies and web resources highlighted in this resource.

Is the information accurate? According to the review in Titlewave, the information found within this work is current in the fact that it provides information on the recent deaths of authors at the time that the book was complied and published in 2000. The second review states that the book contains nearly all of the facts that students doing reports would want to know” about the particular authors highlighted and a “bibliography after each article”, as well as a detailed table of contents and index. Based on this information, I would say that they book seems to have been as accurate as it could have been at the time that it was published, although some of the information might be dated compared to more recent publications. If considering it for a reference source, I would say that it is not as accurate as new material might be strictly due to the fact that it was published over 15 years ago.

Is the resource meant to be current or retrospective? While I feel that this book was probably meant to be a current resource at the time of publication, I would say that it now serves more as a retrospective resource to show popular picture book authors and illustrators during the year 2000. While the popularity of some authors and illustrators will stand the test of time, there are most likely many new individuals that have been introduced in the world of children’s picture books since the publication of this resource.

How can you tell if the information is current? I can tell if the information in this resource is current by examining the copyright date for the work, as well as looking to see if the information about the featured authors and illustrators offers current dates on published works or dates of death. This resource is not current due to the fact that it was published in the year 2000.

Is the information organized for ease of use? The information in this resource appears to be well organized according to the review information. It is arranged alphabetically and contains “a detailed table of contents, a lengthy general index, and a genre index”. Entries also include bibliographies after each article and additional web resources if available.

Is the resource affordable for a school library? This resource is somewhat affordable for a school library because it is listed as costing $ 73.49 for a hardcover volume on the Titlewave website. While this may not be considered affordable for some library budgets, the fact that it is an older book may mean that it is available at a less expensive price from other vendors or websites.

Is the resource recommended by the reviews? If so, for what level? This resource is recommended by both of the reviews that I found. Although the first review on the Titlewave website did not specify a recommended age level for this resource, it did describe the book as “an attractive and useful addition to the existing bio-bibliographical reference works in children’s literature”. The second review recommended this book to be appropriate for sixth grade and above. It states that this “solid resource offers brief yet substantial biographies of some of the best-known authors and illustrators of books for children”.  


PRINT REFERENCE RESOURCE WORKSHEET
(“Atlas of the North American Indian”)

For each print resource, use Titlewave, reviews, and other resources that you select to complete the assignment. You will have to put some thought into your answers. We are putting into practice the topics and activities we covered in the first four weeks of class.

Student: Shelli Harrel
Date: 4/20/2015
Type of reference resource: Atlas
Grade level recommended (not interest level): According to the review from School Library Journal, this resource is recommended for students in grades 10 and above.
Cite the book in APA format:
Waldman, C. (2009). Atlas of the North American Indian (3rd ed.).New York, NY : Checkmark Books.

If there are not at least two reviews in Titlewave for the book, find at least one more review that is relevant to school libraries and copy and paste it below. (Hint: You can find reviews in Academic Search Complete. Use the limiters on the left side of the page to select book reviews.)
For each of the following evaluation criteria, explain your evaluation thoroughly based on the type of resource you are evaluating. This is not a short answer section of the assignment.

What is the authority of the publisher? Checkmark Books is “the trade imprint of Facts on File, Inc- leading publishers of reference and non-fiction works in the sciences, social sciences, and the arts for over 60 years”. According to the company website, Facts on File specializes in “core subject areas such as history, science, literature, geography, health, and more” and their “print titles are authoritative references geared toward the high school, academic, and public libraries”. The company has “nearly 70 years of service to librarians”. Based on this information, I would say that this publisher has a great deal of authority when it comes to producing reference materials for libraries.
and Infobase Publishing website, http://www.infobasepublishing.com/AboutUs.aspx


  
Is the information comprehensive? The information within this resource appears to be very comprehensive in nature. According to notes from the publisher, this book “chronicles the travel and experiences of Native Americans from the first voyage to North America to the present day”. The text also “details the history, traditions, conflicts, land cessions, and contemporary ways of life for American Indians”. This information is enhanced by a plethora of photographs and illustrations, as well as “comprehensive appendixes, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index”. A review by the Library Media Connection indicates that this volume contains “a chronology, list of contemporary nations, list of geographical place names with Indian origins, chart of tribal populations, and list of museums as well as historical and archeological sites”.

Is the information accurate? Based on the information presented in the reviews for this book, I believe that the information in this resource is accurate. The review from Booklist highlights the fact that the author of this work, Carl Waldman is “the former archivist for the New York Historical Association” as well as “the author of other well-reviewed reference books on Native Americans”. There are no indications from the reviews that this resource contains inaccurate information. The fact that it was created by a well-known author/former archivist, as well as published by a reputable publishing company, I would assume that the information within this resource is as accurate as it can possibly be. The School Library Journal review comments that this book contains “exemplary informational content” and that it “stands out due to its scope”.

Is the resource meant to be current or retrospective? In terms of the intent of this resource, I believe that it is meant to be retrospective in nature because of the fact that it covers elements of history. Being that this is the 3rd edition of this book, attempts are certainly being made to ensure that current information is added to this resource, but I feel that it is designed to provide the reader with the ability to review various historical details and not just current information related to the topic.

How can you tell if the information is current? One of the best ways to determine if the information found in this resource is current is to refer to the copyright date for this book. In addition, if possible, readers could look for what they know to be more current data or dates highlighted within the text. This book was printed in 2009 and according to that date, it could only be considered current in terms of a history source because the information is just under six years old. According to the reviews, this is the 3rd edition of this book and the previous edition was published in the year 2000. This newest version has been “expanded and updated” and “contains a chronology now current through 2008”. Some of the more current updates mentioned in a review by School Library Journal are that this resource includes “information on the first Native American in space and the Canadian Parliament’s endorsement of the UN “Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”.


Is the information organized for ease of use? The information in this book appears to be well organized for easy access. According to the notes section on the Titlewave page, the book contains “biographical references, an index, and more than 120 detailed maps that mark tribal locations, migrations, and more and includes a chronology”. The publisher highlights the fact that the book “features comprehensive appendixes, a glossary, a biography, and an index”. The Booklist review states that “this volume is arranged in seven sections” that provide “an overview of Native North America”. The sections are then divided by topics to make them easier to use. A review by Library Media Connection highlights the fact that this resource contains “current statistics” and many of the pages “are illustrated with photos, maps, and drawings that extend the text”. The subject divisions in this book “follow a chronological pattern” and are “complemented numerous maps and photographs”, as well as “an extensive map list and a series of appendixes” according to the review by School Library Journal.

Is the resource affordable for a school library? This resource is very affordable for a school library, as it is available in paperback on the Titlewave website for only $25.00. It can also be purchased in hardcover or eBook format for $85.00. In addition, the website offers an unlimited access eBook version for $136.00.

Is the resource recommended by the reviews? If so, for what level? According to the reviews, this resource is highly recommended for school libraries. The review from Booklist states that “the atlas is a good reference value, the text and maps are solid, the features are excellent, and the price is right”. The Library Journal review calls this resource “a valuable addition to any geography collection” and “a remarkable compilation of all aspects of Native American life, history, and culture”. In the Library Media Connection review, the reviewers refer to this book as “a veritable treasure trove of information” and state that “this reference volume will be useful in school and public libraries”. The School Library Journal recommends this resource for students in grades 10 and above, calling it “an impressive and exhaustive work”.

SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCE WORKSHEET

Student: Shelli Harrel
Date: 4/21/2015

DIRECTIONS:
Go to a school library (elementary, middle school, or high school).  Choose one print reference resource that we learned about this week – a biographical source, an index, a map, an atlas, or a gazetteer. Evaluate the resource using the following criteria. Discuss each section thoroughly. This is not a short answer worksheet.

Name of school library visited and grade level:
Hughes Springs ISD Elementary School / Grades K-5th

Resource (cite in APA format):
Fonda, S.P. & Daniels, P. (Eds.)(1999).United States Atlas for Young Explorers: A Complete Reference Guide to the United States. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society.

Authority of publisher and/or author:
The National Geographic Society is one of the leading publishers of maps, atlas and other informational texts. According to the company’s website, “it is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world”. “Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, and the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.” “National Geographic reference books are information-rich, illustrated books that cover broad topics or single subjects.” The books are “published in over 25 languages around the world”.
Source: National Geographic Website , http://www.nationalgeographic.com/about/

Accuracy of information: The information within this resource appears to have been accurate at the time that it was published. This particular book was mentioned within our textbooks as a suggested resource for middle school age students. Due to the fact that the copyright date for this book is 1999, I would say that it would no longer be considered accurate today because the information has most certainly changed considerably in the last 16 years. While I am sure that there are most likely updated version of this book available, this particular one was the only reference atlas of its kind at the library that I visited.


Comprehensiveness: This book appeared to be very comprehensive in nature based on the outline of information that I found within the table of contents. The resource is divided into two sections, the “physical United States” and the “political United States”. Under the first section, readers can find a physical map of the United States, as well as information on the natural environment, federal lands, and endangered species. The second section contains a political map of the United States, along with information about territorial growth, population, and transportation. The maps that are featured throughout the book are divided by regions of the United States and include the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, the Southwest, and the West. Within each featured region readers can find maps and information about the states located there.

Retrospective/Current: I believe that this resource was designed to be a current resource at the time that it was published, but due to the age of the book it would now be more of a retrospective resource. The book was published in 1999 and while the basic information featured within it would most likely not have changed, there will generally be revisions and additional information discovered over the last 16 years that should be included to make the content current.

Ease of use: I found this resource organized in such a way that it appeared very user friendly and I feel that the reader could access the information without difficulty. There is a page at the beginning of the book that informs the reader about how to use the atlas. This page tells readers how the book is organized, as well as how to read the map information, map icons, and information presented alongside the maps. In addition to this, there is also an extensive index at the back of the book that makes locating information within this resource a fairly simple process.




No comments:

Post a Comment