[CALIBK12] determining reference

[Darla Brown]

Hi Lisa:  While size and cost are 2 important factors in determining whether a book is placed in the reference section or not, what I learned in library school is that a reference title is one that students use to get "a certain piece of information." That is, they go to The History of the Civil War to find information on General Johnston and the Battle of Shiloh--not to read the book cover to cover. This is info they may gather in one sitting (take notes, make a photocopy...), so there is no need for the student to check it out. Also, don't be misled by title containing the words "dictionary" or "encyclopedia." Some--like a pocket French/English dictionary--may be perfect for check-out.

-----Original Message-----
From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of LL Blackwell
Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 6:52 AM
To: CALIBK12
Subject: [CALIBK12] determining reference

So, weeding is done now (well, at least preliminary weeding, I'm sure I will
have to do more as I put the new books out, because there's a lot of them).
Unfortunately, as you LAUSD folks know, Accent has been down all week, so we
are up to our knees in not quite discarded books all over the floor. Once I
can electronically discard the books, I can physically discard them (ironic,
or what?), and then I'll be putting out the new books that are waiting in
the back room.

In any case, as I begin processing the books, I was wondering what criteria
folks use for determining whether something is reference or not. Is it size?
Price? Type of resource? I know this seems like a basic question, but I need
some solid answers to help things go smoothly (I'm in an HS library, by the
way, I keep forgetting to mention that).

Thanks again!

-Lisa Blackwell
LMT Wannabe

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