Reference Books Scorecard — 2006

During the 2005-2006 best book season, 172 reference books found a place on one or more of the specialized lists selecting outstanding reference books. (See the lists below.) The 2005 lists were also checked. Books appearing late in a year often appear in lists for the next year.

And now, for these few books which appeared on 3 or more lists:

5 Lists

Title: The encyclopedia of New York State
Personal Author: Eisenstadt, Peter R., ed
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
Publication Year: 2005
ISBN: 0-8156-0808-X, $95
Abstract: "The alphabetically arranged entries include all cities, towns, and counties (more than 1,500), with an additional 3,000-plus entries for information on a wide range of topics. . . . This ambitious project is a definite success." (Booklist)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 974.7
Review: Choice v. 43 no. 3 (Nov. 2005). Hardenbrook, J. A., reviewer
Review: Booklist v. 102 no. 7 (Dec. 1 2005). Bulson, Christine, reviewer
Best Lists: LJR06, CHRO6, BLRO6, COLR206, NYPLR06
IN Public Library Catalog

4 Lists

Title: Encyclopedia of Homelessness. 2volumes
Personal Author: Levinson, David, ed
Publisher: Sage Publications
Publication Year: 2004
ISBN: 0-7619-2751-4, $295
Abstract: "Entries cover homelessness in 8 major U.S. cities and 30 cities and nations around the world, as well as causes of homelessness; historical aspects; housing, policy, health and lifestyle issues; and service systems." (Booklist)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 362.5
Review: Library Journal (1976) v. 129 no. 15 (Sept. 15 2004). Hupp, Stephen L., reviewer [with full text]
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005)
Review: Reference & User Services Quarterly v. 44 no. 3 (Spr 2005). Manuel, Kate, reviewer [with full text]
Best Lists: CHR06, NYPLR06, LJR06, BLR06
IN Public Library Catalog
IN Senior High School Library Catalog

Title: Encyclopedia of the Great Plains
Personal Author: Wishart, David J., ed
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
Publication Year: 2004
ISBN: 0-8032-4787-7, $75
Abstract: The author "presents 1,316 signed entries, written by some 1000 scholars and divided according to 27 topics that range from the Paleo-Indians to the 2000 census. The contents of each topic are outlined with an introductory essay, followed by specific articles arranged alphabetically within the topic. Historical figures are listed under their common names rather than their formal names." (Libr J) "Here is a unique reference book that cuts a broad swath through parts of the U.S. and Canada, the region known as the heartland. The book's topical arrangement perfectly suits the cross-boundary approach." (Booklist)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 978.03
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 8 (Dec. 15 2004). Shonrock, Diana, reviewer
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005)
Review: Library Journal (1976) v. 129 no. 20 (Dec. 2004). Selwyn, Laurie, reviewer [with full text]
Review :The Times Literary Supplement no. 5356 (Nov. 25 2005). Temperley, Howard, reviewer
Review: The Professional Geographer v. 57 no. 2 (May 2005). Shortridge, James R., reviewer
Review: The Geographical Review v. 94 no. 4 (Oct. 2004). Wyckoff, William, reviewer
Review: Journal of Military History v. 70 no. 2 (Apr. 2006). West, Elliott, reviewer
Best Lists: CHR06, RUSAR06, LJR05, BLRO6
IN Public Library Catalog
IN Senior High School Library Catalog

Title: The Greenwood encyclopedia of daily life: a tour through history from ancient times to the present. 6 volumes
Personal Author: Salisbury, Joyce E., ed
Publisher: Greenwood Press
Publication Year: 2004
ISBN: 0-313-32541-3, set $599.95
Abstract: This "work provides an overview of the material, domestic, recreational, religious, political, intellectual, and economic aspects of daily life in a selection of cultures from six broad historical periods. . . . Each of the six volumes gives a survey of the historical period in each culture covered, which is representative rather than exhaustive, then covers aspects of daily life from broad topics to narrower." (Libr J)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 390
Review: Library Journal (1976) v. 129 no. 13 (Aug. 2004). Cordell, Rosanne M., reviewer [with full text]
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005)
Review: Reference & User Services Quarterly v. 44 no. 3 (Spr 2005). Faust, Judith, reviewer [with full text]
Best Lists: CHR06, NYPLR05, LJR05, BL5O05
IN Public Library Catalog
IN Senior High School Library Catalog
IN Middle & Junior High School Library Catalog
IN Children’s Catalog

Title: Oxford dictionary of national biography: in association with the British Academy: from the earliest times to the year 2000. 61 volumes
Personal Author: Matthew, H. C. G., ed; Harrison, Brian Howard, ed
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Year: 2004
ISBN: 0-19-861411-X, set $13,000
Abstract: This edition of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography "comprises 54,922 lives totalling 62.5 million words, as compared to the 38,607 lives and 33 million words in the original Dictionary of National Biography, published in 1885-1900, and its supplements." (History Today)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 920.003
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005)
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005). Whiteley, Sandy, reviewer
The Indexer v. 24 no. 3 (Apr. 2005). Matthews, Douglas, reviewer [with full text]
Best Lists: CHR06, LJR05, BLR05, COLR106
IN Public Library Catalog

3 Lists

Title: Berkshire encyclopedia of world history. 5 volumes
Personal Author: McNeill, William Hardy, ed
Publisher: Berkshire Pub. Group
Publication Year: 2004
ISBN: 0-97430-910-9, set $525
Abstract: This encyclopedia traces "the development of human history--with a focus on area studies, global history, anthropology, geography, science, arts, literature, economics, women's studies, African-American studies, and cultural studies related to all regions of the world." (Publisher's note)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 903
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005)
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005). Black, Ken, reviewer
Review: Against the Grain v. 17 no. 1 (Feb. 2005). Vaughn, Debbie, reviewer
Best Lists: CHR06, LJR06, BLR06
IN Public Library Catalog
IN Senior High School Library Catalog

Title: Encyclopedia of clothing and fashion. 3 volumes
Personal Author: Steele, Valerie, ed
Publisher: Scribner
Publication Year: 2005
ISBN: 0-684-31394-4, set $395
Abstract: Alphabetically arranged entries range "from a half page for some particular items, clothing types, fibers , and techniques . . . to multiple pages for Cross dressing; Dandyism; Hats, men's and Hats, women's; Kimono; Street style and Twentieth century fashion, among others. Articles on designers or people who influenced fashion . . . are a significant part of the content, as are articles with a historical slant. . . . Many of the articles are entertaining as well as enlightening. . . . Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion is an exciting and unique resource that excels in depth and range of coverage." (Booklist)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 391
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 8 (Dec. 15 2004). Bulson, Christine, reviewer
Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005)
Reference & User Services Quarterly v. 44 no. 4 (Summ 2005). Sezzi, Peter H., reviewer
Best Lists: CHR06, RUSAR05, BLR05
IN Public Library Catalog
IN Senior High School Library Catalog

Title: The Oxford encyclopedia of food and drink in America. 2 volumes
Personal Author: Smith, Andrew F., ed
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Year: 2004
ISBN: 0-19-515437-1, set $250
Abstract: This reference covers "the regions, people, ingredients, foods, drinks, publications, advertising, companies, historical periods, and political and economic aspects pertinent to American cuisine." (Publisher's note) "Whether readers make a living studying culinary traditions or just enjoy eating, they'll find this book a marvel. . . . For food lovers of all stripes, this work inspires, enlightens and entertains." (Publ Wkly)
Dewey Decimal Classification: 641.3
Review: Booklist, Dec. 1, 2004
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 7 (Dec. 1 2004). Quinn, Mary Ellen, reviewer
Review: Booklist v. 101 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2005)
The Times Literary Supplement no. 5346 (Sept. 16 2005). Freedman, Paul, reviewer
Publishers Weekly v. 251 no. 45 (Nov. 8 2004)
Public Health Reports v. 121 no. 2 (Mar./Apr. 2006). Fried, Ellen J., reviewer
Gastronomica (Berkeley, Calif.) v. 6 no. 2 (Spr 2006). Counihan, Carole, reviewer
Best Lists: CHRO6, LJR05, BLR05
IN Public Library Catalog
IN Senior High School Library Catalog

Best Lists

BLR06 Reference Sources [2005]. Booklist (January 1 & 15, 2006) p. 19-20.

BLR05 Reference Sources [2005]. Booklist (January 1 & 15, 2005)

CHR06 Choice Academic Titles, 2005. Reference. (January, 2006) p. 779-782.

COLR106 Witte, S., and Mary Cargill. Selected Reference Works, 2004. College & Research Libraries v. 66 no. 2 (March 2005) p. 171-83

COLR206 Witte, Sarah, and Mary Cargill. "Selected Reference Works, 2005." College & Research Libraries 67.2 (2006): 177-90

LJR06 Coutts, Brian E. and Cheryl LaGuardia. Best Reference 2005. Library Journal. (April 15, 2006) p. 46-51.

LJR05 Coutts, Brian E. and Cheryl LaGuardia. Best Reference 2004. Library Journal. (April 15, 2005) p. 50-55.

NTPLR06 New York Public Library. Best of Reference 2006: Flavors of Reference http://www.nypl.org/branch/books/index2.cfm?ListID=300

NTPLR05 New York Public Library. Best of Reference 2006: Reference Values http://www.nypl.org/branch/books/index2.cfm?ListID=234

RUSAR06 Outstanding Reference Sources for Small & Medium-Sized Libraries, 2006.
http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/outstandingref/thelists1/lists.htm

RUSAR05 Outstanding Reference Sources for Small & Medium-Sized Libraries, 2006.
http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/outstandingref/thelists1/2005lista/2005list.htm

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