Topic: “Handbooks and Manuals” as Secondary Sources of Information
Handbooks and Manuals (as Secondary Sources of Information) UGC NET LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE NOTES
Definition
Handbooks and manuals are concise reference sources that compile verified facts, data, procedures, or instructions drawn from various primary and secondary materials.
They are used for ready reference rather than continuous reading and are categorised under secondary sources of information.
Types of Handbooks and Manuals
1. Handbooks
Handbooks provide comprehensive factual information or data on a specific subject or field.
They are arranged either alphabetically or systematically and serve as quick-reference tools.
Examples (Chronological Order)
1. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
First Published: 1913
Publisher: Chemical Rubber Company (CRC Press, USA)
Frequency: Annual (updated editions)
Nature: Compilation of physical and chemical constants and reference data.
2. Handbook of Library and Information Science
First Edition: 1963
Editor: Allen Kent and Harold Lancour
Publisher: Marcel Dekker, New York
Country: USA
Volumes: Multi-volume reference series providing factual information and historical development in Library Science.
3. Handbook of Bibliography and Documentation
Published by: UNESCO
First Edition: 1967
Origin: Paris
Nature: International reference on bibliographic control and documentation standards.
4. UNESCO Handbook for Libraries
Published: 1971
Publisher: UNESCO
Country: France
Content: Administrative and service guidelines for developing and managing libraries.
5. ALA (American Library Association) Handbook of Organization
Initiated: 1976
Publisher: ALA, Chicago
Frequency: Annual
Purpose: Organisational information, divisions, and membership data.
6. IFLA World Library and Information Congress Handbook
Origin: 1995
Publisher: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
Frequency: Annual (conference handbook)
Country: Netherlands
2. Manuals
Manuals give instructions, procedures, and methods for performing specific operations or using tools, systems, or standards.
Examples
1. Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR)
First Edition: 1967
Revised Edition: AACR-2 (1978; revised 1988, 2002)
Publisher: Library Association (London) and American Library Association (Chicago)
Type: Cataloguing manual used globally.
Nature: Standard manual for descriptive cataloguing.
2. Library Manual for Small Libraries
Issued by: UNESCO
Year: 1968
Country: France
Purpose: Practical manual for establishing and running small and rural libraries.
3. INSDOC Manual of Abstracting Practice
Publisher: Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (now NISCAIR/CSIR-NIScPR)
Year: 1975
Country: India
Type: Technical manual providing standards for abstracting and indexing.
4. Manual of Library Procedures (British Library)
Issued: 1981
Publisher: The British Library, London
Scope: Step-by-step procedures for cataloguing, acquisitions, and circulation.
5. Manual for Public Library System Development
Published by: Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), India
First Published: 1989
Frequency: Revised periodically
Purpose: Administrative and planning manual for state public library systems.
6. NISCAIR Manual of Scientific Communication
First Edition: 2001
Publisher: National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), New Delhi
Purpose: Guide for preparing scientific and technical documents.
7. IFLA Manual for Digital Libraries
Released: 2010
Publisher: IFLA Headquarters, The Hague
Country: Netherlands
Content: Standards and best practices for digital library management.
3. Institutional / Government Manuals
These are manuals produced by institutions or ministries for standardising procedures.
Examples
1. Government of India Library Manual
Year: 1962
Issued by: Ministry of Education
Purpose: Procedures for maintenance, cataloguing, and lending in government libraries.
2. RRRLF Manual for Rural Library Services
Issued: 1992
Publisher: Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata
Type: Administrative and service guidelines manual for rural library management.
3. INFLIBNET Library Automation Manual
First Released: 1995
Publisher: INFLIBNET Centre (UGC)
Nature: Technical manual on library automation and networking.
4. DELNET Manual of Library Networking
Published: 2002
Publisher: Developing Library Network (DELNET), New Delhi
Type: Instructional manual for member libraries.
4. Electronic Handbooks and Manuals
These are digital or online versions of traditional handbooks or guides.
Examples
1. UNESCO Handbook on Open Access (OAW Handbook) – 2012
2. IFLA Guidelines and Manual on Metadata – 2017
3. NIScPR Online Manual on Scientific Writing – 2020
(Source: eGyanKosh Unit-8, INFLIBNET LIS-P4 Module “Handbooks, Yearbooks etc.: Use and Evaluation”)
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