New Reference Books

Holman Library receves new books on a daily basis. Below are reviews written by Wendy Graham of two new reference books.

Wilson, Jeffrey, ed. Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law. 2nd ed. 2 vols. Detroit : Thomson Gale, 2006. R349.73 G151 2006

I like this reference. I have already used it several times to answer students’ research questions. For example, Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law provided the information a student needed on “taking” of property by the government, and eminent domain. It also answer my question on accommodations required for deaf and hard-of-hearing people at public meetings. Subjects are divided into topics, with complete articles. For example, under Labor Law are articles on benefits, drug testing, labor unions, unemployment compensation and wage and hour laws. Each article includes additional resources for information. The index is excellent, and is the best way to locate specific information in the encyclopedia. Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law is my new “go to” resource for legal information.

Watson, Robert P., and Richard Yon, eds. American Presidents. 3rd ed. 2 vols. Pasadena CA: Salem Press, 2006. R973.0992 A512 2006

Okay, I will keep my review focused on the book and not get political. Entries are listed chronologically. Volume 1 covers George Washington to Woodrow Wilson; Volume 2 covers Warren G. Harding to our current president, George W. Bush. Volume 2 also includes the U.S. Constitution and amendments, law of presidential succession (Nancy Pelozi could potentially become President), a time line for each president, Presidential election returns from 1789 to 2004, vice presidents, Cabinet members by administration, and executive departments and offices. Each article includes the president’s date and place of birth and death, political party, vice president, and cabinet members. Also within the entry are short articles on the first lady and vice-president. Entries discuss the President’s early life, career, philosophy and effect on our nation. Entries are illustrated, and conclude with recommendations for further research. I found American Presidents very interesting to review, and it will be a useful resource for the student learning about the U.S. presidents and the presidency.