Name of the author/editor and the publisher or sponsoring organization
Organization of chapters, sections, or volumes
A forward, introduction, scope note, or preface that may tell you
How the resource was compiled (sources used, methodology, etc.)
Specific subject(s) it covers and/or period of time it covers
Purpose of the resource (bibliographic, statistical, historic, current events)
Intended audience
How to use the resource
Meaning of abbreviations, symbols, etc.
Flip
Flipping through a reference resource gives you an idea of what it's about. Are there pictures?
Maps? Are the articles short or long? Are there bibliographies? How many sections are there?
Focus
As you flip through a reference resource, take the time to focus on an article or two that catches
your eye. You don't need to read the entire article, but read enough to get a sense of the
resource you are dealing with. What level of reader is it aimed at? Is the writing clear? Are
there cross references to other articles? What point of view, if any, is being emphasized?
Finale
Don't save the end of a reference resource for last. The final portion of a reference resource
usually contains an index or possibly several indexes. An index allows you to find specific
information within the resource. Some electronic reference resources may not include an index
because the full-text of the resource is searchable. The final portion of a reference resource
may also include a bibliography.