Almanac
Another tool in exploring research
By Sharon Wilkin
Brief history of an almanac
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Earliest one made by a German
astronomer in 1473
Used by Columbus
Consisted mostly of astronomical
knowledge
1639 - first one printed in U.S.
Most famous - Benjamin Franklin’s Poor
Richard’s Almanack (1732-1757)
What type of book is an almanac?
Reference book
Reference book - not read from cover to cover
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Non-fiction (true)
Published yearly
One volume or book
What does an almanac consist of?
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Quick, brief facts
Statistics
Tables
Graphs & charts
Maps
Drawings
What subjects would you find?
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Economics
Politics and government
Geography (including a map section)
Sports
Science
Culture
Environment
What other subjects would you find?
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Travel
Historical highlights
Odd facts and figures
Biographical facts about famous people
News and current events
How is an almanac organized?
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Table of contents - broad subjects
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It’s a Bug’s World……..30
Index in alphabetical order
Quick Reference Index on the back of the
almanac in alphabetical order
When would you use an almanac?
To find:
 quick, brief facts
What is the world’s fastest animal?
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current (from last year) information
Fires in California
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What events happen yearly?
World Series winners
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charts / tables
How would you search?
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Subject
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Animals
Key word
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Facts about animals
Almanacs are just plain fun!
Almanacs are a great tool to add to your
search for information, and
they are fun to read!
Give them a try!