Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-sized Libraries and Media Centers: 2011 Edition, Volume 31

This resource helps collection development specialists in small and medium-sized libraries to quickly identify the best, most affordable, and most appropriate new reference materials in any field.

Based on the highly acclaimed reviews of American Reference Books Annual, RRB includes only those resources that have been recommended for purchase by small and medium-sized academic, public, or school libraries. Written by 150 subject specialists, the reviews will help librarians to choose the right new reference materials for their facility in any given field. Every reviewer comment―whether positive and negative―has been retained, since even recommended works may be weak in one respect or another. If your budget precludes purchasing ARBA, this tool will provide you with the necessary information needed for your collection development needs.

RRB features 500 critical reviews of reference books, digital resources, and websites from the years 2009 and 2010, written by academic, public, and school librarians or professionals in the field. The contents are organized into four general subject areas―General Reference, Social Science, Humanities, and Science and Technology―as well as specific topics, such as Education and Music. All selected titles are based on their quality, their affordability, and their usefulness in smaller libraries.