Page 206 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit 10: Directories

Notes
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Caution Librarians should be alert to these possible discrepancies and look for electronic
directories that regularly update all entries.

10.2.3 Accuracy

The accuracy of information in directories should also he examined carefully. Is the information
about people and organizations correct, reading the preface or the introduction in a directory
can sometimes give clues about its potential accuracy. Introductory material can often reveal
how the data compiled in the directory was collected, alerting librarians to potential inaccuracies.

Example: Did a representative of the organization provide the information compiled in
its directory entry, or were other sources used’?

Clearly, inaccurate information will limit the usefulness of a directory in a reference setting,
and users should be made aware that sometimes information obtained from directories will
have to be used with caution.

10.2.4 Arrangement

Does this directory have an index? Are the entries alphabetical or classified? Do subject categories
appear at the top of the page? Does the electronic version of this directory allow one to sort
results by city’? These are some of the questions that address the arrangement of a directory. The
arrangement determines whether access to the information in the directory will be simple or
difficult.

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Caution If a directory is poorly organized, users are not likely to find the information they
need.
Electronic directories often have an advantage over their print counterparts in providing access
options. Searching directories electronically allows users to take advantage of multiple access
points, search multiple editions of a print counterpart and create customized lists for entries
with common characteristics. Regardless of whether the source is print or electronic, knowledge
of indexing schemes and access options will help get information to the user faster and more
efficiently.

Caselet Search Strategy: Directory of Directories

user in a college library came to the information desk asking for a list of Army/
Navy surplus stores. The user had been surfing all over the Web and had found
Aonly individual store sites. The user wanted a more systematic list that would list
them by state. After failing with the online catalogue, the librarian decided to try the
Directories in Print source in the reference collection. The librarian could not get a sense of
where this might be in the Descriptive Listing volume of the source. The librarian decided
to try the Indexes volume and, after striking out under “Army” and “Surplus,” finally found
an entry for the Army & Navy Goods Retail Directory under a heading for “Retail Stores.” The
Contd....

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