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Core-reference collections are the small number of sources which meet the basic needs of all libraries, and the purpose of this guide is to assist libraries in the selection, acquisition, and use of these resources. Section I, structured like an annotated bibliography, focuses on the selection of those works which should constitute the main reference holdings in a small library, or a ready-reference collection in a larger library. Sources are divided into the following classifications: general works, biography, religion, language, literature, visual and performing arts, history, statistics, political science and law, geography, education and careers, business, home life and social customs, sports and recreation, and science and technology. Authority, accuracy, currency, and convenience of arrangement are the criteria used to choose reference works for inclusion, and because some are expensive, cost is also considered. Section II is designed to help small libraries in the acquisition process. Some works are recommended to be purchased on a regular basis--annually, biennially, or every 2 to 5 years. The remaining titles are arranged into five groups according to estimated reference value in descending order of importance. Section III, containing nine exercises on using basic types of resources such as almanacs, encyclopedias, and dictionaries, is intended to improve search skills and demonstrate the special value of certain reference works. (MAS)

This guide is designed to assist librarians in the selection, acquisition, and use of a core-reference collection. Section 1, "Sources," is an annotated bibliography which focuses on the selection of those works that should constitute the main reference holdings in a small library or a desk (ready-reference) collection in a larger library. Sources have been limited to 76 currently available works which are priced reasonably and judged to be of excellent quality. An additional 50 reference works are cited in 27 notes. Topics covered are: (1) General Works; (2) Biography; (3) Religion; (4) Language; (5) Literature; (6) Visual and Performing Arts; (7) History; (8) Statistics; (9) Political Science and the Law; (10) Geography; (11) Careers and Education; (12) Business; (13) Social Customs, Home Life, and Sports; and (14) Science and Technology. Section 2, "Priority Ratings of Sources," is designed to help small libraries in the acquisition process. The sources listed in the bibliography are divided into 10 groups, with 20 sources, such as almanacs and encyclopedias, arranged according to required frequency of purchase (e.g., annually, biennially). The remaining 59 works are arranged in their order of importance. Section 3, "Reference Works Exercises," is intended for library workers new to the reference staff or more experienced workers who wish to review the use of basic reference tools. Nine exercises, each with an informative introduction, require the use of a variety of reference sources. The guide is indexed by title and subject. (KM)

1Birdseye Views of Far Lands

By James T. Nichols

<em>Birdseye Views of Far Lands</em> is an interesting, wholesome presentation of something that a keen-eyed, alert traveler with the faculty of making contrasts with all classes of people in all sorts of places, in such a sympathetic way as to win their esteem and confidence, has been able to pick up as he has roamed over the face of the earth for a quarter of a century.<br><br>The book is not a geography, a history, a treatise on sociology or political economy. It is a Human Interest book which appeals to the reader who would like to go as the writer has gone and to see as the writer has seen the conformations of surface, the phenomena of nature and the human group that make up what we call a "world."<br><br>The reader finds facts indicating travel and study set forth in such vigorous, vivid style that the attention is held by a story while most valuable information is being obtained. The casual reader, the pupil in the public school and student in the high school, professional men and women, will all find the book at once highly interesting and instructive. In no other book with which I am acquainted can so much that is interesting be learned of the world in so short time and in such a pleasing way.<br><br>Teachers in rural schools will find the book especially helpful. It will inspire the pupils in the upper grades in these schools to do some observation work themselves and to in this manner seek to learn their own localities better, while at the same time it will suggest the collection of materials about other countries, their peoples, products, characteristics and importance from sources other than text books.<br><br>Every rural school as well as every high school and public library in the land should have one or more copies of this book. (Summary from book's Introduction.)

2Ardours and Endurances

By Robert Nichols

This is a volume of war poetry by English poet and playwright Robert Nichols. To quote Wikipedia: "On 11 November 1985, Nichols was among 16 Great War poets commemorated on a slate stone unveiled in Westminster Abbey's Poet's Corner. The inscription on the stone was written by a fellow Great War poet, Wilfred Owen. It reads: 'My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity.'" This particular volume of poetry contains his most well-known poems, and is also perhaps one of the most haunting collections of war poetry in the English language. - Summary by Carolin

3Bee

By H. P. Nichols

LibriVox volunteers bring you 28 recordings of The Bee by H. P. Nichols. This was the Weekly Poetry project for June 21, 2020.<br /> -----<br /> Some practical advice to a child, taken from Cousin Hatty's Hymns and Twilight Stories. (1851) - Summary by David Lawrence