An essential resource for collection development specialists in small and medium-sized libraries, this guide identifies the highest quality, most affordable, and most appropriate new reference materials in any field.

Culling the top reviews from the latest edition of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA), all of the titles in Recommended Reference Books for Small and Medium-sized Libraries and Media Centers are well reviewed and have price points that will appeal to libraries with tight budgets. This invaluable guidebook gives collection development librarians working in small to medium-sized libraries the best information for choosing new titles for their libraries from the thouands of new reference products (both print and online) that became available in 2014.

As with previous editions, readers are assured fair and accurate assessments because all of the reviews are written by experts in the library field and present both positive and negative aspects of the product. Each critical review is coded to clearly indicate which type of library the publication is appropriate for-C for college, P for public, and/or S for school.

Comprises the top 550 reviews-all written by subject experts working in the library profession-selected from ARBA, a comprehensive and well-respected reviewing source for reference materials

Retains any critical comments made by the reviewer about a recommended title to aid readers in their selection process

Recommends titles not only on the basis of their positive reviews but also their affordability and broad appeal, helping reference departments under tight budget constraints to maximize their libraries’ funds