From Library Journal
Klein's editions of the Reference Encyclopedia have been the major source for listings of information on American Indian and Alaska Native groups for more than a decade. The first section of the book contains the source listings, presenting names, addresses, and often leaders of the tribal organizations (both federal and other) across the United States. The resource provides similar information for Canada. The second section is the bibliography, which contains citations for 4500 in-print titles. Separate lists by subject follow, and there is also a listing of publishers of Indian titles. There are, however, no indexes of any kind, though the "Who's Who" that comprises the last section of the book has been improved greatly. Information included in this section is provided by each biographee and varies in length and currency. A list of the approximately 2500 biographees follows. While editions are now biennial, there are plans to publish annually starting in 1993. The Native American Information Directory is the first publication seriously to rival the source listings in Klein's reference. Sections include American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Aboriginal Canadians, and general resources on Native Americans. Each entry is numbered, and the editor provides additional access through a name and keyword index. Each section is subdivided into categories such as tribal communities (federally recognized groups only), national organizations, and so forth. Entries in each category are generally arranged by state and then either by city or title. A user's guide details scope, arrangement, sources of information, and index plan. While the Directory does not include an extensive bibliography, each published entry includes sample titles. The Directory has an excellent index, but does not include biographical information. Biennial editions are planned. Surprisingly, these two reference titles do not always list the same organizations and programs in similar categories. Tribal entries tend to be similar, though the exclusion of nonfederally recognized groups is a serious omission in the directory. While Klein's encyclopedia entries in other areas have been gleaned from years of compilation, the Directory has extracted information from a variety of existing reference publications, as well as some original research. Putting this information in one place is certainly a contribution, though the compilers need to dig further to include organizations neglected by major reference sources. Because of the disparity of the information included in these publications, libraries with serious collections on Native Americans will want both. Libraries that can buy only one reference book will find Klein's encyclopedia both less expensive (in paperback) and a little easier to use. We are indeed fortunate to have such a good choice.
- Mary B. Davis, Huntington Free Lib., New York
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Mary B. Davis, Huntington Free Lib., New York
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
This standard source is a directory of reservations, associations, museums, audiovisual aids, casinos, events, and more in the U.S. and Canada, with a separate bibliography and biographical dictionary. According to the publishers, "over 500 new books and hundreds of new biographies have been added, as well as hundreds of e-mail addresses and web sites."
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
