Mini-training Topic: Core Collection
Talking Outline
In the last mini-training, we looked at our online databases and in some cases, the electronic
version of some of our print resources. In this mini-training, we are going to take a look at our
print collection and what we view as our “core collection” or what every library should own in
their reference collection. We are talking about 12 core collection items today…however, there
are other items that can also be included in the collection that might be more library specific.
(Brief overview of core collection with question and answer discussion)
1. Chase’s Calendar of Events – different editions








Anniversaries and Events
National Days of the World
World Map of Time Zones
Astronomical Phenomena
Presidential Proclamations
Some Facts about the US, Canada, Mexico
Special Months
Major Awards
In Chase’s Calendar of Events, under the section heading Awards for Literature, who
received the Pen/Faulkner Award for fiction in 2010?
2. College Board Guide to Getting Financial Aid




Tables of early-decision and wait-list outcomes show information that can't be found in
any other guide
Comprehensive listings of student services, majors, athletics, campus activities, and
campus computing
Planning calendar and worksheets help students organize their applications and stay on
track
Updated annually by a team of editors who verify information with each college
In the College Board Guide to Getting Financial Aid, where is the section for worksheets
and what are the worksheets for?
3. Contact Helpline Resource Guide



Comprehensive guide to human services available to residents of Cumberland, Dauphin,
and Perry Counties
Thousands of programs offered by local, state and national organizations
Details include locations, hours of service, summary of services provided, contact info
and much more
In the Contact Helpline Resource Guide, are there local programs for adult day care and if
so, what pages list them?
4. Dictionary – different versions




Pronunciation guide
Abbreviations and symbols
Guide to the use of the dictionary
Features of dictionary entries
Choose the most recently published dictionary in your collection. Give three examples of
its features.
5. Occupational Outlook Handbook
 Training and education needed
 Earnings
 Expected job prospects
 What workers do on the job
 Working conditions
In the Occupational Outlook Handbook, are there employment projections for agricultural
workers and if so, what is the total projected number for agriculture workers in 2016?
6. The Pennsylvania Manual







Pennsylvania past & present
Pennsylvania Constitution
General Assembly Index
Government branches
Local government
Federal government
Elections
In The Pennsylvania Manual, what is the total number of municipalities in Dauphin
County? What is the breakdown of cities, boroughs and townships?
7. Physicians’ Desk Reference




FDA approved drug information
Most commonly prescribed drugs organized by brand and generic name, manufacturer,
and therapeutic category
Dosage, usage information, warnings, and drug interactions
Full-size, full-color product photos cross-referenced to the drug labeling
In the Physicians’ Desk Reference, what is the generic name for the drug “Abilify” and
what is its main purpose?
8. Rand McNally Road Atlas



Contains maps of every U.S. state and Canadian province, and an overview of Mexico
Detailed inset maps of U.S. cities and national parks
Contains mileage chart showing distances of North American cities and national parks
with a driving times map
In Rand McNally’s Road Atlas, what is the mileage between Harrisburg and State College?
9. Statistical Abstract of the U.S.




Standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the
United States
Contains stats for population, births, deaths, marriages, divorces, health and nutrition,
education, elections, labor force, employment, and earnings, etc
Guide to state statistical abstracts
Metropolitan statistical area components
In the Statistical Abstract of the U.S., what’s the largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania
according to 2009 rank?
10. The Time Almanac







Year in review
People
Awards, entertainment, and culture
Nature, science, medicine & technology
Business, sports, arts & leisure
World
U.S. government and history
In Time Almanac, what is the worldwide total for cellular mobile telephone subscribers in
2009?
11. U.S. Government Manual


Official handbook of the Federal Government
Contains Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Government organizational chart,
boards, commissions and committees, bilateral organizations, history of organizational
changes, agency acronyms, web links to agency directories, etc
In the United States Government Manual, what is the general information number for the
Small Business Administration?
12. World Book Encyclopedia



Thousands of new and revised articles provide reliable & current information
Rich photographs and illustrations
Structure and writing style helps make articles & accessible to a wide range of readers
In World Book’s Research Guide Index, what are three examples of frequently used
reference works?
*Again, remind them that if they draw a blank, not to panic…call the reference staff and we’ll
guide them to the resource they need.