What is a Reference Book?

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What is a Reference Book? Definition of a Reference Book: a book containing useful facts or specially organized information, as an encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, yearbook, etc. reference book. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/reference book

Examples of Reference Books: :

Examples of Reference Books: Encyclopedia Dictionary/thesaurus Atlas Almanac

What is an Encyclopedia? :
What is an Encyclopedia? A comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field, usually arranged alphabetically. encyclopedia. (n.d.). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/encyclopedia

What is a Dictionary? :
What is a Dictionary? A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning and pronunciation. dictionary. (n.d.). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dictionary

What is a Thesaurus? :
What is a Thesaurus? A book of synonyms, often including related and contrasting words and antonyms. thesaurus. (n.d.). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/thesaurus

What is an Atlas? :
What is an Atlas? A book or bound collection of maps. atlas. (n.d.). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/atlas

What is an Almanac? :
What is an Almanac? an annual publication containing a calendar for the coming year, the times of such events as anniversaries, sunrises and sunsets, phases of the moon and tides. a publication containing future positions of celestial objects, star magnitudes, and culmination dates of constellations. an annual reference book of useful and interesting facts relating to countries of the world, sports and entertainment. almanac. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 23, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/almanac
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Choosing Resources for Information An almanac contains facts such as weather, population, currency, and geographical data. An atlas contains maps and most atlases also have mileage indicators. The Internet contains current information on many topics, including current weather. It also has online encyclopedias and other types of resources. A live interview provides a first-hand account of a person's experiences. The newspaper gives the most current daily news such as current events, sports information, and daily weather. The encyclopedia has information on many general topics and people in history. The dictionary will give correct spellings of words, their meanings and how to pronounce a word.

 A library automation program will give you the names of authors, titles of books available and a listing of books available in the library.

Choose the best resource for the information needed. James needs to know what the weather is like in Los Angeles, California today. What resource should she use? Newspaper Encyclopedia Dictionary Library Automation Program Andrew has a report due on American inventors. What resource should he use? Newspaper Live interview Encyclopedia Atlas Elizabeth needs to find the meaning of the word bewildered". What resource should she use? Almanac Atlas Dictionary Library Automation Program

Cameron loves to follow the Atlanta Braves. He wants to know the score for the game last night. What resource should he use? Newspaper Encyclopedia Almanac Atlas Leslie loves to read books by Judy Blume. What resource should she use to find books written by this author? Interview Almanac Library automation program Dictionary Thomas' family is buying a new bulldog puppy. He needs information on bulldogs. What resource should he use? Dictionary Internet Newspaper Almanac Christopher needs to find out how to pronounce a word. What resource should he use? Dictionary Atlas Almanac Television

Kristina wants to find out about the earthquake in Washington this morning. What resource should she use? Encyclopedia Internet Atlas Almanac Zoe is doing a report on Zimbabwe and needs to know what the country's average temperature is in the winter. Where should she look first? Dictionary Television Almanac Newspaper Brian needs to know the distance between Brussels and Paris. What resource should he use first? Personal interview Newspaper Encyclopedia Internet Michael wants the latest medical news about mumps. Which of the following would provide him with the latest research information? Books Internet Atlas Newspaper

Ben is doing research on zebras and wants to read a good general background article about this animal. Where should he look? Newspaper Almanac Encyclopedia Interview with someone that's been on an African Safari Sue wants to know what it would be like to be. Where should she turn? Dictionary An interview with a teacher Encyclopedia Educational journal Jessie wants to read about the airport expansion project currently taking place in her city. The information seems to change daily. Where should she go for information? Encyclopedia Reference book on airports Local newspaper Almanac