Unit 1 Reference Background

Reference Today	Reference sources, like the rest of the world we live in, have been transformed by the Internet. New sources are constantly appearing, but the researcher's focus remains the same - how to find and evaluate sources and to determine which resources best meet their information need.
Rationale for Encyclopedias	Encyclopedias offer a good place to begin research because they: present an overview of the topic organize the topic in an outline format assist in narrowing a topic by highlighting particular issues within a topic increase your understanding of the vocabulary, concepts, issues, dates, and significant individuals involved with your topic
Characteristics of Reference sources	read for specific information rather than from beginning to end provide facts and statistics always available for frequent use designated with R or Ref in call numbers
Value Added Features	webliographies (lists of reviewed web sites) keyword searching hot links to related articles sound & video help buttons for patron assistance
Reference History	Reference represents the traditional purpose of a library to obtain, preserve, and make available knowledge as recorded by man while leading the way to organizing today's knowledge explosion on the Internet.