Page 58 - DLIS105_REFERENCE_SOURCES_AND_SERVICES

Unit 5: Reference Sources

you to additional information sources. In most libraries, reference sources do not circulate and are Notes
located in a separate reference collection. This practice makes reference sources readily available
and easily accessible.
Reference sources are designed to be consulted rather than read through. Their design is generally
dependent on the type of information and treatment provided. Reference materials can be arranged
alphabetically, topically, or chronologically. Many will contain cross listed information and more
than one index. If it is not obvious how a reference source is organized, take a moment to look
through the explanatory or how-to-use information, which is usually presented at the beginning of
the book, or in HELP screens for online products.
There are thousands of reference sources available that cover practically every subject. Although
the term reference “book” is frequently used, reference sources can be books, serials, online databases
or the Internet. A large part of using reference sources well is choosing the right one.
Despite the wide variety available, reference sources can be categorized into a handful of groups.
Think about the kind of information you need and how you will use it. If you are unsure which
reference tool is best suited to your information need, a reference librarian will be able to assist you.
Quick guide for selecting the right type of reference source (Collins, 151):
For information about... Choose...
Words Dictionaries
General information/Overview of topic Encyclopedias
Names and addresses of people, organizations,
institutions, companies Directories
Profiles of people Biographical Dictionaries
Places/Maps Gazetteers or Atlases
Facts and Statistics Almanacs
Formula, Tables, How-To-Do-It Handbooks and Manuals
A person’s work Reviews or Criticisms
Dates, outlines, historical timelines Historical tables, Chronologies, Historical
yearbooks
Periodical Articles Indexes or Abstracts
Books and other sources Bibliographies or Guides to Literature.

Types of Reference Tools

Two major categories of reference materials are general and subject. General sources include all
subjects and present overviews of topics. Reference materials focused on specific subjects can provide
more in-depth coverage.
There are reference sources that provide information on specific subjects as well as general sources
that provide information on many subjects. In general, reference sources are either general or subject
specific. If you need an overview of a subject, perhaps a general information source will suit your
needs. If you need specialized information, a subject specific tool may be better suited.

5.2 Service Procurement in Libraries

Reference service illustrates the meta-process model of ISPL (Information Services Procurement
Library). This model can be used to link and compare ISPL to other Information Technology methods.
This study material provides each process with more information.

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