GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Study Session 4: Library Information Guides
Introduction
In the previous Study Session, you learnt that the provision of a reference service is an important
function of a library. Library users have different reference queries that need to be solved by
librarians. In summary, reference materials aid users in their pursuit for quick, ready-made and
factual information needs.
In this study you will learn more about Library Information Guides which consist of Reference
Materials, Dictionaries, Encyclopaedia and other reference materials
Learning Outcomes for Study Session 4
On completion of this study session, you should be able to:
4.1 Explain the concept of reference materials
4.2 Define Dictionary and highlight the different types and kinds of a dictionary
4.3 Define Encyclopaedias
4.4 Discuss other reference materials as reviewed in this study session
Page 1 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
4.1 Reference Materials
Reference materials are library materials kept in special place in the library, they are different from
other library collections such as books and journals. Reference materials are specifically for
consultation in the library only. They cannot be borrowed or loaned out of the library.
Reference materials are in systematic order for easy accessibility. For instance, Dictionaries and
Encyclopaedias are arranged alphabetically while Mathematics or statistics are in tabular
arrangement and so on.
Reference materials are grouped into two major categories:
i. Those materials specifically and directly for consultation only
ii. Those materials that refer to other specific publications.
Reference materials are exclusively for consultation only. They offer immediate information. They
give express links to the information required hence they do not refer users to other publication or
primary sources.
A user cannot sit back in the library and read the entire reference materials, thus, there is the need
to read for definite and specific information. The reference books are primarily used in the library
only. The easy way to identify a reference book is that it has no date- due slip, book pocket and
book card. It is just stamped REFERENCE ONLY on the title page. (Nwalo, 2003)
4.1.1 Special Features of Reference Materials.
Special features of Reference materials are listed below, they are:
i. More costly than any other book,
ii. Limited in number,
iii. Highly demanded for,
iv. Located in a separate area of the library,
Page 2 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
v. For consultation of particular information.
vi. Consulted from time to time
vii. Not usually borrowed out of the Library
Some good examples of Reference materials are dictionaries, biographies encyclopaedias,
directories manuals, hand books, reports, almanac, yearbooks, maps, atlases, gazettes,
bibliographies, Abstracts, Thesis and Dissertation Index Reviews and so on. (Eguavoen and Ola,
1999)
Pilot Question 4.1
Highlight the two major categories reference materials are grouped into
4.2 Dictionaries
The dictionary assists in giving definition or meaning to words or terms. They are always arranged
alphabetically, in succeeding letters. Dictionary is a reference book containing an alphabetical list
of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and
etymology.
It is normally a book listing the words of a language with translations into another language or a
book listing words or other linguistic items in a particular category or subject with specialized
information about them.
Dictionary came into existence in about 13th century. It is generally referred to as a wordbook: it
generally deals with collection of words in which each word is treated to its pronunciation,
derivation, usage, meaning, spelling and syllabication.
Dictionary may have so many usages and can perform various functions such as giving synonyms,
antonyms, quotations, illustrations, maps, geographical information, biographical information on
individuals and so on.
Page 3 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Page 4 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Box 4.1: Definition of a Dictionary
A Dictionary according to Oxford English Dictionary (1989) is a collection of words in which each
word is treated as to its pronunciation, derivation, meaning, syllabication usage, spelling etc. It may
give antonyms, synonyms, illustrations, quotation and biographical facts, historical and geographic
information.
For convenient reference purpose, dictionaries are arranged alphabetically. It is usually defined as
the alphabetical listing or arrangement of words or topics.
The basic difference between a dictionary and an Encyclopaedia is that a dictionary defines words
while an Encyclopaedia gives general information about topics.
A modern large dictionary is called unabridged dictionary. It is encyclopaedia in nature by
providing information about a particular word. It usually combines the features or two types of
reference books, which are a dictionary and an encyclopaedia. It is a reference book containing an
alphabetical list of words with information about them.
Various examples of dictionaries available are:
i. The Oxford English Dictionary
ii. McGraw –Hill Dictionary of scientific and technical terms
iii. Random House dictionary of English language
iv. Dictionary of Mechanical Engineering
What is the difference between a Dictionary and an Encyclopaedia?
4.2.1 Various Kinds of Dictionaries
a) Pocket Dictionary is a dictionary that is small enough to be carried in the pocket.
b) Learners’ Dictionary is a dictionary specially written for those learning a foreign
language
Page 5 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
c) Bilingual Dictionaries is a dictionary giving equivalent words in two languages
d) Etymological Dictionary is a dictionary giving the historical origins of each word
e) Unabridged Dictionary is a dictionary that is claimed to be complete
f) Lexicon is the entry in a dictionary of information about a word.
g) Wordbook is a reference book containing words usually with their meanings.
h) Gazetteer is a geographical dictionary especially at the back of an atlas.
i) Spelling checker is an electronic dictionary in a word processor that can be used to catch
misspelled words
4.2.2 Functions of a Dictionary
The major functions of a dictionary are to:
a. Provide the meaning of words, phrases and expressions
b. Verify the spelling, syllabication and hyphenation of a word
c. Check the pronunciation of a word
d. Trace the history of a word including its origin, derivation etc.
e. Determine the usage of a word in terms of current; archaic, rare, slang etc.
f. Indicate major personal names from history, mythology and the bible.
g. Determine dialect, if any.
h. Provide quotations
i. Determine antonyms, synonyms and symbols.
j. Determine abbreviations, acronym, signs and symbols.
k. List foreign items.
l. Indicate major places such as rivers, mountains and cities and so on.
Page 6 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
4.2.3 Types of Dictionaries
1. Language Dictionaries
Dictionaries could be monolingual, written with only one language for instance New Universal
Unabridged Dictionary or the Oxford English Dictionary. It could also be bilingual; those written
with two languages, good examples are French-English Dictionary, Russian-English Dictionary,
and German-English Dictionary among others: The last is a multi-lingual that is written with three
or more languages, examples abound in English-French-German Dictionary, Dictionary of Nuclear
Science and Technology in six Languages, English- Spanish- Italian- Dutch - German-French.
2. Technical Subject dictionaries
This type of Dictionaries gives meanings of words or terms in relation to specific vocations. They
are Technical subject Dictionaries as they give emphasis on specialized terms for instance
Chambers Dictionary of Science and Technology, McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and
Technical terms, Dictionary of Mathematics, Dictionary of Geography and so on.
3. Dictionaries of Biography
The dictionary of Biography gives the alphabetical listings of famous people with short biographies
on each, often giving detail of their major published works and a bibliography of writings about
them. For example, we have, Dictionary of Scientific Biography, A Biographical Dictionary of
Scientists.
4. Dictionaries of Abbreviations
The dictionary deals with Acronyms, which is names formed from initial letters and shortened
forms of words and other abbreviations often used without definition, for example, Acronyms and
initialisms Dictionary, World Guide to Abbreviations of organizations and so on.
Page 7 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Pilot Question 4.2
Highlight the various types of dictionary discussed in this study session
4.3 Encyclopaedias
General Encyclopaedias, such as the New Encyclopaedia Britannica (15th edition), can be a useful
starting point in a search for scientific and technical information. The articles they contain are
usually written by authorities on the subject field and often kept by libraries, even when they have
the latest edition: these can be very useful when approaching a subject historically.
The coverage of encyclopaedias varies considerably and it is usually worth checking more than
once. Always use the index: for finding the information you want. However, for the New
Encyclopaedia Britannica, note that, the micropaedia acts as an index to the macropaedia.
Encyclopaedias deals with the summary of the whole body of human knowledge, they are arranged
alphabetically and are numbered in sequential order. An Encyclopaedia is a compendium of
knowledge whether general or specialized. The general encyclopaedia contains informational
articles on all areas of knowledge. It gives the basic general principles and the most essential
details. It is also organized in alphabetical order for easy reference.
An Encyclopaedia is thus regarded as a storehouse of knowledge providing all information of
importance. It is generally used to secure solutions to background questions related to general
information and self-education especially for both the specialist and the layman. Encyclopaedias
give basic general principles as well as the most essential details of a particular subject. They are
arranged alphabetically, giving an overview of the subject with definition, current status, statistic,
history and bibliography.
In the New Encyclopaedia Britannica, note that, the micropaedia acts as an index to the _________
Specialized Encyclopaedia contains informational articles giving vital information limited to a
special field of knowledge and arranged alphabetically by subject and names.
Page 8 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Encyclopaedia summarizes each subject with definitions, descriptions, explanations, history,
statistics and bibliography and usually with an index volume, which enables users to easily locate
information, scattered in other major volumes.
Examples of Encyclopaedias are:
a) Encyclopaedia Americana. It has 30 volumes with an index volume.
b) The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. It equally has 30 volumes with an index volume. It is
divided into three parts:
i. single volume, propaedia;
ii. 19 volumes, macropaedia and
iii. 10 volumes, micropaedia
Functions of Encyclopaedia
Encyclopaedia provides the following functions:
a. It gives facts
b. It provides ideas of a particular period
c. It gives different viewpoints in a particular topic
d. It provides valuable bibliographies attached to the principal articles
e. It gives illustration (especially children encyclopaedia with coloured illustration).
Pilot Question 4.3
Highlight the three parts The New Encyclopaedia Britannica is divided into
Page 9 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
4.4 Other Reference materials
4.4.1 Directories
A directory contains the list of names and address of persons, organizations, institutions and
business concern in an area, town or country in an alphabetical order. Directories are books
containing an alphabetical or classified listing of names, addresses, and other data, such as
telephone numbers, of specific persons, groups, or firms.
a) Telephone Directory is a directory containing an alphabetical list of telephone
subscribers and their telephone numbers.
b) Directory of Directories
4.4.2 Handbooks
Handbooks are reference books dealing with specific or particular subject useful for quick reference
information; they are sketchy handy, not voluminous with no details
Handbooks are published by Professional Association or Institutions. It gives addresses and brief
descriptions of activities, for example, Chemical Engineering Handbook. The primary purpose of a
handbook is to serve as a ready reference source for a given field of knowledge. Emphasis is
normally on established knowledge rather than recent advances.
The more specialized handbook serves as background material to specific subject areas. Handbook
is usually a small book giving useful facts or simply put a guidebook. It is a treatise on special
subject, simple and all embracing, having concise information. It is small enough to be held in the
hand, strictly written primarily for practitioners’ consultation or reference. The information
contained varies and generally extensively wide.
Pertinent examples of handbooks are:
a) Handbook of Engineering
Page 10 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
b) Handbook of Thermodynamics
4.4.3 Manuals
Manuals are reference books somehow related to handbooks because they are handy; however they
provide detail information about a particular area or subject. Examples are:
a) Engineering and technology manual
b) Use of library manual
4.4.4 Thesis
Thesis is research works carried out solely or jointly by a scholar in partial fulfilment of an
academic degree beyond the Bachelor. They are significant segment of the literature, of all fields as
they record concentrated research. It is frequently original, on special topics, presents an innovation
in research, which may contribute to work already in progress or point the direction for future areas
of study. It reviews previous research on the subject.
This is a thesis or treatise prepared as a basic condition for the award of a degree or diploma. It is a
long written or spoken account especially as submitted for a higher University degree. It is equally
statement or theory put forward and supported by arguments especially a lengthy written essay
submitted as part of requirements for a University degree.
Thesis Literature citation is of vital importance to good research work and an important primary
source of information in any area of knowledge, they are generally unpublished (Ajala, 2001).
The outcome of the research carried out has to be defended orally in the presence of a panel of
specialist in that particular field. We have among others:
a. Union list of theses of University of New Zealand
b. A thesis list on Communications
Page 11 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
4.4.5 Dissertation
Dissertation is a lengthy, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral
degree at a university.
a. Doctoral dissertations in Asia
b. Dissertations in English and American Literature
4.4.6 Conference Proceedings
Conferences proceedings give an ample opportunity to find out about the most recent developments
in a field and to take note of expert reviews. Conferences proceedings are commonly regarded as
more helpful for the contact information effectively available at a particular time. It also provides
an opportunity to discover the most current developments in a field as well as to pay particular
attention to expert reviews.
Pilot Question 4.4
Highlight the other reference materials discussed in this study session
Page 12 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Page 13 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Summary of Study Session 4
In Study Session 4, you have learned that:
1. Reference materials are library materials kept in special place in the library
2. Reference materials are grouped into two major categories:
i. Those materials specifically and directly for consultation only
ii. Those materials that refer to other specific publications
3. The dictionary assists in giving definition or meaning to words or terms
4. General Encyclopaedias, such as the New Encyclopaedia Britannica (15th edition), can be a
useful starting point in a search for scientific and technical information
5. Encyclopaedias deals with the summary of the whole body of human knowledge and they
are arranged alphabetically and are numbered in sequential order
Page 14 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Pilot Answer 4.1
i. Those materials specifically and directly for consultation only and
ii. Those materials that refer to other specific publications
Pilot Answer 4.2
i. Language Dictionaries
ii. Technical Subject dictionaries
iii. Dictionaries of Biography
iv. Dictionaries of Abbreviations
Pilot Answer 4.3
i. single volume, propaedia;
ii. 19 volumes, macropaedia and
iii. 10 volumes, micropaedia
Pilot Answer 4.4
i. Directories
ii. Handbooks
iii. Manuals
iv. Thesis
v. Dissertation
vi. Conference Proceedings
Page 15 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 4
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its
Learning Outcomes by answering these questions.
SAQ 4.1 Test on Learning Outcome 4.1
Highlight the special features of Reference materials reviewed in this study session
SAQ 4.2 Test on Learning Outcome 4.2
Itemise the functions of a dictionary as reviewed in this study session
Enumerate the various kinds of dictionary as reviewed in this study session
SAQ 4.3 Test on Learning Outcome 4.3
Highlight the functions of enclyclopaedias
Page 16 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
Notes on SAQs for Study Session 4
SAQ 4.1
Special features of Reference materials are listed below,
i. More costly than any other book,
ii. Limited in number,
iii. Highly demanded for,
iv. Located in a separate area of the library,
v. For consultation of particular information.
vi. Consulted from time to time
vii. Not usually borrowed out of the Library
SAQ 4.2
Various Kinds of Dictionaries
a) Pocket Dictionary is a dictionary that is small enough to be carried in the pocket.
b) Learners’ Dictionary is a dictionary specially written for those learning a foreign
language
c) Bilingual Dictionaries is a dictionary that gives equivalent words in two languages
d) Etymological Dictionary is a dictionary giving the historical origins of each word
e) Unabridged Dictionary is a dictionary that is claimed to be complete
f) Lexicon is the entry in a dictionary of information about a word.
g) Wordbook is a reference book containing words usually with their meanings.
h) Gazetteer is a geographical dictionary especially at the back of an atlas.
i) Spelling checker is an electronic dictionary in a word processor that can be used to
catch misspelled words
Functions of a Dictionary
a) Provide the meaning of words, phrases and expressions
b) Verify the spelling, syllabication and hyphenation of a word
Page 17 of 18
GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT
c) Check the pronunciation of a word
d) Trace the history of a word including its origin, derivation etc.
e) Determine the usage of a word in terms of current; archaic, rare, slang etc.
f) Indicate major personal names from history, mythology and the bible.
g) Determine dialect, if any.
h) Provide quotations
i) Determine antonyms, synonyms and symbols.
j) Determine abbreviations, acronym, signs and symbols.
k) List foreign items.
l) Indicate major places such as rivers, mountains and cities and so on.
SAQ 4.3
Functions of Encyclopaedia
a. It gives facts
b. It provides ideas of a particular period
c. It gives different viewpoints in a particular topic
d. It provides valuable bibliographies attached to the principal articles
e. It gives illustration (especially children encyclopaedia with coloured illustration.
Page 18 of 18
