Reference Software - p. 224

As a librarian it will be my job to make sure students and teachers have the necessary research tools readily available either in print format or via the latest technology software the latter being the more appropriate choice. Below are my thoughts and comments about reference software.

Definition: digital versions of volumes of reference materials stored on a single compact disc
CD Rom reference software hyperlinks multimedia data (p.224). A hyperlink is a segment of on a webpage that contains instructions to link to another page or different website.

Reference materials which use to come in bound print format are now published on CD-ROM/ DVDs or electronically via the Internet. These formats allow the user to easily locate different points of information recorded on the CD or click on an interactive link so the user can follow the idea or question in an order meaningful to him/ her.
Additionally these two formats allow pictures, illustrations, and drawings to become informative multimedia information. The amount of digital information made available with either CD/DVDS or electronically is tremendous. They allow a user to explore areas, topics and subjects in ways that are more meaningful, enlightening and supportive to the learning process.

Types of reference software:

Encyclopedias, Atlases, Dictionaries/Thesauruses, Almanacs, Newspapers, Grammar Tools

Examples of Each:

Encyclopedias: Encarta, Britannica, World Book, Encyclopedia.com, Grolier Online

Atlases: World Atlas, World Map, Picture Atlas of the World, World FactBook

Dictionaries/ Thesauruses: Merriam-Webster’s Online, Your Dictionary.com, Yahoo Kids Dictionary,

Almanacs: World Almanac for Kids, The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids, Nation by Nation Almanac

Newspapers: many local, state and national newspapers are now online such as Dallas Morning News, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today

Grammar Tools: English Grammar Builder

While the textbook sited the benefits of reference software, I felt is lacked examples or recommendations. Table 6.2 was a nice summary of the features and applications for each software program; however, I felt there should have been more examples. I also thought electronic versions of various programs should have been included not only in the table but within the definition and explanation section of the textbook. There was no mention of the online products which is a big portion research materials used now by school and public libraries.