REFERENCE

What are Reference Sources?

Normally all the school libraries have the following reference sources to satisfy the needs of the users. Some of the reference sources are not familiar among the readers. To make them understand the uses and purpose of those sources, a brief description is given for information.

General sources of information are:

1. Dictionaries

2. Encyclopaedia

3. Yearbooks, Almanacs, handbooks,etc.

4. Biographical sources eg. Who’s Who

5. Geographical sources eg. Gazatteers, Atlases, Guidebooks, maps, etc.

6. Directories- list of persons or organizations systmatically arranged usually in alphabetical order, giving addresses affiliations, etc. for individuals and addresses, officers, functions and similar data for organizations.

Since most of these sources are familiar among readers, sources like almanacs are unfamiliar and needs little explanation.

What is almanac?

It is an annual publication containing a calender, frequently accompanied by astronomical data and other information.

Usually almanacs contain the following information:

1. Chronologicl list of the important events of the year.

2. Summaries of the political, social and cultural events of the year.

3. Major developments and trends in various fields including science and technology during the year.

4. Short biographies of notable living persons and also obituaries of leading personalities.

5. Information about organizations

6. Statistical information about different fields including important sports events, prizes, awards, population, etc.