518, Reference tool evaluation
TITLE: The New York Public Library desk reference.
PUBLISHED: New York : Webster's
PUBLICATION DATE: 1998 3rd ed.
According to Books in Print available via the First Search Database at Ithaca College
a new edition will be available in November 2002.
A CD-ROM version became available in 1997 via America Online.
I think that the New York Public Library desk reference would be a terrific tool for answering many
ready reference type questions. It is best suited to answer short concise questions. It is not a research tool.
It’s not an end all resource. It’s a single book with tons of facts. I think that this book would be very useful
in a public library, especially a very small library where space is limited. I think this would be a terrific
book to keep on my desk. The next time I need to buy a birthday present I’m going to buy The New York Public
The type size is appropriate, as well as varied. Short related informational notes appear in a larger
font, a different type style and color, usually red. Colored tabs define separate areas covered such as science,
inventions, performing arts, adding to browse ability. The index is alphabetized and cross referenced. For
example; information on Islam is indexed under both Islam and Religions. Go to: notes suggest other areas to
search such as on page 395 Zodiac signs, suggests "Go to: "Astronomy Constellations" in chapter 4". A page number
would be more useful but chapter 4 is added information.
The scope of the New York Public Library desk reference is wide but seems to stay rooted in American
culture. Information on trees, breast cancer, maps, declaration of independence and etiquette all appear. Items
necessary in a First-Aid kit appear on page 479 in chapter 17, titled First aid.
Articles are not signed but, 24 editors are listed as well as a production team of 13 members.
I checked the authority of William D. Walker and Norman Holman and did find their names and titles associated
with the New York Public Library, adding authority to the book just by their sponsorship.
Where as the New York Public Library desk reference has been published for many years (since 1989) and
does have a reputation to consider I expected this tool to most likely be consistent in quality from edition to
edition. The New York Public Library desk reference also been published in a CDROM format which has received
terrible reviews. The paper version is still the best. In his article Databases: Pèter’s picks and pans,
published in 1997, Péter Jascó slams the CD-ROM version for illegibility, poor color choices, and outdated
I had difficulty finding reviews for the 3rd edition, 1998. Many exist for the 2nd edition. Alicia Eames
writing for School Library Journal touts the 2nd edition as a “must have”. A review of the 1989 edition by
Lawrence Person in the March 19, 1990 National Review revealed an obvious political slant. For instance, Eleanor
Roosevelt’s birthday appears but her husband Franklin Delano Rooselvelt, President of the United States, does
not. Other major “left-leaning” protests and activist are mentioned. From this mixed back ground the 3rd edition
is revised. A review published originally Online in Rettig on Reference which now appears in the Thomson-Gale
free resources – reference reviews archives, database makes observations similar to my own. The New York Public
Library Desk Reference, uses color well to “convey critical information more vividly” and provides daily living
information as well as expected reference desk information. With these mixed reviews the 2002 edition should be
evaluated carefully for a political agenda hidden behind fancy graphics.
According to books in print the 1998 edition is the most current edition. At $34.95 a terrific general
knowledge reference tool can be obtained (in my opinion).
(2002). Books in print. R.R.Bowker, New York: New York. Retrieved August 13, 2002 via OCLC firstsearch database.
Fargis, P. (1998). The New York Public Library desk reference, 3rd. ed.. New York: Websters
Eames, A. (1994). The New York Public Library desk reference. School library journal. (Vol. 40 p.141)
(ND)Thomson-Gale free resources – reference reviews archives. Retrieved August 13, 2002 via
(http://www.galegroup.com)
Jascó, P. (1997). Databases: Pèter’s picks and pans. Database. (Vol. 20, pp.81-82) Weston, Conn.: Database.
Retrieved August 13, 2002 from OCLC, WilsonSelectPlus_FT