Reference Reviews: September 15, 2010
Sep 15, 2010
Education
American Universities and Colleges. 19th ed. 2 vols. Praeger. 2010. 1644p. index. ISBN 9780313366079. $194.95. REF Last published in 2008, this reference work—which has been regularly issued for more than a half century under different titles—provides basic information on more than 1800 accredited “degree-granting baccalaureate-or-above institutions” in the United States. Entries are alphabetically arranged by state and include a wide variety of contact, descriptive, and statistical information on institutional history, freshman class data, admissions deadlines, number of degrees conferred, library collections, institutional structure, ethnic makeup of the student body, and library collections. Separate institution and subject accreditation indexes enhance access to the text. A useful feature is a chart of comparative data for the institutions cited. BOTTOM LINE A very well-organized work containing concise and helpful information, this two-volume set serves as a good ready-reference source. Since the preface notes that “for the most part, negative information has been omitted,” students and others seeking opinionated guidance (e.g., Fisk or Princeton Review guides) will not find such subjective views here. Though the publisher has substantially reduced its price since the 2008 edition, the cost of this authoritative work may limit its appeal to major public and academic libraries with substantial reference holdings on colleges and universities.—Donald Altschiller, Boston Univ. Libs.
Folklore
Melton, J. Gordon. The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead. 3d ed. Visible Ink. Sept. 2010. c.900p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781578592814. pap. $29.95. REF
Updated for the first time in ten years, this vampire lore tome covers legends from around the world, both classical and current, presenting an overview of the historical, literary, mythological, biographical, and popular aspects of vampires. Melton (director, Inst. for the Study of American Religions) has accounted for more recent entries to the rolls of the undead, from popular TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and True Blood to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight book and film franchise. Entries encompass authors, scholars, vampire characteristics, organizations, media, notable vampires, vampires in places and cultures, and other things related to the mythology (e.g., blood and garlic) while spanning both popular and scholarly aspects. There are 500-plus entries, with a list of sources for each, and over 200 photographs. This new edition is important particularly to those collections where information regarding vampires in popular culture is desired, as readers will find significant coverage of popular culture over the years since the last edition was published. The volume has a table of contents and index for ease of use as well. BOTTOM LINE This book is an excellent and comprehensive addition to any collection serving readers interested in learning more about the vampire in time, place, and society. Aficionados of vampires in popular culture will enjoy it.—Sara Rofofsky Marcus, Queensborough Community Coll., Bayside, NY
General Reference
America’s Top Rated Cities: A Statistical Handbook, 2010. 17th ed. 4 vols. Grey House. 2010. c.2400p. ed. by David Garoogian. ISBN 9781592375455. $225;Online: Gale Virtual Reference Library, NetLibrary, MyiLibrary, ebrary, & OverDrive REF
Now in its 17th edition, this four-volume set contains background essays, rankings, and statistical tables for each of the “top” 100 U.S. cities included. The set indicates it has used its own ranking system to select these 100 cities; methodology includes the review of over 200 sources (including Business Week, Forbes, Gallup) and first-hand experience visiting and interviewing residents. The cities that made the cut meet or exceed a population level of 100,000; two exceptions were granted: Boulder, CO, and Fargo, ND. Each volume focuses on a quadrant of the United States: Southern, Western, Central, and Eastern. Somewhat surprisingly, the Eastern volume includes just three cities from the entirety of New England. Cities are then presented in alphabetical order, with each entry presenting a one-page background/history essay, rankings, and statistical tables. Expected data such as climate, employment, and cost of living are included, but so are more esoteric materials such as prominent leisure activities and topics comparing least stressful and most vegetarian-friendly cities. The end of each volume displays many pages of interesting statistics comparing cities across all four volumes. Each volume is for sale separately as well. BOTTOM LINE While patrons are becoming increasingly comfortable locating statistical data online, there is still something to be said for the ease associated with such a compendium of otherwise scattered data. A well-organized and appropriate update where needed; suitable for larger public and academic libraries.—Lura Sanborn, St. Paul’s Sch., Concord, NH
Older Americans Information Directory. 8th ed. Sedgwick: Grey House. 2010. c.1200p. index. ISBN 9781592375431. pap. $165; Online: Grey House Online Databases REF With an aging populace, information for older Americans becomes increasingly important. There were 38.9 million Americans who fell into this demographic in 2008, and that population will double by 2030. These people are older, healthier, and more plugged in than the seniors of 20 years ago. They need information about a wide variety of practical topics to help them lead busy, productive lives. Current, comprehensive, and accessible, this directory begins with a series of brief essays on common health issues: aging and the eye, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, mourning the loss of a spouse, the importance of remaining active and social, evaluating online information, and health insurance. A series of chapters with directory information follows, covering national organizations and federal agencies; state organizations and government agencies; awards, honors, and prizes; disability aids and assistive devices; health conditions; assisted living facilities; independent living centers; legal aid resources; libraries and information resources; print resources; and travel. The health conditions chapter includes associations, publications, research centers, and websites. The other chapters contain only directory information. Two appendixes offer glossaries of health, medical, and legal terms. Alphabetical, geographical, and subject indexes make it easy to locate relevant material. The print in the entries is a bit small for those with impaired vision, but the typeface is clear, and the entry terms are boldface. BOTTOM LINE This is a solid, comprehensive directory, but it is rather expensive and will go out of date quickly. Database access is $300 per single user, while the single-user book combination is $400 (contact the publisher for multiple user and library access). Electronic access is the better way to go, budget-permitting. —Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L.
Law & Crime
Encyclopedia of Victimology and Crime Prevention. 2 vols. SAGE. (SAGE Reference). 2010. c.1752p. ed. by Bonnie S. Fisher & Steven P. Lab. index. ISBN 9781412960472. $350; Online: SAGE Reference Online REF
Defining victimology as “issues related to actions that fall under the criminal law,” this two-volume set features 373 signed, alphabetically arranged articles that are accessible via a comprehensive index and a topical guide. Rather than a table of contents, both volumes include a list of entries identifying the 11 anchor articles that run 5000 words in length and the shorter 1000- to 3000-word essays. Topics range from “Reassurance Policing” and “Neighborhood Watch Programs” to “Football Hooliganism” and “Victim Blaming”; several feature charts, graphs, or maps. Each signed article includes See also references (also found in the detailed index), a suggested reading bibliography, and recommended websites (a feature in the appendix as well). While the majority of the 331 contributors are from U.S. academic institutions, a few contributors represent views from England, the West Indies, Canada, and Israel. The Contributors Index identifies the authors by name and institutional affiliation or a vague title such as Independent Consultant. This work could be improved by a commitment to either go global throughout the set or limit the title to the United States. Plenty of current, accurate titles on both subjects exist, but this is the first work to link crime prevention and victimology overtly in one resource. Criminal justice professors Fisher (Univ. of Cincinnati) and Lab (Bowling Green State Univ.) have edited and authored numerous books and journal articles on this topic. BOTTOM LINE Those studying law enforcement, the judicial system, victim’s services, criminal justice, and social services as well as victims caught in the criminal justice system will find this helpful. Purchase where needed.—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX
Religion
Encyclopedia of Religion in America. 4 vols. CQ. Sept. 2010. c.2250p. ed. by Charles H. Lippy & Peter W. Williams. illus. index. ISBN 9780872895805. $600;Online: CQ Press Political Reference Suite REF
Lippy and Williams collaborated on Scribner’s well-received Encyclopedia of the American Religious Experience (1988), and readers of that set will not be disappointed with this new work featuring more than 350 articles from a wide array of contributors. Alphabetically organized entries provide scholarly background on the full landscape of religion in American society: sociology, economics, environmentalism, history, popular culture, and gender studies, all important access points on the subject. Each volume begins with a full alphabetical list of the entries, followed by a thematic list in which the articles are grouped into 48 areas. The complete general index is in each of the four volumes. The signed entries, most five to ten pages in length, conclude with references to related articles and a bibliography. The practice of having closely related articles authored by different scholars ensures that readers get a broad perspective on a topic. While one may question some editorial decisions—why, for instance, is there no article on particular religions in the thematic group called “Mainline Protestantism”?—one cannot deny the care taken in making this work accessible to undergraduate students through faculty in religious studies, sociology, or history. The writing is clear and approachable, the layout is eye-pleasing with plenty of white space and bold fonts for headings and Subheadings, and the black-and-white photos are generally of high quality. BOTTOM LINE Highly recommended for most academic libraries and public libraries where demand for in-depth religious studies exists. Any library owning the Encyclopedia of the American Religious Experience will want to update their collection with this title. —Rosanne M. Cordell, Indiana Univ. Lib., South Bend
Sciences
Kusky, Timothy. Encyclopedia of Earth & Space Science. 2 vols. Facts On File. (Science Library). 2010. 1301p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9780816070053. $170;Online: Infobase eBooks REF
In this two-volume set, Kusky (China Univ. of Geosciences, Wuhan; Facts On File’s Encyclopedia of Earth Science) presents more than 250 entries, ranging in length from a few pages up to 15 pages. All include cross-references to other entries, as well as suggestions for further reading and research. Topics are organized alphabetically and categorized by National Science Education Standards for Content, grades 9 through 12. Categories include Science as Inquiry, Energy in the Earth System, Geochemical Cycles, Origin and Evolution of the Earth System, Origin and Evolution of the Universe, Science and Technology, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, History and Nature of Science, and Subdisciplines. Entries encompass beaches and shorelines, climate change, Copernicus, global warming, tsunamis, and volcanos. The book’s strength is its balanced coverage of historical perspectives, physical processes, and biographical profiles of important people. Key features include more than 300 four-color photos (many full page), tables, and illustrations as well as a two-color format throughout the book. There are 13 extensive appendixes, including a chronology, glossary, and periodic tables. BOTTOM LINE This is an informative resource that displays the Earth’s wonder. It will appeal to an audience of high school and college Earth science and astronomy classes. Highly recommended for both academic and public libraries. —Kathleen A. Welton, Chicago
Social Sciences Encyclopedia of Political Theory. 3 vols. SAGE. (SAGE Reference). 2010. c.3011p. ed. by Mark Bevir. index. ISBN 9781412958653. $425; Online: SAGE Reference Online REF Sports & Recreation
Encyclopedia of Identity. 2 vols. SAGE. (SAGE Reference). Sept. 2010. c.1000p. ed. by Ronald L. Jackson II. index. ISBN 9781412951531. $350; Online: SAGE Reference Online REF
Jackson (Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) has engaged over 100 scholars to create the first encyclopedia dedicated to the socially constructed phenomenon of identity. Nearly 300 essays—alphabetically arranged, signed, and with individual bibliographies—provide scholarly yet clearly written overviews of the many aspects of identity from the many disciplines that treat it: religion, the visual arts, cultural studies, psychology, sociology, communication, gender studies, philosophy, political science, literature, and linguistics. Essay topics range from authenticity, being and identity, children’s art, development of self-concept, group identity, liberation theology, and stereotypes to embeddedness/embedded identity, ethnolinguistic identity theory, the history of otherness, queer theory, and self-enhancement theory. While a majority of these topics can be found in individual encyclopedias of psychology, philosophy, social sciences, and the like, it is helpful and illuminating to have them in a single resource with a singular underlying perspective. BOTTOM LINE This is a most worthwhile reference tool for many academic libraries, as well as for large public libraries. The electronic version, while more expensive, will provide a greater ease of searching and accessing individual terms within every article. Highly recommended.—Marcia Welsh, Dartmouth Coll. Libs., Hanover, NH
In this three-volume set, Bevir (Univ. of California, Berkeley) has assembled a useful tool for anyone researching political philosophy. The 470-plus articles are arranged in straight alphabetical order by main subject, with a user’s guide displaying subject headings at the beginning of Volume 1. See also references to related topics are included in numerous articles. Assembled from a wide variety of academic institutions, some 369 authors discuss an assortment of political subjects ranging from abortion to Wycliffism, including religious and secular political theories, major political ideologies, leaders of political movements, historical political movements, and current political philosophy. Biographical articles about more than 100 political philosophers do a thorough job of exploring their political beliefs and writings. Some of the choices will be better known than others, and some may prove unexpected and interesting (e.g., Abraham Lincoln). While those searching for bias can likely identify it anywhere, entries here strive for political neutrality. Article length varies from half a page to over ten pages, with some far more compelling than others—to be expected with such a diverse collection of contributors and subjects. Political science bibliographers may also be familiar with Bevir’s previous projects, e.g., Histories of Postmodernism (2007) and Governance Stories (2006). BOTTOM LINE While the general public might find it useful for researching a political ideology or theory, college students majoring in political science will probably find it most useful. Libraries that own the Encyclopedia of Political Thought edited by Garrett Ward Sheldon (Facts On File 2001) might consider a newer book. Purchase if your budget permits.—James Langan, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib. Encyclopedia of Research Design. 3 vols. SAGE. (SAGE Reference). Sept. 2010. c.3427p. ed. by Neil J. Salkind. index. ISBN 9781412961271. $425; Online: SAGE Reference Online REF
Salkind and associate editors Bruce Frey and Donald Dougherty—all highly published and recognized researchers—have gathered an international cadre of contributors for this comprehensive three-volume work. Topics were selected to be “sufficiently technical to enlighten the naive but educated reader.” Volume 1 begins with a very useful Reader’s Guide, where entries are organized into 28 broad categories and which includes a list of the entries that fall into each category. The two things that make this work distinctive are the inclusion of reviews of 15 seminal articles in the field (identified in the Reader’s Guide under “Important Publications”) and reviews of 11 popular research tools (in the Reader’s Guide under “Software Applications”). Entries are organized alphabetically and range in length from 1000 to 3000 words (roughly four paragraphs to four or five pages). Entry length was purposely set based on the editors’ judgments of each topic’s importance. Entries on statistical tests include explicit instructions for their calculation as well as the underlying assumptions and, often, a brief example (e.g., the entry on the Kruskal-Wallis test). Cross-references are included throughout, as are pointers to further readings. Entries are signed by their contributors, often recognized experts on their topics (e.g., Klaus Krippendorff authored entries on Content Analysis and Krippendorff’s Alpha). The only potential disappointment to some will be the relatively few entries on qualitative and mixed-methods design topics. BOTTOM LINE Essential for academic libraries, this is one of a handful of resources that covers such a broad spectrum of research designs. It will also be a useful addition to public library collections but may be slightly too advanced for most high-school libraries.—Sarah Sutton, Texas A&M Univ. Lib., Corpus Christi
In this second edition of a 2001 set, Green, a longtime martial artist and anthropology professor at Texas A&M University, returns as editor and joins forces with Svinth, editor of Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Science, to offer something of a mixed bag: more articles (111 now, 96 then) but fewer pages (705 now, 894 then). The original alphabetical arrangement has been dispensed with in favor of a topical organization. Volume 1 covers “Regions and Individual Arts,” which entails broad geographical headings, such as “Africa,” “Americas,” and so on. Under each appear entries for specific styles associated with that part of the world, as in “Japan: Aikido,” “Japan: Judo,” etc. Volume 2 takes on “Themes,” which make up the social and philosophical underpinnings of these fighting forms. The editors explain their decision to change the organization by stating, “It was hoped that this format…would reduce redundancy while still allowing for coordination and collaboration between entries.” From a practical standpoint, however, information is now more difficult to access. An additional caveat is the selection of material—there’s an entry for “Gunfighters,” as in Wild West trigger-happy types, but none for kung fu, which appeared in the original edition. Note that the publisher does not indicate on the cover or title page that this is a second edition. BOTTOM LINE Despite this reviewer’s misgivings, the dearth of reference content on martial arts makes this set the best on the market. Its strength lies in its historical, social, and philosophical grounding of these fighting techniques. Recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Michael F. Bemis, Washington Cty. Lib., Woodbury, MN
