Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries and Media Centers - 34th Edition by Shannon Graff Hysell (Hardcover)

About the Book

An essential resource for collection development specialists in small and medium-sized libraries, this guide identifies the highest quality, most affordable, and most appropriate new reference materials in any field.
This volume presents the top 550 reviews from the latest edition of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) to give collection development librarians working in small to medium-sized libraries the best information for choosing new titles for their libraries. Overviewing the breadth of reference products (both print and online) that became available in 2013, all of the titles in Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-sized Libraries and Media Centers are well reviewed and have price points that will appeal to libraries on a budget. Readers can count on fair and accurate assessments because all of the reviews are written by experts in the library field and present both positive and negative aspects of the product. Each critical review is coded to clearly indicate which type of library the publication is appropriate for--C for college, P for public, and/or S for school.

• Comprises the top 550 reviews--all written by subject experts working in the library profession--selected from ARBA, a comprehensive and well-respected reviewing source for reference materials
• Retains any critical comments made by the reviewer about a recommended title to aid readers in their selection process
• Recommends titles not only on the basis of their positive reviews but also their affordability and broad appeal, helping reference departments under tight budget constraints to maximize their libraries' funds

Book Synopsis

An essential resource for collection development specialists in small and medium-sized libraries, this guide identifies the highest quality, most affordable, and most appropriate new reference materials in any field.

This volume presents the top 550 reviews from the latest edition of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) to give collection development librarians working in small to medium-sized libraries the best information for choosing new titles for their libraries. Overviewing the breadth of reference products (both print and online) that became available in 2013, all of the titles in Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-sized Libraries and Media Centers are well reviewed and have price points that will appeal to libraries on a budget. Readers can count on fair and accurate assessments because all of the reviews are written by experts in the library field and present both positive and negative aspects of the product. Each critical review is coded to clearly indicate which type of library the publication is appropriate for--C for college, P for public, and/or S for school.

Review Quotes

"[I]s a gold mine of reference materials for not-so-large libraries. It houses books, e-books, free websites, and pay sites. . . . [A]n excellent resource for library and media centers with small budgets or space. The authors provide all the information needed for ordering each resource. It is a very practical and thorough guide to a diverse collection of reference materials." --VOYA

About the Author

Shannon Graff Hysell has been editor of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) and Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-sized Libraries and Media Centers for the past 15 years.