Reference Tools [2]

Gazetteer: A book contains an alphabetical list of names of places of relevant continent or country or region. It is a geographical dictionary or directory, as an important reference book for information concerning the geographical make-up, the social statistics and physical features, such as mountains, rivers, roads, population, literacy rate, etc. and also used in conjunction with a map. e.g. “The World Gazetteer”. See also Atlas.

Guidebook: A book that gives basic information or instruction for travellers or tourists. It provides detailed itinerary and a geographic location as a convenient travel guide. The guidebook supplies also essential information to migrants about an unfamiliar place, such as travel routes and travel conditions, a general description of the place and its residents, services for food and stay. e.g. “Australia travel guide”, “The Online Business Guidebook”.

Handbook/ Manual: A concise reference book usually providing generally specific information about one or more subjects. It is also known as a compendium for quick location of facts and ready reference. Some handbook provides longer entry of articles with bibliographies. It is often synonymous with “manual”. e.g. “Handbook on Drug and Alcohol Abuse”, “Ilford Manual of Photography”.

Indexes and Abstracts: A compendium which contains references to section of works, such as periodical articles, conference or research papers, but also other specific literature that is seldom found in library catalogues. The references are arranged in alphabetical order. The titles of articles are followed by the authors. It is easy to trace by volume, date of publication and page numbers which will lead to necessary information. For examples: “Applied Science and Technology Index”, H. W. Wilson; “Chemical Abstracts”, The American Chemical Society, etc.

 

Thesaurus: A thesaurus is a book that lists words grouped together according to similarity of meaning. It also contains synonyms and sometimes antonyms, as well as dependencies and other relationships to each other. It is in contrast to a dictionary which shows definitions and pronunciations. e. g. “Roget's thesaurus of English words and phrases”.

Who's Who: A book containing information about the name and position of the world's each richest or most famous person, especially in an organisation. The content of it list career and each and every personal data for each biography. It is published annually since 1849 and most recognised and respected works of reference. It is continually updated, the essential directory of living noteworthy and influential individuals, from all walks of life, worldwide. e.g. “Marquis Who's Who”.

Yearbooks: A book published yearly as a report or summary of collections of statistics or facts, charts, news events from that year, famous birthdays, and lists of Presidents or Prime Ministers. It is also known as  an “Annual”. e.g. “Asean Statistical Yearbook”, “The Statesman's Yearbook online”. See also Almanac.

Posted by Junk Guy