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The Reference Collection

The document outlines several factors to consider when evaluating reference materials, including: 1) The breadth and depth the topic is covered, how current the contents are, and if any information is omitted. 2) The objectivity, dependability, and potential bias of the author or publisher. 3) How easy the information is to find based on the arrangement, formatting, and physical makeup. 4) How the resource compares to and adds value relative to similar works in the existing collection. 5) How current and accurate the information is, and how frequently it will be updated.

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99 views1 page

The Reference Collection

The document outlines several factors to consider when evaluating reference materials, including: 1) The breadth and depth the topic is covered, how current the contents are, and if any information is omitted. 2) The objectivity, dependability, and potential bias of the author or publisher. 3) How easy the information is to find based on the arrangement, formatting, and physical makeup. 4) How the resource compares to and adds value relative to similar works in the existing collection. 5) How current and accurate the information is, and how frequently it will be updated.

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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Evaluations of Reference Material

Tracey Steeves
CONTENT SCOPE - the breadth and depth a topic is covered in a resource
• aspects of scope include: subject, geography, and time period
• what’s the purpose of material, how current are the contents, and is any information omitted?
• Electronic – Is the information limited or is it comprehensive?

ACCURACY, AUTHORITY, AND BIAS – is author/publisher well qualified?


• Consider the objectivity and fairness of the source: Is there a bias? Is the information dependable?
• Electronic- Who provided the information and why? Are they advertising or is it scholarly?

ARRANGEMENT AND PRESENTATION –the sequence or formatting of the source


• Is the information easy to find for the user, or do you depend on the index?
• Check for the physical makeup, binding, illustrations, and layout of the resource.
• Electronic – user friendliness, appropriate for intended age group/audience, graphics, navigational links and table of
contents.

RELATION TO SIMILAR WORKS – Is this resource a good fit or necessary for the library?
• Will this resource add to the current collection or is it similar to other resources?
• Electronic – assess the time period and if it provides more information.

TIMELINESS AND PERMANENCE – Is the resource current and accurate?


• Electronic – dates can be found in header or footer. Look for revision dates and information maintenance.

ACCESSIBILITY/DIVERSITY – Resources reaching all learners


• The resource meets the diversity of the library’s users. Consider: languages, cultures, reading ability, special
learning needs.

COST – Is it worth it?


• Do the students need this resource?
• Will the resource get used frequently and for good periods of time?
• Electronic – consider: license and software costs, as well as costs to maintaining hardware.

Table 2.1: General guidelines for replacing reference materials Time


Print encyclopedias 5 years
Science books, print format, except botany and natural history 5 years
Technology related 5 years
Inventions and medicine, print format 5 years
Print psychology, history, business, and education 10 years
Newspapers and magazines, print format 5 years
Reference

Riedling, A. M., Shake, L., & Houston, C. (2013). Selection, Evaluation, and Maintenance of the Reference
Collection. In Reference Skills for the School Librarian: Tools and Tips (3rd ed., pp. 17–25). Linworth.

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