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LESSON 3 - BASIC REFERENCE SOURCES: STARTING POINTS AND GATEWAYS TO INFORMATION 

Lesson 3 Contents:

Learning Objectives

I. What are Reference Sources?
* The Reference Collection

 II. General and Subject Encyclopedias
* The Use of Encyclopedias in the Research Process
* The Neutral Viewpoint Offered by Encyclopedias

III. Key Points to Remember

Lesson Three Quiz

Lesson Three Exercise


I. WHAT ARE REFERENCE SOURCES?

A reference source is an information source that’s designed to be referred to for pieces of information, rather than read cover to cover. Hence the term “reference source.” Every year, thousands of reference sources are published, in both print and computerized format.

Reference sources are usually consulted early in the research process (steps 2-3) and function as starting points or gateways to information. Reference sources provide:

  • brief factual and statistical information
  • introductions and overviews of a subject area
  • answers to frequently asked questions
  • pathways and guides to other sources of information

There are 2 types of reference sources:

1) Self-contained reference sources: those which contain the needed information. Examples of self-contained reference sources include:

ALMANAC a compilation of statistics and facts on a variety of subjects,
usually in one-volume
ATLAS a book of maps and geographical information
BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCE a work that provides information about a person’s life
(education, accomplishments, awards, career, etc.)
DIRECTORY provides names and addresses of individuals, companies,
organizations, etc.
ENCYCLOPEDIA a work meant to provide comprehensive summaries of all fields
of knowledge or specific branches of knowledge
GAZETTEER A dictionary of places. Allows you to look up a specific country,
state, city, town, etc. and read a brief geographical description.
HANDBOOK concise-- but usually comprehensive -- explanatory information
on a specific subject or area of study
YEARBOOK a summary of the events and trends of a given year

2) “Where to find it” reference sources: those which point you to other sources where information can be found. Examples of “where to find it” reference sources include:

BIBLIOGRAPHY a list of books, articles, and other sources of information
on a particular subject or by one specific author
INDEX an organized list of bibliographic citations describing
magazine articles, journal articles, etc.
CATALOG a list of every item (primarily books) held by a library or group of
libraries. Also known as the “online public access catalog,” or
OPAC.

Some reference works are complex and you may feel confused when using them for the first time. Therefore, it’s a good idea to read at least some of the preface that all reference works provide at the start of the volume or set. The preface describes the overall purpose, scope, and currency of the work, thus helping you decide if it will provide the information you’re seeking. It will also explain how information in the work is organized, offer guidelines on how to use it, and describe any special features. (In computerized reference works, prefatory information can usually be found in the “Help” section or “FAQ” -- Frequently Asked Questions – section.)

THE REFERENCE COLLECTION

Although many reference works are available in computerized format, some are only available in print versions. Libraries keep print reference sources in a separate room or area called the Reference Collection. The Skyline Library print reference collection contains approximately 3,000 volumes and is located on rows of shelving directly behind the reference desk.

The call number (identifying location) of a reference book is preceded by “REF” or “REFERENCE.” For example, here is the Skyline Library call number for a reference book entitled American Library Directory:

REF
Z
731
.A53

Library patrons are not allowed to take reference items home because librarians want to make sure that everyone has access to these valuable tools at all times.