The document provides descriptions of 8 common reference sources - almanac, atlas, biographical index, dictionary, directory, encyclopedia, guidebooks, and thesaurus. For each source, it gives a definition, reasons for using it, and instructions on how to use it. The task at the end is for students to visit stations around the library with the different reference sources and use them to answer questions on a worksheet.

1. Print Reference Sources @ Brookland Middle Library English 6.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of informational selections: g) Select informational sources appropriate for a given purpose

2. Almanac What is it? A yearly publication that contains calendars, facts, statistics, and other miscellaneous information. Why would you use it? To quickly find up-to-date statistics and facts How do you use it? Alphabetical index in back or front of book

3. Atlas What is it? A book of maps with or without writing Why would you use it? To locate places & geographic features How do you use it? Alphabetical master index will give you the page #, and specific letter & number grid square

4. Biographical Index What is it? A book of information about people who are well known Why should you use it? Good source to find current information about a famous person’s life How do you use it? Use the cumulative index in the back of the book to locate the person’s LAST name. The book volume # should follow.

5. Dictionary What is it? a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them Why would you use it? check spelling; to learn how to pronounce a word; to find definitions, word origins, parts of speech, and find variations in spelling of plural/past tense form of word. How do you use it? open to as close to the first letter or two of the word as possible. use the guide words at the top of each page to help. The first guide word is the first word on a page, and the second guide word is the last word on the page.

6. Directory What is it? An alphabetical listing of names of specific groups, people, or organizations Why should you use it? To find basic information like addresses and telephone/fax numbers How do you use it? Alphabetical by the organization or the person’s LAST NAME, then First Name, then Middle initial.

7. Encyclopedia What is it? A book or a set of books containing authoritative information on a variety of subjects Why should you use it? Great place to start research Gives good background information & a good overview of topics How do you use it? Use the Index (in back if 1 volume or sometimes the LAST volume in a set of books) Topics are arranged in alphabetical order Look up by the LAST NAME Kings/Saints/Popes are located by their First Name, not under title

8. Guidebooks What is it? A book that provides basic information or instruction Why should you use it? Gives instruction on a specific topic Travel guides are great sources of information about unfamiliar places How do you use it? Alphabetical index in back of book

9. Thesaurus What is it? A book of synonyms Why should you use it? To find words that have the same or similar meanings to the word you are using Use to avoid repeating the same words How do you use it? Locate the word you are using like you would in a dictionary. Look for the synonyms listed nearby Choose synonyms carefully - few words are exactly interchangeable. Select the synonym that matches the definition you want.

10. Your Task There are 8 reference books stations set up around the library You and your partner each have a reference worksheet with questions.. Using the information at each station and what we have just discussed, you will find the answers to the worksheet questions. When done, you will turn your worksheet in for a grade.