HIT:WHAT IS REFERENCE

[DaShannin Lovin <lovind@blanchester.k12.oh.us>]

I had asked the question, "How do you decide if a book is reference?"
Over 30 people responded so first of all, thank you for your gracious
responses.  I did not respond to all but I truly appreciate your
expertise and detailed answers. I took the liberty of summarizing all
the responses because most fell into the following catagories.  The
comments are some characteristics to consider when placing a book on the
reference shelf. Here are my findings:

        FORMAT  -contains an index
                -if it has an A-Z format of overviews, not detailed info
                -provides quick answers usually with the patron standing by the
shelf                   -contains lists
                -is overly large or bulky
                -is an older book, still used often but irreplacable
                -purely entertainment but fragile, pull outs etc.
                -contains stats.
        USAGE   -the book is always in high demand
                -the student would only need it for a short time or could easily
copy             the info
                -is usually replaced each year with an update (the older version 
goes
to               the regular shelf)
                -you would be without access to the same info if student checked it
out,             and you are looking for it often
                -classes do reports on certain topics often and that info needs to
be               accessible
        EXPENSE -it costs over $50
                - it is part of a set that would be costly to replace

SOME SUGGESTIONS:
        * If you have an extremely popular book have two copies, one for
regular shelf,    one for reference ( ex.: Silverstein poetry,
Guinness.)
        * Consider teachers sometimes place limits on how many reference books
can                be used.
        * Check with State Dept. of Ed.(Some states have standards stating what
the               reference section should contain.)
        * Check the Follett or Wilson guides.
        * Keep the reference section small but up to date in comparison to the
regular            collection.
        * Create "dummies" for books you think would be of interest but you
have to put       in reference.
        * Good article about referencing in Jan/Feb "Book Report."
        * Consider the availability of info you have on a particular subject on
the           regular shelf; if you do not have much, consider
reference.
        * Sometimes it matters where the money you bought a book came from;
the       contributer may set limits.
        * For class sets, or other books you don't want to go out for 2 weeks,
you can           make them overnight.  Pick up after school, return
before.

THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!ENJOY!!!!!
--
DaShannon Lovin, Library Media Specialist
Blanchester High School
Blanchester Ohio
mailto: lovind@blanchester.k12.oh.us

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