Encyclopedias,  Dictionaries,  Biographical,  Geographical  Sources,  Directories,  Almanacs,  Yearbooks,  &  Handbooks  
 
by  
 
Jason  W.  Dean
 Encyclopedias,  Dictionaries,  Biographical,  Geographical  Sources,  Directories,  Almanacs,  Yearbooks,  &  Handbooks  
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TITLE   EVALUATION   USE  
  Format   Scope   Authority   Treatment   Relation  to  Similar   Main  Purposes     3  Reference  
Works     Questions  You  
Could  Answer  
With  This  Source  
Britannica   Each  division   Covers  subjects  from   Well-­‐respected   Subjects  are  treated   Unique  in  its  reputation   The  purpose  of  this   “What  is  an  engine?”  
(macropaedia,   the  entire  known   encyclopedia,  with   succinctly,  and   and  role  as  the  most   source  is  as  a  form  of    
Macropaedia,   micropedia,  and   universe,  written  in   authors  being  experts  in   objectively.   respected  encyclopedia.   ready  reference  for   “Who  was  Abraham  
Micropedia,   propaedia)  offers  a   English.  Each  entry  is   their  fields.  Contributors   Shares  format  and   patrons  and  librarians.   Lincoln?”  
“How  to  use”  section.   covered  briefly.     and  authorities  are   information  with  other    
Propaedia  
Organized  alphabetically   listed  for  entire  set  in   encyclopedias.   “What  is  a  democracy?”  
within  each  section.   propaedia.  
Includes  index.  
Familiar   Does  not  include  a   Covers  well-­‐known   Well-­‐known  quotation   Subjects  are  treated   Shares  information  with   The  purpose  of  this   “What  are  the  famous  
section  on  usage.     quotations,  but  does  not   reference  work,  with  list   according  to  their   other  quotation   source  is  to  provide  an   quotes  of  Abraham  
Quotations   Entries  are  listed   specify  amount  covered.   of  contributors  being   number  of  famous   reference  works,  and  is   easy  method  by  which   Lincoln?”  
alphabetically  according   Includes  ancient  quotes   experts  in  their  field.   quotes,  and  all  entries   not  unique.   users  can  discover  the    
to  the  author’s  last   to  modern  quotes.  Each   are  formatted  in  the   source  of  common   “Who  said  ‘I  think,  
name.  Includes  index  of   entry  lists  quotes  by  the   same  manner,   quotations.   therefore  I  am’?”  
quotes  arranged   author,  as  well  as   regardless  of  length.    
alphabetically  by  first   sources.   “What  are  some  good  
word  of  quote.   quotes  about  courage?”  
World  Book   Includes  “How  to  use”   Covers  entries  from  the   Lists  contributors,  but   Subjects  are  treated   Much  like  other   The  purpose  of  this   “What  does  a  Zebra  look  
section.”  Well  illustrated   known  universe,  written   not  considered   succinctly,  in  a  easy  to   encyclopedias,  except  for   source  is  to  give   like?”  
Encyclopedia   throughout,  entries   in  English.  Each  entry  is   authoritative.  Sources   read  manner,  with  many   the  number  of  high-­‐ patrons  images  along    
listed  alphabetically.   covered  briefly  in  a   are  not  listed.   illustrations.  Written   quality  photos  and   with  words  from   “What  is  a  skyscraper?”  
Includes  index.   readable  manner.   objectively.   illustrations.   entries.    
“What  is  a  peanut?”  
Oxford  English   Words  listed   Covers  only  English   Highly  respected   The  information  is   Very  unique  in  its  scope,   The  purpose  of  this   “What  does  the  word  
alphabetically.    Key  to   words.  Covers  290,500   dictionary,  published  by   alphabetically  presented   authority,  and   source  is  to  provide   _____  mean?”  
Dictionary   definitions  of  words  is   words  -­‐  “the  words  that   Oxford  University,  with   in  an  objective  style.   treatment.  However,   exhaustive  information    
also  available,  as  well  as   have  formed  the  English   a  wide  array  of  authors,   does  not  include  many   about  the  words  it   “Where  did  the  word  
a  list  of  abbreviations.   vocabulary  from  the   a  majority  of  whom   modern  words.   defines.   ____  come  from?”  
time  of  the  earliest   have  advanced  degrees.    
records  to  the  present   “Did  the  word  ____  
day."  Covers  each   mean  something  
word’s  history,   different  in  the  past?”  
definition,  and  other  
pertinent  information  
comprehensively.  
Grove  Dictionary   Information  on  usage  is   Covers  topics  from  all   Each  entry  is  attributed   Each  entry  follows  the   Compared  to  other  art   The  purpose  of  this   “When  was  Picasso  
given  in  the   periods  and  areas  of  art,   to  its  authors,  as  well  as   same  format,  presented   reference  works,  Grove’s   source  is  to  provide  an   born?”  
of  Art   introduction.  Organized   in  English.  Illustrated.     including  a  bibliography.   alphabetically.  Each   is  unique,  both  for  its   authoritative  first  look    
alphabetically  according   Also  includes  cross-­‐ entry  is  objectively   scholarship,  as  well  as  its   at  topics  from  all   “What  is  Pre-­‐Raphaelite  
to  topic.  Includes  index,   reference  suggestions.   discussed.   scope.   periods  and  areas  of   art?”  
as  well  as  several  helpful   No  information  about   art.    
appendices.   the  authors  or  editors  is   “Who  painted  the  Mona  
Encyclopedias,  Dictionaries,  Biographical,  Geographical  Sources,  Directories,  Almanacs,  Yearbooks,  &  Handbooks  
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given.   Lisa?”  
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American   Includes  information  on   Covers  many  common   Contributors  and  editors   Each  entry  follows  the   The  work  is  very  similar   The  purpose  of  this   “What  does  the  word  
usage,  in  the  front  of   English  words.   are  listed,  and  appear  to   same  format,  with  the   to  other  works,  but  is   source  is  to  provide   fibrosis  mean?”  
Heritage   the  first  volume.   Demonstrates   be  authoritative.  Each   same  information   presented  in  an  easy  to   word  usage  assistance,    
Dictionary  of  the   Organized  alphabetically   pronunciation,  parts  of   entry  is  not  signed,  nor   presented  in  the  same   manage  format.   in  one  easy  to  use   “Is  do  a  verb?”  
according  to  word.     speech,  as  well  as  usage   are  sources  given  for  the   order.  Presented   volume.    
English  Language  
and  the  heritage  of  the   information  contained   objectively,  and  includes   “How  do  you  pronounce  
word.   within  the  dictionary.   some  illustrations.   onomotopeia?”  
Dictionary  of   Does  not  include   Does  not  include   More  authoritative   Each  entry  follows  the   Unique  only  for  its  more   The  purpose  of  this   “What  did  John  Adams  
information  on  usage.   information  about  scope   biographical  dictionary,   same  format,  listed   authoritative  nature  than   work  is  to  give  an   do?”  
American   Includes  helpful  indices.   of  dictionary,  however   due  to  the  association   alphabetically.  Each   more  current   authoritative  treatment    
Biography   Entries  are  listed   all  subjects  are   with  the  American   entry  is  discussed   biographical  resources.   of  important   “What  famous  
alphabetically,   American,  from  all  time   Council  of  Learned   objectively.   Americans.   Americans  attended  
according  to  last  name.   periods  pertinent  to  the   Socities.  Each  entry  cites   Syracuse  University?”  
United  States.   sources,  as  well  as  being    
signed  by  the  author  of   “What  does  Louis  
that  entry.   Comfort  Tiffany  have  to  
do  with  Tiffany’s?”  
Who’s  Who  in   Information  on  usage  is   Covers  “important”   Respected  as  an   Each  entry  follows  the   Unique  from  other   The  purpose  of  this   “Where  did  Joe  Biden  go  
not  given.  However,   Americans.  Criteria  for   important  biographical   same  format,  with   biographical  reference   source  is  to  provide   for  law  school?  
America   several  helpful  keys  to   admission  is  listed  in   resource.  For  each   consistent  abbreviations   sources  because  of  the   basic  biographical  and    
abbreviations  and  other   beginning  of  first   entry,  sources  are  not   and  style.  Objectivity   current  nature  of  the   contact  information  for   “How  can  I  contact  Jesse  
items  help  the  user  to   volume.   given,  nor  are  authors.   can  be  doubted,  as   subjects.   the  subjects  listed   Jackson?”  
better  understand   presumably  subjects   within.    
entries.  Listed   write  their  own  entries.   “What  are  some  well  
alphabetically,  and   known  physicians  in  our  
includes  geographic,  as   geographic  area?”  
well  as  professional  
indices.  
Times  Atlas  of  the   Information  on  usage  is   Covers  all  nations  and   Authors  and  editorial   Each  map  has  full  color,   Similar  to  other  works  in   The  purpose  of  this   “Where  is  Vladivostok,  
not  given.  However,   major  cities  of  the   board  are  authorities.   as  well  as  consistent   its  content  and   source  is  to  provide  a   Russia?”  
World   keys  to  symbols,  as  well   world,  with  reasonable   Maps  are  not  cites,  nor   symbols  and  markings.   presentation,  but  is   single-­‐volume  atlas  of    
as  several  helpful   detail  in  the  maps  –   are  authors  given.   Scale  is  not  constant,   unique  due  to  the   the  world,  with  helpful   “Is  Seattle,  Washington  
geographical   depending  upon  their   and  is  adjusted   authority  of  the  authors   additional  geographical   near  Mt.  St.  Helens?”  
comparison  charts  are   scale.   according  to  the  size  of   and  editors.   information.    
provided.  Listed   the  geographical  area   “How  far  is  it  from  
according  to  the  key   illustrated.   Dallas  to  El  Paso?”  
shown  inside  the  front  
cover.  Includes  index.  
Times  Atlas  of   Information  on  usage  is   Covers  all  major  events   Contributors  are  experts   Each  map  is  in  full  color,   Unique  in  its  blend  of   The  purpose  of  this   “How  did  MacArthur  
not  given.  However,   in  world  history,  with   in  their  field,  and  The   using  consistent   history  and  geography.  Is   work  is  to  give  a   land  at  Inchon?”  
World  History   keys  to  symbols  are   good  detail  in  full-­‐color   Times  is  well-­‐respected   symbols  and  markings.   an  excellent  melding  of   geographical    
given.  Maps  are   maps.   as  a  commonly  used   Scale  is  adjusted   two  not  dissimilar  fields.   representation  of  major   “How  did  early  man  
organized   geographic  source.   according  to  the   events  in  world  history.   move  about  the  world?”  
chronologically.  Includes   Sources  used  are  not   geographical  area    
index.   given,  nor  are  authors   illustrated.   “Where  did  the  Mayans  
names  attached  to  their   live?”  
work.  
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Historical  Atlas  of   Information  on  usage  is   Covers  important  events   The  author  is  an  expert   All  maps  are  in  full  color,   Unique  in  the  geographic   The  purpose  of  this   “How  has  the  size  of  the  
not  provided.  Keys  for   from  American  history,   in  American  history.   but  with  changing   illustration  of  important   work  is  to  illustrate  the   US  changed  over  time?”  
the  United  States   each  map  are  given  in   from  the  revolution  to   Sources  are  not  given   symbols  requiring   American  historical   changing  nature  of    
the  map  and  are  not   modern  times  with  full   for  the  information   consultation  of  key  in   events.   America,  as  well  as   “Where  were  important  
necessarily  consistent   color  maps.   provided  in  the  book.   each  map.  Scale  is   illustrate  important   landmarks  in  Harlem  in  
through  the  work.  Maps   adjusted  according  to   events.   the  1920’s?”  
are  arranged   the  geographical  area    
chronologically.  Includes   illustrated.   “Where  was  the  lost  
index.   colony  of  Roanoke  
located?”  

 
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TITLE   EVALUATION   USE  
  Format   Scope   Authority   Treatment   Relation  to  Similar   Main  Purposes     3  Reference  
 
  Works   Questions  You  
  Could  Answer  
With  This  Source  
Old  Farmer’s   Includes  “How  to  use”   Covers  key  agricultural   Generally,  sources  are   Each  area’s  important   Unique  in  its   The  main  purpose  of   “When  is  the  best  time  
section.  Well  illustrated,   and  rural  information   not  cited.  However,   points  are  covered   comprehensiveness,  an   this  work  is  to  help   to  plant  my  squash?”  
Almanac   with  information   for  the  year  stated  in   individuals  working  in   concisely,  and  with   important  first  reference   readers  to  improve    
divided  into  several   title.     agriculture  regard  the   many  illustrations.   source  for  agricultural   their  farming  and   “What  kind  of  weather  
sections,  as  described  in   information  in  the   and  meteorological   gardening  skills  with   can  we  expect  this  
the  table  of  contents.   Almanac  very  highy.   questions.   good  information.   year?”  
 
“When  will  we  have  a  
full  moon  in  October?”  
World  Almanac   Does  not  include  section   Covers  key  events  of  the   Some  sections  are   Each  topic  is  covered   Compiles  in  a  convenient   The  main  purpose  of   “How  many  births  were  
on  usage.  However,  two   year  stated  on  the   credited,  while  others   well,  but  briefly.   form  information   this  work  is  as  a   there  in  New  Mexico  
and  Book  of  Facts   helpful  indices  are   cover,  as  well  as   are  not.  Sources  are   available  elsewhere.   convenient  reference   last  year?”  
included,  as  well  as  a   provides  helpful  general   generally  not  listed.   Unique  in  that   for  statistics  and  key    
table  of  contents   statistical  information.   convenience,  could  be   events  in  a  calendar   “What  is  the  largest  city  
demonstrating  the   used  as  a  good  first   year.   in  the  world?  
organization  of  topics   reference  tool  for    
covered.  Within  each   statistical  information.   “How  many  American  
section,  entries  are   troops  are  stationed  in  
listed  alphabetically.   Japan?”  
Occupational   Jobs  are  organized   Covers  all  major  career   Published  by  the  US   Each  entry  is  covered  in   Unique  in  its  authority   The  main  purpose  of   “What  is  the  job  outlook  
alphabetically,  with   fields.   government,  with   the  same  format,  with  a   and  scope.  An  excellent   this  work  is  to  provide   for  teachers?”  
Outlook   information  presented   statistics  compiled  by   description  of  the  job   occupational  reference.   authoritative  career    
Handbook   in  a  consistent  format.   that  institution.     itself,  and  an  outlook.   information.   “What  is  a  doctor’s  day  
like?”  
Statistical  
 
Abstracts  of  the   “What  does  it  take  to  
United  States   become  a  librarian?”  
Books  in  Print   Provides  several  helpful   Covers  all  books  in  print.   Considered  the   Each  entry  is  covered  in   Unique  both  in  its   The  main  purpose  of   “Is  The  Power  Broker  
indices,  with  entries   authority  on  availability   a  standard  format   comprehensiveness,  as   this  work  is  to  provide   still  in  print?  
listed  alphabetically.   of  books.   describing  each  book.   well  as  the  topic.   an  easy  reference  to    
Does  not  list  sources.   determine  the  in  print   “What  books  by  Chaim  
status  of  a  given  book.   Potok  are  in  print?”  
 
“Can  I  find  this  book  in  a  
large  print  format?”  
Statesman’s   Does  not  include  section   Includes  all  major   Considered   Each  entry  is  covered  in   Unique  in  its   The  main  purpose  of   “What  kind  of    
on  usage.  However,  a   organizations  in  the   authoritative.  Sources   the  same  format,  with   governmental   this  source  is  to  be  a   government  does  
Yearbook   table  of  contents  and   world,  as  well  as  all  of   are  not  listed,  nor  are   maps,  and  key   information.   ready  reference  for  key   Lesotho  have?”  
index  is  provided.   the  nations  of  the   authors  attributed.   information  broken   governmental    
Entries  are  broken  down   world.   down  in  a  consistent   information  for  all   “Who  is  the  leader  of  
alphabetically,  in  two   fashion,  and  succinctly.   nations  of  the  world.   Azerbaijan?”  
major  sections  –  
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organizations  and  
nations.  
Facts  on  File   Each  topic  is  presented   Covers  many  major   Each  volume  has  a   Each  volume  is   Only  unique  for  the   The  main  purpose  of   “What  are  some  general  
in  its  own  volume,  each   topics  in  more  depth   stated  author,  which  is   presented  in  a  different   depth  of  general   this  source  is  to  provide   themes  in  chemistry?”  
with  a  table  of  contents   than  an  encyclopedia.   generally  an  expert  in   format.   information  given.   more  in-­‐depth    
and  an  index.  Does  not   the  subject  area.   information  about   “What  are  some  fields  in  
include  a  section  on   Generally  does  not   broad  topics  than  is   science?”  
usage.   include  sources.   available  in  an    
encyclopedia.   “I’d  like  to  know  a  bit  
more  about  this  topic,  
where  should  I  look?”  
Famous  First   Lacks  section  on  usage,   Covers  major  “firsts”  in   Lacks  references  and   Each  entry  is  covered   Unique  only  for  the   The  main  purpose  of   “Who  was  the  first  Pope  
hindering  the  usefulness   American  history.   author  statements.     with  varying  depth,  and   format  in  which  the   this  source  is  to  provide   to  visit  the  White  
Facts   of  this  source.  However,   Could  be  an  authority  in   with  differing  formats.   information  is  presented.   a  convenient  resource   House?”  
similar  entries  are   the  “firsts”  area.   for  “firsts”  in  many    
grouped  together,  and   areas.   “Who  was  the  first  man  
several  indices  are   to  walk  on  the  moon”  
included.    
“Who  was  the  first  
president  to  live  in  the  
White  House?”  
Emily  Post’s   Includes  table  of   Includes  many   Considered  the   Each  topic  is  covered   Unique  in  its  authority   The  main  purpose  of   “When  should  I  send  
contents  and  index,  but   important  social   authoritative  source  for   with  varying  length.   and  scope.   this  source  is  to  provide   out  invitations  for  my  
Etiquette   lacks  section  on  usage.   occasions,  from   standards  of  polite   Important  concepts  are   readers  information   wedding?”  
Each  topic  is  listed   personal  to  general.   behavior.   illustrated.   about  how  to  behave    
under  a  general  heading   and  conduct   “What  does  RSVP  stand  
of  different  social   themselves  in  a  “polite”   for?”  
situations.   manner.    
“What  should  be  the  
text  on  a  dinner  party  
invitation?”  
Robert’s  Rules  of   Includes  helpful   Covers  all  areas  of  rules   Considered  the   Each  general  topic  is   Unique  for  the   The  main  purpose  of   “What  is  a  quorum?”  
information  on  usage  in   for  running  official   authoritative  source  for   covered  objectively,  in   information  it  presents,   this  source  is  to  provide    
Order   the  introduction.  Also   meetings.   rules  for  running   differing  formats.  The   as  well  as  the  format  of   readers  with  the  tools   “Why  do  we  read  
includes  table  of   meetings.   topics  are  then  broken   that  presentation.   they  require  to  run   minutes  during  
contents,  where   down  into  more  specific   efficient,  productive   meetings?”  
organization  of  topics   areas.   meetings.    
and  information  in  the   “How  do  I  hold  the  floor  
work  is  described.   during  a  debate  in  a  
meeting?”  
Guinness  Book  of   Does  not  include  section   Covers  many  areas  of   Considered  the   Well  illustrated,  with   Unique  for  the   The  main  purpose  of   “How  long  are  the  
on  usage.  Does  include   records,  including  space,   authority  on  world   each  record  and  topic   information  it  contains.   this  work  is  to  provide   world’s  longest  
World   table  of  contents,   and  personal   records  for  size,  etc.   described  differently.   readers  information   fingernails?”  
Records/Guinnes describing  the   achievement.   about  impressive    
breakdown  of   human  and  natural   “How  heavy  is  the  
s  World  Records  
information  in  the  book.   feats.   world’s  largest  ball  of  
twine?”  
 
How  big  is  the  biggest  
pizza  ever?”  
 Encyclopedias,  Dictionaries,  Biographical,  Geographical  Sources,  Directories,  Almanacs,  Yearbooks,  &  Handbooks  
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