From Library Journal
Aimed at reference librarians needing quick answers to a wide range of patron questions, the "Ready Reference Handbook" series provides information, essays, overviews, and contact information. The quality and usefulness of the information provided, however, varies in each. Since much of the material in these six volumes is gleaned from other Gale titles and also some government publications, librarians might wonder whether they need to purchase some of these works. Although First Stop for Jobs and Industries provides information on more than 500 jobs and 1100 industries, this unillustrated paperbound work duplicates much material already available in Occupational Outlook Handbook, an illustrated clothbound volume published by the U.S. Department of Labor. Where To Go, Who To Ask, which contains descriptive listings of associations, databases, publications, and research centers, is gleaned mostly from the Encyclopedia of Associations and other Gale publications. Gale's Guide to Nonprofits features over 4600 entries, including names, addresses, phone/FAX numbers, e-mail addresses/URLs, and descriptions. Again, much of this material on nonprofits was gleaned from the Encyclopedia of Associations, Research Centers Directory, Newsletters in Print, and other Gale publications. Containing descriptive listings of 4200 organizations, publications, and databases, Gale's Guide to Genealogical & Historical Research contains many citations derived from Regional, State, and Local Organizations. The last two titles discussed here probably present the most material not available in other Gale publications. Offering material on 100 common medical diseases and conditions, Fast Help for Major Medical Conditions (FHMMC) provides some unique information, both original and specially researched, including introductory essays providing an overview of a particular disease or condition and lists of state, regional, and local organizations garnered by both the FHMMC staff and federal and nonprofit health agencies. Finally, the very interesting Fast Answers to Common Questions, modeled after the Science and Technology Desk Reference (LJ 3/15/93), was co-compiled by the Saint Louis Public Library. Containing 4500 common and not-so-common reference questions in a wide variety of fields, this work is organized in a Q&A format and includes specific citations for every answer provided. Since all these works are paperbound but still pricey, the durability of the volumes may also be a purchase factor for volumes that can expect frequent use. Nonetheless, libraries with specific needs and without the other Gale titles will find these useful.DDonald Altschiller, Boston Univ. Libs.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
