The types of reference sources are encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs and yearbooks, atlases, handbooks and manuals, biographical sources, and guides to other sources (indexes, abstracts, bibliographies and concordances). (Farmer, 2014, p.54-61) Farmer (2014) recommends middle school libraries to have a class set of almanacs to “teach data analysis skills”. (p.57) Also, he insists that high school students should be taught “how to use indexes, abstracts, bibliographies, and concordances” because these tools help to use other reference sources. (Farmer, 2014, p.60)

Although it is convenient to use online maps, school libraries are encouraged to keep a class set of a student atlas version “to teach map-reading skills”. (Farmer, 2014, p.58) The factors influencing the decision on which format (physical or digital or both) to choose are access vs ownership, degree of access, ease of use, features, need for supporting equipment and staff, need for timeliness, stability and archiving requirements, special needs and cost. (Farmer, 2014, p.67) Reference users can use any type of print and digital reference sources based on their needs as long as they can have answers for their searches.

Reference

Chapter 4: Developing resource collections, in
Farmer, L. S. J. (2014). Introduction to reference and information services in today’s school library. Rowman & Littlefield.