Specialized Encyclopedias
Let's say your teacher gave you an assignment to research
African food. You scroll through the library's computer catalog, hoping to find
a book on the topic. You notice one book that mentions African food, but it
turns out to be a book of recipes--not the sort of thing your teacher wants you
to find.
You go to the next page in your search, and suddenly all
the books are on cheetahs and elephants. Not very helpful. You need this
information--soon.
What do you do?
Or imagine that you want to learn more about Nigeria,
since conflict there has been in the news. You saw an article mention that the
Igbo are a major ethnic group in Nigeria, and you would like more information
about them, so you check the library catalog. All the results are either
picture books or fiction. Should you give up?
One solution to your problem can be found in the
reference section on the second floor of the library. We have encyclopedias on
a number of different specialized topics, including Africa. The Encyclopedia of
Africa includes information on countries, tribes, and individuals, as well as
articles on more general topics, such as African food. The Africana
encyclopedia includes articles on both African and African-American topics. If
you are curious about an Africa-related subject that bridges continents, then
this is the encyclopedia for you. And those are only two of the reference books
that focus on Africa. The reference section includes many more.
Don't give up on learning about a topic at the library
just because it doesn't show up in the catalog. Ask whether any reference books
might cover the topic. Most likely there is a book in the reference section
that will answer some of your questions.
--Submitted by Elizabeth Johnston
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