Reference: The Collection That’s Always Here for You
Posted by staff in The Reference DeskOne of the benefits of the reference collection is that the books don’t circulate. That means when you come to the library, you’ll know the book you’re looking for is on the shelf. However, it also means you need to have a few moments to look at the information you need. While using electronic reference from home (such as the Power Library resources) gets around this issue, the vast majority of reference works are yet to be, or may never be, made available electronically.
A reference collection works because reference books, by definition, are books that you won’t sit down and read from cover to cover. We’ve probably heard about someone who read through the encyclopedia as a kid, but he or she is the exception to the rule. Reference books are here to help answer your questions or lead you to other sources of information. Most people come, find the information they need, and use it to get on with their lives.
From the practical to the whimsical, we add new and interesting items to our collection every month. Recent additions include: Profiles of Pennsylvania, which provides statistical information about cities and towns in Pennsylvania; GED 2009-2010 for test preparation; Volunteer Vacations which lists opportunities to do good while getting away; The USERRA Manual and What Every Veteran Should Know, 2009 for our servicemen and women who are returning to work or need to find help; Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2010 for yard-salers or auction-goers; and Hometown Declarations: America’s Self-Proclaimed World Capitals, in case you’re interested in visiting the Popcorn Capital of the World (VanBuren, IN) or the fireworks Capital of the World in nearby New Castle!
Next time you’re in the library, stop and look around the Reference Section. And, if you’re one of those
exceptional people who wants to read our reference books straight through, you’re certainly welcome to do that too.
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