Best of Reference 2006: Flavors of Reference
Annotation:It’s easy to sing the praises of this comprehensive resource, covering all kinds of gospel music. Entries include biographies of singers and bands, radio stations, publishing houses, and momentous events. Through music and religion, this reference chronicles major social changes in our nation’s history.
Annotation:In this resource you will find clear, introductory-level outlines of Shakespeare's major works. An appendix of Shakespeare resources on the web and subject indexing helps the curious dig deeper.
Annotation:Relish this impressive and well-organized international encyclopedic treatment of photography with its A-Z entries covering the history, art, and technology of photography including key individuals and stylistic movements. Several hundred attractive photos supplement the text.
Annotation:Poets.org is a continuously updated source for information on American poets. Replete with significant biographical information, as well as select poems to highlight each poet’s style, this site is searchable by movement and theme. Follow the links to audio clips of many poems and information on National Poetry events.
Annotation:Delight in the bios and booklists of popular fiction’s most well-known authors. With a helpful author/title index at the back, the additional genre index featuring subject and fictional character entries is the icing on the cake.
Annotation:Part of the U.S. Department of State’s website, this site provides up-to-date, factual information on the countries of the world, including links to U.S. Embassies, press releases and other information useful for students and travelers. Discard your notebooks full of the print version!
Annotation:This encyclopedia provides a unique overview of rapidly changing Chinese society, its culture and its history. Exploring a diverse range of subjects from prisons to underground Christian churches and rock groups to TV talk shows, this source is highly recommended.
Annotation:One of the most thorough works on the topic to date, this encyclopedia aims to dispel stereotypes about Latinos and reveal their impact on U.S. history and society. From biographies to thematic essays to interesting musical groups, everyone will learn something from this bountiful source.
Annotation:How are maps made? How have our cultural identities evolved? What causes violent weather? Answer these questions and many more. Not only is this a remarkably detailed book, it is also lavishly illustrated with maps and photographs.
Annotation:This web version of the Occupational Outlook Handbook is a useful source for anyone searching for his or her first job or thinking of changing careers. It offers descriptions of hundreds of jobs and includes links to other helpful related sources.
Annotation:Now all of the great college information that was available in print form can be found online. Information about financial aid, test preparation and an interactive college finder make this site an invaluable resource for prospective students and their parents.
Annotation:With data on real estate in selected cities compiled from government sources, this site is useful to tenants as well as prospective buyers and renters. It provides property records, maps, photos, building permits and violations, and the demographics of the area surrounding a given address.
Annotation:Need a sump pump or a whatchamacallit? Find out who sells it, their contact information, website and more on this online industrial directory. A shelfspace-saving resource brought to you by the people who produce Thomas Register and Thomas Regional.
Annotation:del.icio.us is a social bookmarks manager. It allows users to save links and organize them using keywords or "tags," rather than hierarchical folders. Visitors to the site can also search by one or more tags to see what other del.icio.us users have saved. This can be your personal reference tool, available at any information desk computer.
Annotation:This is the go-to book for any and all things New York. Well-written, detailed in treatment, and easy to use, this volume leaves you feeling proud to call such a rich state home.
Annotation:A collaborative effort of the New York City libraries, with the support of the Wallace Foundation, this website offers a buffet of clickable subject area content, along with study and research tools for the knowledge-hungry student. Links to librarian chat, online calculators and dial-a-teacher services ensure that students will find help.
Annotation:This informative book is a beautifully illustrated overview of the city’s architectural diversity, as well as its history. Take a tour of buildings you have been curious about and share the knowledge with your patrons.
Annotation:This guide to the world's flora describes thousands of endangered species and their habitats, with a special emphasis on conservation. The book also includes an in-depth look at invasive plants and their effects on the environment.
Annotation:When your doctor recommends a test and you want to know what to expect, or you're looking for a clear and concise explanation of what the test results actually mean, this reference guide can help. Jargon-free information on various medical tests organized by body system, is both valuable and practical.
Annotation:A sourcebook in the worst of human behavior, these volumes consider contextually relevant issues related to each atrocity, including the act itself, resistance efforts, government response, cultural memory, international law, etc. Coverage spans all cultures and time periods.
Annotation:From 50,000 B.C.E. to the present, this resource looks at the history of tobacco consumption across multiple cultures. Landmark court cases and statistics are included, along with a discussion of tobacco’s relationship to politics, religion, the media, and social life throughout the ages.
Annotation:This unusual, and thought-provoking treatment of politics is a two-volume set – one covering Left issues, the other, Right. Though some entries are found in both volumes, others are found in one volume alone, stimulating critical thinking, and adding controversial, partisan bite to this interesting source.
Annotation:Investigate topics as widely varied as stem cell research to video games and abortion to digital libraries. The editor has cast a broad, deep net creating a fascinating, informative and timely work.
Annotation:Whether for research, quick facts, or simply curiosity, FedStats.gov is a gateway to statistical information from the U. S. Government. With the ability to search by subject, geographical area, or within a particular agency, FedStats.gov is a statistical smorgasbord of information!
Annotation:Whether you are interested in the biography of a general, censorship trends during wartime, or a timeline that puts relevant dates at your fingertips, these volumes examine U.S. wars in detail from the Revolution to Iraq. This thorough collection of facts and issues will make war start to seem at least a little more comprehensible.
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Best of Reference is an annual list of books, websites, and electronic resources selected by a committee of librarians for their usefulness in local branch collections. Selection criteria include value and appropriateness for branch collections, organization of material, style of presentation, and authority of author/editor.
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