Distinguished Classics of Reference Publishing

In 31 chapter-essays, contributors present the stories of 31 major English-language reference books, explaining how these works have evolved to become the select and essential information sources used by librarians and their patrons today. Chapters are alphabetically organized by the titles of the books. Each article explores the origin and person(s) behind the book, and lists the book's publication history, influence, present editorial practices and future directions, and a bibliography. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

JAMES RETTIG is assistant university librarian for reference and information services at the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. He is a highly recognized alumnus reviewer of the Reference Books Bulletin, Editorial Board and the well-known editor/author of the Current Reference Books column of the Wilson Library Bulletin. Mr. Rettig was the recipient of the 1993 G.K. Hall Award for Library Literature and he is past-president of the Reference and Adult Service Division (RASD) of the American Library Association. In 1988, the RASD awarded him the Isadore Gilbert Mudge Citation for distinguished contributions to reference librarianship.Check out Rettig on Reference.