Finding and Evaluating Print Reference Sources (Week 3 Assignment)

Part 1: Finding Print Reference Sources

Go to a school library (elementary, middle school, or high school) and ask the librarian to show you the library’s reference collection and to give you a brief overview of the collection. Take a while to peruse the reference collection to see what types of resources are included. Choose three different types of reference books (for example, one dictionary, one encyclopedia, one atlas, etc.) Create a brief bibliography of the sources selected using APA citation format.

Types of Reference Books Selected (Dictionary, Encyclopedia, Atlas)

Bibliography

Thorndike,E.L. & Barnhart, C. (1993). Scott, Foresman Advanced Dictionary.         Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Company.

Racinet, A. (1997). The Historical Encyclopedia of Costumes. Morgan Samuel Editions (Ed.) New York, NY: Facts on File.

Williams, B. (1993). The Kingfisher Reference Atlas: An A-Z Guide to Countries of the      World. New York, NY: Kingfisher Books.

Part 2: Evaluating Print Reference Sources

Select one print reference source from your bibliography. Based on the criteria discussed in the online lesson you completed from the Idaho Commission of Libraries, evaluate the print reference source you selected. You must organize your document using the five criteria below as headings. That way you will be sure to address each criterion.  Discuss each evaluation criterion about your reference book thoroughly. This is not a short answer assignment.

Source Selected:

The Kingfisher Reference Atlas: An  A-Z Guide to Countries of the World.

•  Authority

When reviewing the authority of this particular resource, I examined the information about the author that was included within the book. According to the information presented, the author, Brian Williams, is “the former editor of a major international encyclopedia”. He is also “an encyclopedia consultant and compiler, and the author of numerous information books and popular reference works”. To further assess the authority of the author, I did a general search online and discovered a series of travel books entitled Highlights Top Secret Adventures, which offer information about various countries around the world. These books appear to have been written by the same author as this atlas and are published by Highlights for Children Inc., which I know to be an established publisher of the popular “Highlights” children’s magazine. In addition to searching for this information, I also searched for information about the publishing company Kingfisher. My online search results informed me that the company appears to be a well known, international company that publishes informational, non-fiction books for a variety of age groups. Based on the information that I discovered about the author and publisher of this resource, I would say that it appears to be a creditable resource for the library’s reference collection.

• Currency

When reviewing this resource to evaluate the currency of the information within the atlas, I first examined the copyright date of the book. This atlas was published in 1993 and inside of the book the author does include information to inform the reader that at the time of publication, the country of Yugoslavia had divided into different independent republics. According to the information provided, “Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovia had been recognized as independent republics; Serbia and Montenegro had declared that they formed the new Yugoslavia, but were not recognized as such; Macedonia had declared independence but was also not recognized”. In addition, it also stated that “Czechoslovakia had split into two independent states-the Czech Republic and Slovakia”. I think that considering this information at the time that this book was published, it would have been as current as it could have possibly been at the time. I like the fact that this additional information was included. With that being said however, by today’s standards, the information within this atlas would not be considered current mainly due to the fact that it was published 12 years ago and the political landscape has most likely changed since its publication.

•  Audience

In attempting to determine the intended audience for this atlas, I examined different parts of the book to see how the book was organized. I found the atlas to be fairly easy to navigate, as it had a page that offered the reader insight as to the features of the book, as well as a page describing how to use the maps within the book. The print within the book, along with the maps and graphics, was easily readable. It was organized in such a way that the reader could view all of the information (maps, text, graphs, etc.) about a particular country on one page. Overall, based on what I observed, I would estimate that the intended audience for this particular resource would be students from approximately fifth grade to ninth grade, although it could certainly be used by older students or adults.

•  Accuracy

In terms of the accuracy of the information presented within this atlas, as I stated earlier, I believe that it was as accurate as it could possibly have been for the time that it was published. The authors included information at the time of publication to inform the reader that the political landscape was changing in specific part of Europe. The information about the division of the country of Yugoslavia and the country of Czechoslovakia was relevant and accurate at the time the book was published. Looking at the political landscape of the world today, some of the information found within this atlas would not be accurate because things have changed within the 12 years since its’ publication. 

•  Accessibility (Although accessibility can include accessibility for students with disabilities, in this case we are discussing accessibility of the content through tools such as an index and/or table of contents to make locating information in the reference book efficient.)

Based on what I observed about this resource, I would say that it had many features that made the information that it contained very accessible. The table of contents at the beginning of the book was easy to read and offered information as to what could be found within this resource. Looking at the first few pages of the book, readers could locate information describing the features of the book, as well as how to read the maps found within the book. The index at the back of the atlas was well organized and easy to read. In addition to the index, the author included a page that offered the reader information about former and alternative country names to assist users in locating facts about countries that had undergone changes in recent years.

Part 3: Selecting Print Reference Sources

Go to Titlewave. Once you have logged in, choose the Collection Assessment link on the left side of the page. On the next page, choose the Books link on the left. The next page will give you search options. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see what review sources are used. Then do a search for a reference book. You do not have to fill in every box on the page.

Select a school level interest (do not choose adult or professional).

 I selected the interest level for Grades 3-6.

Choose “reference” from classifications.

Go to the “number of reviews” box. You must choose a reference source that has at least two reviews.

 I chose to look for sources that had at least 4 reviews

Choose a reference book from your results list. 

Colonial America and the Revolutionary War: The story of the people of the colonies, from early settlers to revolutionary leaders.

Cite the reference book in APA format. 

Harris, L. (Ed.). (2009). Colonial America and the Revolutionary War: The story of the people of the                        colonies, from early settlers to revolutionary leaders. Pleasant Ridge, MI: Favorable                                      Impressions.

For each review source, cut and paste the review. (Source: www.titlewave.com)

Full-Text Reviews

Booklist May 15, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 18)

Grades 2-5. The publisher of the Biography for Beginners series has released a wonderful history reference book presenting introductory-level information for primary and intermediate learners. Part 1, “Colonial America,” examines early settlement, starting with chapters on Jamestown and Plymouth Plantation and moving on to different regions and immigrant groups. Attention is given to religious beliefs, homes, food sources, clothing, childhood, and recreation. Two chapters are devoted to Native Americans and African Americans.  Part 2, “The Revolutionary War,” discusses the political history of the period, touching on the causes of the war and chronicling the significant battles, such as Bunker Hill and Valley Forge. Part 3, “Biographical Profiles,” makes up most of the volume, with A–Z entries for 28 individuals, among them Ethan Allen, Patrick Henry, Molly Pitcher, and Phillis Wheatley. The entries, ranging from 4 to 12 pages, begin with a black-and-white portrait, dates of birth and death, and a listing of achievements. Two additional sections, “The Symbols of the Revolutionary War” and “Glossary and Brief Biographies,” follow the profiles. All chapters and biographical profiles end with a list of Web sites to encourage additional research. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations are found throughout the book. An appendix contains important documents, such as the Mayflower Compact. The volume concludes with a Revolutionary War time line and a simple subject index. This volume is highly recommended for public and school library collections. The affordable price, well-organized basic information, and user-friendly format make it a valuable resource for young researchers.

Library Media Connection August/September 2009

Young readers and their teachers will find this book about colonial America, the Revolutionary War, and the major figures in early America useful and interesting. The first section of the book details the settlements in the New World discussing the Puritans, the Pilgrims, the Pennsylvania Dutch, Quakers, Native Americans, African-American slaves, and others. We learn about what these people ate and wore, what their homes were like, what the children did, and what games were played. The next section details the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, the major battles, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitutional Convention. Finally, the book concludes with biographies of 28 individuals who played a major part in the forming of our country including Benjamin Franklin, Nathan Hale, Crispus Attucks, Molly Pitcher, and Paul Revere. Every chapter ends with several websites that interested students can visit to learn more. The book is illustrated with b&w photos of famous portraits, paintings, and maps. The text throughout is large, with ample white space making this a user-friendly addition to every school library. Recommended. Ann M. G. Gray, Library Media Specialist, Pittsburg (New Hampshire) School

School Library Journal April 1, 2009

Gr 5-7-Drawing heavily from more advanced monographs, this well-organized volume provides a brief general introduction and three chronological sections: "Colonial America," "The Revolutionary War," and "Biographical Profiles." The first section includes chapters on regions from New England to Georgia, and on various social groups. Discussion is centered on issues concerning daily life and topics such as representative government, Native Americans, and slavery. Part two traces the origins of the conflict, from the French and Indian War to the outbreak of hostilities at Lexington and Concord, terminating at the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The 28 brief, illustrated biographical sketches cover perennial research favorites such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, and Phillis Wheatley. Each entry is followed by a brief list of Web sites for further exploration. The work concludes with a section devoted to a few of the most important symbols of the Revolutionary period such as the Liberty Bell and the American Flag. An appendix contains fundamental documents from the Mayflower Compact to the Constitution as well as a brief time line of the Revolution. Overall, the entries are of high quality and will work well for reports and assignments. The larger-than-average font and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space will be appreciated by students, especially those with visual or learning disabilities. Average-quality black-and-white reproductions are included.-Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Part 4

Based on the information in Chapter 2 of your textbook and the online lesson you completed, would you add this resource to the library at the school where you work? Why or why not? (If you are not currently a school employee, choose a school library that you are familiar with.)  Discuss your reasoning thoroughly. 

 Based on the information that I read in Chapter 2 of the textbook, as well as the online lesson that I completed dealing with selecting library resources, I would say that I would be inclined to include the resource in the school library’s reference section. I believe that the scope of the book is broad enough that it would cover a variety of history topics related to Colonial America and the Revolutionary War and be beneficial for a range of students. I think it would be helpful for students doing general research, as well as those looking for more specific information about select individuals during this time period. I feel that although the book was published in 2009, the information would still be considered accurate because the book is less than 10 years old and the content involves historical events. I currently work at an elementary school and this book is designed for a target audience of students from grades 3-6, with a 6^th grade reading level. The cost in purchasing this resource is fairly inexpensive in that it is only $49.00 for a hardcover book and I believe it could be utilized by the students for a number of years. As far as arrangement and presentation are considered, based on the reviews of the book, it seems like the book is arrange in a way that information would be easily accessible for students. I like the fact that it includes illustrated biographical sketches of important people, as well as an appendix containing information on important documents and symbols of the time period. In addition, I think it is really helpful that web sites are listed throughout the book (at the end of each chapter) that would allow students to explore topics further if they chose to do so. Overall, based on what I know about this resource from research and the included reviews, I would consider this book to be very user friendly and a good addition to the library’s reference collection.