References Evaluation – Group work

Directories

Submitted by

Group (1)
Francie Berger
Hanem Ibrahim
Heather Tebbs

ILS 504- Reference Materials and Services

Dr. Elsie Okobi

Fall 2009
 Evaluation Set 4 (Directories)
This paper evaluates 16 directories as reference resources. Documentation
of each group member’s contributions follows the body of the work.
1. AcqWeb's Directory of Publishers and Vendors
Citation
AcqWeb's Directory of Publishers and Vendors (2004) Retrieved on
November1, 2009. From:
http://www.acqweb.org/pubr.html
Scope
This is an international trade directory of important publishers and vendors
listed and compiled by library professionals and vendors’ links to publisher or
vendors’ websites, and e- mail address of the publishers and vendors.
Use
This list of publishers and vendors is useful to Acquisition librarian to make it
easy to contact with t them for collection development.
With this directory we could answer questions like:
I need to find contact information for the publishing firm Peachpit Press. Do
they have an e-mail address or an 800 number?
What stores in the U.S. specialize in Polish language books?
Arrangement/ Entries
The web site of this directory arranged to include these sections in the home
page
1- Publisher Email Address Directory
edited by David Marshall
2- Publisher Web Sites: Alphabetic Directory
3- Publisher Web Sites: Geographic Directory
by Peter Scott
4- Publisher Web Sites: Subject Directory (which includes 17 main subject
headings and these topic divided also to sub- headings) in the bottom
of the same home page, which makes it easier to look for those
publisher and vendor through their special subject interests
like(General and Multiple Subject Publishers, Business and Economics,
Education, and more)
For each entry there are links to web page of each one the publisher or
vendor included this web pages different from one to another but it helps
of the authors, new releases, upcoming books, and lots more.
Currency
The last update for this web site was on August 18, 2004.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
This is easy to use directory and some of the links to websites are dead and
need to be updated.
1. American School Directory
Citation
American School Directory. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from
http://www.asd.com/asd/asdhome.htm
Scope
This site provides information on over 105,000 primary, middle, and high
schools in the U.S. It covers public, private, and Catholic schools. There are
two choices of subscriptions; the first is payable by month or the first 500
schools accessed and the second is payable per year or first 2000 schools
accessed.
Purpose
Asd.com is an online source of information on K-12 schools in the United
States. The company has been in business since 1985. ASD.com was started
in 1996.
Authority
The publishers of the site contact schools directly to verify and update
information.
Use
This site will be useful to anyone who would like information about public,
private, and Catholic schools in the U.S. and wants to view the information
one school at a time.
Arrangement/ Entries
Each entry is divided into four parts and each part includes:
a. School Information Page- name, address, county name, ASD code
number, and link to map
b. Contact Information- principal’s name, office phone number, fax
number, e-mail address, and web address
c. School Information- number of students, number of homerooms,
grade levels, type of school, mascot, school colors, computer
platform, number of internet connected computers, type of
internet connection, and wish list items # 1, #2, #3
d. District- county school district address and phone number
Schools can be searched by school name, city, county, or zip code.
Currency
This site is updated weekly at minimum during the school year.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
It is impossible to critique this site as it is only accessible to subscribers.
However, the sample page is well organized and provides clear and useful
data for the entry.
2. Annual Register of Grant Support
Citation
McDonough, Beverly (Ed.). (2009). Annual Register of Grant Support 2010: A
Directory of Funding Sources (43rd ed.). New Providence, New Jersey: R.R.
Bowker.
Annual Register of Grant Support 2010. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from
http://infotoday.stores.yahoo.net/anregofgrans4.html
Scope
This directory provides information on over 3200 organizations that give non-
repayable funding. It includes traditional corporate, private, and public
funding sources as well as little known non-traditional funding sources such
as educational associations and unions.
Purpose
The Annual Register of Grant Support provides broad information relating to
organizations that give non-repayable financial support to organizations
seeking funding for their programs.
Use
This directory will prove a valuable resource for any organization that
depends on grants to keep its programs running.
Arrangement/ Entries
The guide is divided into 11 major subject areas and 61 sub-categories.
Information given on each grant includes:
• Eligibility requirements and restriction
• Application procedures and deadlines
• Grant size or range
• Contact information
Currency
This directory is published annually.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
The directory provides clear concise information and is easy to search.
1. D&B Companies Online
Citation
(1999). Companies Online. Waltham, MA: Lycos. Retrieved November 2,
2009, from http://www.insiderinfo.com.
Scope
Companies Online is a Web directory run by Lycos.com. Its new URL is
http://www.insiderinfo.com. Its scope is not limited, but is comprised of any
commercial Web site submitted for inclusion.
Purpose
Web directories by companies such as Lycos are an alternative method of
cataloging and searching for Web sites. Rather than being crawler-based, the
sights are sought or submitted by hand. This site’s particular purpose is to
provide a venue for commercial products.
Use
Those searching for commercial products or services on the Web would use
this directory.
Arrangement/ Entries
Entries are arranged topically and may be viewed via the site map.
Currency
A quick review did not reveal any broken links on the site.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
While the organization of the site appears at first glance to be adequately-
done, clicking on the subject links reveals sponsored links that have
absolutely nothing to do with the subject selected. The user must scroll all
the way down the page in order to see an anemic number of results for their
selection. This format is deceptive and at first I thought perhaps no pertinent
results had been returned. I would not recommend this site, which is too bad
because Lycos used to be a reputable company.
2. Directory of Research Grants
Citation
Grants Program (Ed.). (2005). Directory of research grants. Phoenix, Arizona:
Oryx Press.
Scope
This directory provides information on over 5100 programs from 1880
sponsors. It includes non-repayable funding information from U.S. and
foreign foundations, corporation, government agencies and other
organizations. The user can find funding amongst other things, research,
equipment acquisition, building construction and renovation, and fellowships.
Purpose
The Directory of Research Grants provides information about organizations
that give non-repayable financial support to organizations seeking funding
for their programs.

Authority
The editors of the directory contact the sponsoring organizations directly to
verify information. Funding organizations also provide the editors with
brochures, press releases, and other mailings to ensure currency.

Use
This directory will prove a valuable resource for any organization that
depends on grants to keep its programs running.
Arrangement/ Entries
Each entry includes:
• Grant title and description
• Requirements
• Amount
• Application deadline
• Contact information
• Internet access
• Sponsor name and address
• Samples of awarded grants (when available)
The guide also includes four indexes:
• Subject
• Sponsoring organization
• Program type
• Geographic
The directory also includes a “Guide to Proposal Planning and Writing” by
Jeremy and Lynn Miner.
Currency
This directory is published annually.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
The four indexes make it very easy for the user to find the best program for
his/her purposes.
1. Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers
Citation
Miskelly, M. & Rozsa, C. (Ed.). (2002). Directory of Special Libraries and
Information Centers. (27th ed.). Detroit: Gale Group.
Scope

It’s part of Gale’s ready reference listing Libraries and information centers. It
provides detailed contact and descriptive information on more than 34,000
subject-specific resource collections maintained by various government
agencies, businesses, publishers, educational and nonprofit organizations,
and libraries around the world
Purpose /Use
Researchers can use it to find useful information about those resource
centers, special collections and documentation centers.
With this directory we could answer questions like:
Where is the location of libraries with strong collections on folk dancing.
Arrangement/ Entries
Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers is published in two
volumes (available separately): Volume 1 (in three parts) provides detailed
contact and descriptive information on subject-specific resource collections
maintained by various government agencies, businesses, publishers,
educational and nonprofit organizations, and libraries around the world. In
addition, Vol. 1 features seven appendixes and a comprehensive subject
index and is available with or without an inter-edition supplement. Volume 2,
Geographic and Personnel Indexes, provides access to profiled libraries by
geographic region, as well as by the professional staff that are cited in each
listing.
Currency
This printed edition 27 was published in 2002
The printed edition updates annually. The online edition up- to-date, and
available for subscription only through http://www.libraries-
update.com/default.asp
Overall Evaluation or Critique
It very useful directory, and easy to use.
2. Foundations On-Line
Citation
(2009).. Foundations On-Line. Retrieved November 2, 2009 from
http://www.foundationsonline.org.
Scope
Foundations On-Line is a directory of charitable grant makers.
Purpose
The purpose is to provide a national directory of charitable grant makers.
Use
Those searching for charitable grants will find this site of use.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
Entries are in two major directory lists:
1. Corporate and Private Foundations, and Grantmakers Directory
2. Community Foundations Directory
These two directories are arranged alphabetically by organization or grant
name. Links are given to the grant makers.
Scrolling to the bottom of the page shows more categories of grants in a
table.
Limited time grant organizations or opportunities are listed on the main
page.
Currency
The lists appear current. I did not find any broken links.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
This Web site is a mess. There is little to no effective organization to its
contents. While the entries are useful, the lack of organization is
discouraging. I had to go one page deeper into the site to find the links for
the directory. This might put off a less persistent user.
1. Hoover’s Online
Citation
Hoover: A D&B Company. (2009). Hoover’s, Inc. Retrieved October 30, 2009
from http://www.hoovers.com/free/.
Scope
This site provides information on 32 million public and private companies
world-wide and 37 million key people. It covers all aspects of company,
industry and market intelligence that drive business growth. There are three
different subscriptions available. All include information about 40,000
companies that are either large or influential in their industry. Beyond that,
the choices vary in depth of information, so the user may choose their
subscription according to their needs. The site also provides news coverage
from over 2000 international sources.
Purpose
Hoover’s Online is an online source of business information about companies
and industries world-wide and what drives their growth.
Authority
The information for this site is compiled by industry experts who analyze and
verify the content.
Use
This site would be useful for anyone doing research on a company, be it for
purposes of prospective partnerships, employment or client relationship
building. It would also be helpful for a business person looking for preparing
for a meeting or doing competitive research
Arrangement/ Entries
Each entry is divided into13 parts and each part includes:
• Company name, address, phone and fax numbers
• Company record tools- links to company data and reports
 • Overview- description
• Key information
• Key numbers
• Key people- names and contact information
• People profiles- provided by company employees
• LinkedIn connections
• CEOs on camera
• Industry information- extensive hyperlinks
• Industry watch- current news links
• Top competitors- with hypertext links
• Rankings/Stock indexes
Currency
This site is updated daily.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
Information on this site is easy to access using a keyword search, and is
presented in a very clear, readable format.
1. National Faculty Directory 2000
Citation
The National faculty directory (2001) Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research Co
Scope
Find names, departmental affiliations and institutional addresses of
professionals of approximately 730,000 members of teaching faculties at
more than 3,600 American colleges and universities and approximately 240
Canadian institutions that use instructional materials primarily in English.
Each Supplement updates approximately 60,000 new entries.
Purpose Use
This is an essential resource for academic and large public libraries for
locating teaching faculty at junior colleges, colleges and universities in the
United States, with some in Canada. Primary users include students,
academics, and professional researchers seeking faculty contact information
and departmental affiliations.
It could be use to answer questions like:
I need an address for a mathematics professor whose last name is Zorn.
Arrangement/ Entries
National Faculty Directory arranged alphabetically by the last names of
faculty members, and sub arranged by first names and initial, the college
and universities are arranged alphabetically by the states. Each entry include
also the departmental affiliations, institutional addresses, and phone
numbers.
The Supplement entries in the main body are arranged alphabetically by
faculty member name. Entries include address, phone number, and
departmental affiliation. The roster section contains a listing of schools
arranged alphabetically by state/province, then name of school within the
state/province.
Currency
Updated irregularly.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
The information in the directory is taken from academic catalogs published
by institutions, so it should be accurate, published by reputable publisher.
The page divided into 5 columns, the printed entries are too small.
2. Peterson’s
Citation
(2009). Peterson’s. Retrieved November 2, 2009, from
http://www.petersons.com.
Scope
Peterson’s is an education preparation and information portal for all levels of
education in the United States. It is owned by NeInet.
Purpose
The Peterson’s portal About page lists the following purpose and content for
the site: “In addition to our core products for college search and selection,
test preparation, and financial aid, Petersons offers online services for essay
editing and instruction as well as resume writing.”
Use
Students use the Peterson’s site to conduct academic test preparation, study
help, admissions assistance, and other information about, “with information
about colleges and universities, career schools, graduate programs, distance
learning, executive training, private secondary schools, summer
opportunities, study abroad, financial aid, test preparation, and career
exploration.”
Arrangement/ Entries
The site is a portal to Peterson’s products. A home page offers organization
by the following education levels:
• Colleges and Universities
• Graduate Schools
• Online and Continuing Education
• K-12 Schools and Programs
On the home page, search boxes correspond to each education level. Quick
links are offered to frequently-sought topics for each education level.
Currency
The site is current as of 2009.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
While this is primarily a site designed to sell education products and services
to the public, it is very well organized and has a pleasing presence. It is easy
to search and organized in a clear and consistent manner.

1. Publishers Directory
Citation
Gagne, L. (Ed.). Publishers directory. (2008). Farmington Hills, MI, Gale.
Scope
According to Google Books, Gale's Publishers Directory covers approximately
30,000 U.S. and Canadian publishers, distributors and wholesalers. Google
goes on to explain:
 Organizations profiled in the Publishers Directory represent a broad
spectrum of interests, including major publishing companies; small
presses (in the traditional, literary sense); groups promoting special
interests from ethnic heritage to alternative medical treatments;
museums and societies in the arts, science, technology, history, and
genealogy; divisions within universities that issues special publications
in such fields as business, literature and climate studies; religious
institutions; corporations that produce important publications related
to their areas of specialization; government agencies; and electronic
and database publishers.
Purpose
The purpose of the resources is to catalog all publishers in one directory for
ready reference of publisher name, address, etc.
Use
A person searching for contact information for a publisher, or searching for a
publisher of a particular type of resource would use this directory.
Currency
2008 is fairly current; however, with how quickly the publishing industry
changes, using the current year’s edition is advisable.
2. Research Centers and Services Directory
Citation
Research centers and services directories. (2009). Detroit, MI: Gale/ Cengage
Learning
Retrieved November 1, 2009 from
http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/html/bl0115.html.
Scope
The Research Centers and Services Directory is a comprehensive source
of detailed information on over 37,000 organizations conducting research
worldwide. It corresponds to the print Research Centers Directory family of
publications: Research Centers Directory, which covers over 15,900
university-based and other nonprofit research facilities in the U.S. and
Canada; International Research Centers Directory, which covers over 13,160
non-U.S. research organizations in approximately 160 countries; Government
Research Directory, which covers more than 8,000 research units of the U.S.
and Canadian federal governments. The Research Centers and Services
Directory database provides full contact information and descriptions of
university, independent nonprofit, government, and commercial research
and development centers, institutes, laboratories, bureaus, test facilities,
experiment stations, research parks, foundations, councils, and other
organizations that support and conduct research worldwide
Purpose / Use
It is recommended to be purchased by all large public and academic
libraries. It offers information about programs, staffing, publications, and
services.
It could be used to answer questions like:
1- Where are there research centers with expertise on butterflies?
 2- Where is Chulalongkorn University located? What is the size of the
faculty and student body at that institution?
3- I would like the address and phone number for Edmund Scientific Co.
Arrangement/ Entries
This Directory Arranged alphabetically in Subject categories. The research
units in nearly every field of research activity are described. Organizations
from Research Centers Directory are grouped into the following general
categories (numbers refer to corresponding section heading codes:
• Agricultural, Food, and Veterinary Sciences (01)
• Astronomy and Space Sciences (04)
• Behavioral and Social Sciences (12)
• Biological and Environmental Sciences (02)
• Business and Economics (08)
• Computers and Mathematics (05)
• Education (13)
• Engineering and Technology (06)
• Government and Public Affairs (09)
• Humanities and Religion (14)
• Law (11)
• Labor and Industrial Relations (10)
• Medical and Health Sciences (03)
• Multidisciplinary Programs (16)
• Physical and Earth Sciences (07)
• Regional and Area Studies (15)
• Research Coordinating Offices and Research Parks (17)
Currency
Current file corresponds to this year's print edition of the directory File Size:
37,134 Organizations as of June 2009. Annual Reload Update Frequency, and
online for subscription only through the web site
at:http://galenet.gale.com/m/mcp/db/rcsd/
Overall Evaluation or Critique
International Guide to research center, published by reputable publisher,
very useful for researchers, with special features includes: ERA Available,
Graduate Education Program, KWIC and HILIGHT Available.
1. Research Centers Directory
Citation
Research centers directory (2001) Detroit, MI: Gale Research Co.,
Scope
A directory to Research institutes, foundations, centers, bureaus,
laboratories, experiment stations, and other similar nonprofit facilities,
organizations, and activities in the United States and Canada.
Purpose / Use
It’s important source for information on research centers, and universities.
Useful for student researcher, and librarian.
It could answer questions like:
Where are there research centers with expertise on butterflies in USA?
Arrangement/ Entries
Arranged geographically: Entry gives identifying and descriptive information
of staff and work. Institutional, research centers, and subject indexes. 5th
ed., 5491 entries; 6th ed., 6268 entries
Currency
Print edition updated irregularly. It is complemented with two other Gale
publications:
• International Research Centers Directory
• Government Research Directory
Overall Evaluation or Critique
Published by reputable publish
1. Subject Collections
Citation
Ash, L. & McQuitty, B. J. (Eds.). (1993). Subject Collections: A Guide to
Special Book Collections and Subject Emphases as Reported by University,
College, Public and Special Libraries and Museums in the United States and
Canada (7th ed.). New Providence, New Jersey; R.R. Bowker. Retrieved on
October 30, 2009 from http://www.alibris.com/booksearch.
detail?invid=9993749010&browse=1&qwork=6433926&qsort=&page=1
Scope
This directory includes reviews of more than 65,000 special library and
museum collections held by almost 6000 in the U.S. and Canada. Of these
entries, 13,000 collections from almost 900 institutions are new since the
last edition.
Catalog of Manuscript Collections revealed several omissions from Subject
Collections. Nevertheless, libraries that serve a research-oriented clientele
will want to make the seventh edition an essential purchase.
Purpose
Subject Collections reviews the strengths of thousands of library collections
covering a wide range of subject areas
Authority
The editors contacted each library directly via mailings to verify accuracy.
Use
This directory will be most useful to researchers and reference librarians and
would most likely be found in an academic setting.
Arrangement/ Entries
The entries are listed alphabetically using Library of Congress subject
headings. Under each heading, entries are alphabetical by state, then city,
then by name of institution.
Each entry includes the following information:
• Name of holding institution
• Contact information-phone and fax numbers, e-mail
• General description of holdings
Collections on Eastern European nations, African American cultures, gays
and lesbians, ecology and the environment, feminism and women's rights,
music and theater, and ethnic groups (especially Muslims) have gained
significantly in representation.
Currency
The information is accurate to the date of the publication.
1. Yearbook of International Organizations, 1999/2000
Citation
Union of International Associations (Eds.). (1999). Yearbook of international
organizations: 1999-2000 (36th ed.) (Vols. 1-4). Munich: K. G. Saur.
Scope
According to Amazon.com, “this reference work provides information on over
28,000 international organizations at work in over 225 countries worldwide.”
Purpose
The purpose is to provide data about and contact information for
international organizations.
Use
Questions about contact information for foreign or domestic non-profits,
government organizations, and other “membership entities” can be found in
this four volume set.
Arrangement/ Entries
According to the review on Amazon.com:
Cross-referenced, it is organized into three volumes specifically to facilitate
information retrieval. Volume 1 has been reorganized for greater ease of use
and contains entries on over 28,000 organizations, from inter-governmental
organizations to religious orders and non-profit bodies. Volume 2 which
covers international organization participation provides a geographically
arranged directory of organizations. Restructured for this edition, the volume
now contains one section which lists countries in alphabetical order. Over
10,000 secretariats and other offices of international organizations are listed
plus over 70,000 membership entries. Not simply an index to descriptions in
Volume 1, this directory of secretariats and membership is an independent
working tool with each entry giving the name and main address of the
international body. Volume 3 covers global action networks. It is an
organizational directory arranged by subject, interdisciplinary subject
combinations and regions as well as providing a subject index to Volume 1.
Currency
It is a decade old and therefore not current.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
The volumes appear to be well organized. One does wonder about their
completeness given the enormity of the subject.
2. Telephone Directories on the Web
Citation
(1995-2009). Infobel.com. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from
http://www.infobel.com/en/
world/.
Scope
This site is a directory to international telephone directories. It covers almost
every country of the world and provides extensive listings for Business
Directories, White Pages, Website Directories and Yellow Pages for each
country.
Purpose
Infobel.com is an online international telephone directory.
Use
This directory would be useful for anyone who needs directory assistance
(phone number, address, etc.) for the United States or any other country of
the world.
Arrangement/ Entries
The user selects the country she wants to search from either the drop-down
menu or the six continental sub-divisions on the homepage. Choosing the
country will lead to a number of hyperlinks that may be white pages, yellow
pages, business directories, or additional web directories. The user then
chooses her preference and does the look-up.

Currency
This site appears to be up-to-date.
Overall Evaluation or Critique
While I found this site relatively easy to use, if I were looking for a phone
number in the United States I would probably stick to www.msn.com or
www.switchboard.com for simplicity’s sake; either of those sites would get
me to the information I needed more efficiently. But this does appear to be a
handy site for international look-ups.