All those who dream of working for themselves and being their own boss, whether they are fresh college graduates, recently unemployed, or newly retired from one career, have a thousand questions about where and how to begin. New entrepreneurs especially will need professional, expert help to start and run a small business effectively and…

Genre is a hot issue in readers' advisory (RA) circles right now. Many people are looking at how genre functions and morphs. Studying a genre is not a new idea. Over two decades ago, and even longer in less formal ways, librarians began gathering to study genres--asking such questions as in what genre does this book fit and why, what are its…

Readers' advisory (RA) librarians use appeal to translate between readers and books, to make connections between readers and myriad other title possibilities based on the effects of the story. Appeal addresses the elements of books that readers respond to, the features that "draw a reader into a book" and help shape a particular reading…

A committee of the Reference and Adult Services Division of ALA has prepared a list of the outstanding reference books published in 1972. Topics include films and theater, history and geography, religion and sports, and hobbies. (67 references) (DH)

A list of last year's outstanding reference books, prepared especially for Library Journal" and recommended by a committee of the Reference Services Division of the American Library Association. (58 references) (Author)

Examines the issue of evaluation of information by librarians in reference services, comparing this aspect of reference with the evaluative decisions made in the selection process. It is argued that libraries should assume an evaluative role in order to help users sort through information and make wise decisions about what they need. (two…

Brief reviews of recently published books, arranged by subject, comprise the main section of The Book Review.'' The Books to Come'' segment includes brief reviews of a few specially noted books and a comprehensive listing of scientific, technical, medical and business books. (1000 references) (DH)

New books in all fields are listed and briefly reviewed. This section also contains an author/title index to The Book Review'' from January to June, brief remarks by new writers and a listing of books to be published this summer. (2000 references) (DH)

Describes the growing number of dictionaries available to reference librarians, discusses factors that have led to the need for more dictionaries, and provides buying guidelines to help in selection decisions. Electronic versions of various dictionaries are described, and a sidebar examines the "American Heritage Dictionary" revisions.…

Discusses the use of CD-ROMs in library processing and public services units. Topics discussed include local area networks, workstations, network security, search software, disk operating systems (DOS), computer viruses, CD-ROM selection and acquisition, licensing, and standards. A sidebar lists current CD-ROM products appropriate for reference…

Homeschooling is a fast-growing alternative to public education, and libraries must address its information needs. A resource list of 43 publications and addresses of organizations which support homeschooling is provided. (AEF)