Handbook
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| - | :''This article is about a kind of publication. Reference work may also refer to the work that librarians perform at a [[library reference desk]].'' | ||
| - | A '''reference work''' is a [[compendium]] of information, usually of a specific type, compiled in a book for ease of [[reference]]. That is, the information is intended to be quickly found when needed. Reference works are usually ''referred'' to for particular pieces of information, rather than read cover to cover. The writing style used in these works is informative; the authors avoid use of the first person, and emphasize facts. [[index (publishing)|Indexes]] are commonly provided in many types of reference work. Updated [[edition]]s are published as needed, in some cases [[annual publication|annually]]. | ||
| - | In comparison, a '''reference book''' or reference-only book in a [[library]] is one that may only be used in the library and not borrowed from the library. Many such books are reference works (in the first sense) which are usually used only briefly or photocopied from, and therefore do not need to be borrowed. Keeping them in the library assures that they will always be available for use on demand. Other reference-only books are ones that are too valuable to permit borrowers to take them out. Reference-only items may be shelved in a reference collection located separately from [[library circulation|circulating]] items or individual reference-only items may be shelved among items available for borrowing. | + | A '''handbook''' is a type of [[reference work]], or other collection of instructions, that is intended to provide ready reference. |
| - | Examples of reference works: | + | A handbook is sometimes referred to as a '''''[[vade mecum]]''''' ([[Latin language|Latin]], "go with me") or '''pocket reference''' that is intended to be carried at all times. |
| - | * [[Almanac]] - a tabulation of information in specific fields, often by date | + | |
| - | * [[Atlas (cartography)|Atlas]] - a set of maps, often of geographical locations | + | Handbooks may deal with any topic, and are generally compendiums of information in a particular field or about a particular technique. They are designed to be easily consulted and provide quick answers in a certain area. For example, the [[MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers]] is a reference for how to cite works in MLA style, among other things. |
| - | * [[Book by category]] - books listed in their category | + | |
| - | * [[Citation index]] - lists which publications cite other publications | + | "Handbook" is sometimes applied to documents that are produced within an organization that are not designed for publication—such as a company handbook for HR, for instance. In this case, the term is used nearly synonymously with "manual." |
| - | * [[Concordance (publishing)|Concordance]] - a list of every word in a book, and where it is used in that book | + | |
| - | * [[Dictionary]] or [[Lexicon]] (the latter generally provides more grammatical analysis) - an alphabetical listing of words and their definitions | + | The name "handbook" may sometimes be applied to reference works that are not pocket-sized, but do provide ready reference, as is the case with several [[engineering]] handbooks such as ''[[Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook]]'', ''[[Marks Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers]]'', and the ''[[CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics]]''. Handbooks are widely used in the sciences as quick references for various kinds of data. |
| - | * [[directory (databases)|Directory]] - a list of [[reference]]s, used for ease of locating their subject | + | |
| - | * [[Encyclopedia]] - a comprehensive compendium | + | ==See also== |
| - | * [[Gazetteer]] - a geographical dictionary | + | * [[Compendium]] |
| - | * [[Grammar]] - a book in which aspects of the grammar of a language can be looked up | + | * [[Encyclopedia]] |
| - | * [[Handbook]] - a manual which summarizes a subject | + | * [[Girdle book]] |
| - | * [[Mathematical table]]s - a tabulation of mathematical results | + | * [[Owners manual|Manual]] |
| - | * [[Periodical index]] - a list of topics for a [[periodical publication]], organized by date | + | |
| - | * [[Scientific table]]s - a tabulation of scientific results | + | |
| - | * [[Telephone Directory]] - a book with residence and business listings | + | |
| - | * [[Thesaurus]] - a list of words with similar, related, or opposite meanings | + | |
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A handbook is a type of reference work, or other collection of instructions, that is intended to provide ready reference.
A handbook is sometimes referred to as a vade mecum (Latin, "go with me") or pocket reference that is intended to be carried at all times.
Handbooks may deal with any topic, and are generally compendiums of information in a particular field or about a particular technique. They are designed to be easily consulted and provide quick answers in a certain area. For example, the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is a reference for how to cite works in MLA style, among other things.
"Handbook" is sometimes applied to documents that are produced within an organization that are not designed for publication—such as a company handbook for HR, for instance. In this case, the term is used nearly synonymously with "manual."
The name "handbook" may sometimes be applied to reference works that are not pocket-sized, but do provide ready reference, as is the case with several engineering handbooks such as Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, Marks Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, and the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Handbooks are widely used in the sciences as quick references for various kinds of data.
See also
