The three charts in this book caught my attention. The first is a decision tree for selecting reference sources. Nine decision points are itemized with action to take depending on whether the answer to the prompt is “yes” or “no”. Decisions needed include “Does the item meet library collection development criteria?”, “Is it in a reference format?” and “Is theft or mutilation a major concern?” If the answer to the latter is “yes”, then the item is to be added to the reserves or closed ready reference collection. The second chart is a selection checklist for electronic resources. This list contains no fewer than 62 points to look for when selecting an electronic resource. These are grouped under the headings Content, Interface, Output Features, Hardware, Software, Costs, and Vendor/Publisher Issues. Examples from each are Full‐text options, Search modes, Print capabilities, Server storage requirements, Networkable, Savings if print version cancelled, and Technical support. The third chart is a Reference Serials/Pseudoserials Tickler File (I’m always pleased to learn new jargon!). It lists titles such as Collier’s Encyclopedia and Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, their publisher and price, details of latest edition owned, time kept before replacing, and the date when the next purchase is due.
These charts (which are fully explained) give an indication of the coverage and nature of this book. The first indicates a fairly standard approach to stock selection, but slanted to reference works. The second introduces us to the problems and complexities of the new electronic media, while the third covers some of the practicalities of acquiring stock.
Starting with Reference Collection Fundamentals the reader is introduced to the importance of the reference collection, problems of definition, and aspects of reference resource use. As usual with books on reference work, I find much to disagree with, but that is usually a good sign! We progress on to reference collection development policy, the rationale of such a policy, the elements to be included, and how to establish one. There follows a section on how selection can be organized ‐ distributed or cooperative, and the importance of collection management. The section on selection principles goes into detail on general issues, and then source‐specific (type of material) selection criteria. It then features descriptions of the major (American) review sources such as American Reference Books Annual, and Choice. The selection of electronic sources follows where, in addition to the selection criteria already noted, there are discussions on electronic versus print sources, and integrating electronic sources (including the Internet), into the reference collection. Practical consideration of acquisitions, evaluation, weeding, location and collection maintenance follow. Then a final chapter on Collection Management for Lean Budgets which looks at the possibilities for cost savings. There is a fully annotated bibliography ‐ how rare these are ‐ and an index. The book is smartly produced.
Experienced reference staff will find little that is new here, although the material on electronic sources is a useful exception. American practice is followed but, as reference practice in the UK is changing fast, it is useful to measure our service against that of others. Newcomers to reference work will find this lucid and clearly structured work helpful.
