Instructions for “Types of Reference Books”

In-Library Activity

• This in-library activity requires 45-50 minutes
  
  
• For this activity you will need:

¨ Copies of the “Types of Reference Books” handout for all students.

¨ Reference books, pre-selected to exemplify each of the categories on the above-mentioned list.

¨ Enough “Reference Book Worksheets” to divide students into groups of 4 or 5.

¨ Reference books selected to be used with the worksheets. One reference book or set of reference books for each student work group. (Note: It is handy to have a worksheet filled out for each reference book in advance, so you can interact with each group as they make their report.)

• Activity steps:

1. The librarian distributes the "Types of Reference Books" handout to the class.

2. The librarian gives a short presentation on the types of reference books, using one reference book as an example for each category. During the presentation the important parts of a reference book and its organization are explained. (Be sure to mention at least one example for everything on the worksheet.)

3. Groups of 4 to 5 students are formed. Each group is given a reference book (or set) and asked to complete the “Reference Book Worksheet.”

4. Students are given 10 minutes to examine the reference source, determine what type of reference book it is, complete the worksheet and select a spokesperson for the group.

5. Each group reports back to the rest of the class on the reference book and its features. (This works best if you only have 6 or fewer groups.)