The document compares print and online reference tools, noting that while libraries once had dedicated reference sections containing print books, many reference resources are now available online through tools that can be searched to quickly find definitions, maps, statistics, and other information. Both print and online reference tools provide facts and information, but online tools allow for keyword searches while print versions require using indexes or guide words to locate information. Common reference tools discussed include almanacs, atlases, dictionaries, encyclopedias, periodicals, and thesauruses.

1. Reference Tool
Review
A guide to books and websites
that provide trustworthy
answers and information

2. The Print
Reference Section
Years ago, all libraries had
Reference Sections. Books in this
section quickly answered
questions. These books had to
stay in the library.

3. Online Reference
Tools
Now, the Reference Section isn’t
as important. There are many
online reference tools that
quickly answer questions.

4. Print vs. Online
How are print reference tools
different from online reference
tools? How are they the same?

5. Almanac
A book or website filled with facts,
trivia, and statistics
Find facts with
keyword searches in
Online Almanacs
Use an index to find
facts in Print
Encyclopedias

6. Atlas
A book or website filled with maps
and information about different
places
Search in an Online
Atlas to find specific
places
Use an index to find
places in a Print
Atlas

7. Dictionary
A book or website that provides
word definitions, spelling, and parts
of speech
Search an Online
Dictionary to find
words.
Use Guide Words to
locate words in a
Print Dictionary

8. Encyclopedia
A book or website filled with articles
that provide facts and information
on many subjects.
Search for articles in
Online Encyclopedias
Use an index to find
articles in Print
Encyclopedias

9. Periodicals
Most magazines and newspapers are
available in print and online

10. Thesaurus
A book or website that provides lists
synonyms and antonyms for a word
Search an Online
Thesaurus to find
words.
Use Guide Words to
locate words in a
Print Dictionary

11. Image Credits
All Print Title Covers are from Alexandria Online Catalog
Britannica(screenshot) available at
school.eb.com/elementary, March 5, 2013
Fact Monster (screenshot) available at
http://www.factmonster.com, March 5, 2013
Google Maps (screenshot) available at
http://www.maps.google.com, March 5, 2013
Word Central (screenshot) available at
http://www.wordcentral.com, March 5, 2013