The guide is important reference material. Its role in providing immediate services is immense. The relationship between the guide and the biographical dictionary and biographical sources is very close. Basically, the guide does not contain a list of any specific person or institution.
The directory is “a list of persons or organizations systematically arranged, usually in alphabetic or classed order, giving address, affiliation, etc. for individuals and addresses, officers, functions and similar data for an organization.
A directory is, in fact, “any work which enables the searcher to locate, identify or obtain further information about a person or organization.
A directory is a publication that helps the researcher to locate, identify, or obtain more information about a person or organization.
Directory is generally used in a broad sense. A list of periodicals or newspapers or place names is also considered a directory. The amount of information in other directories may vary from this directory.
Scope:
The scope of the directory is very wide. The directory includes information on various types of organizations, such as scientific groups, scientific associations, professional groups, business associations, etc. Each organization has various information, such as name, address, number of employees, qualifications of members, etc. In addition, the objectives and functions of the concerned organization are also included in the brief. All the information included in the directory can also be found in yearbooks, almanacs, and encyclopedias.
Purpose:
The purposes of the directory are as follows:
A . To present the address and telephone number of a person or organization.
B . To provide the full name of a person or organization.
C . To present a description or description of the products of a particular manufacturing company.
D . To present biographical information about a person.
E . To present historical and current data about an organization.
Categories of Guidelines:
Guidelines can be broadly classified into several distinct types, each serving a unique purpose and audience:
1. General Guidelines: These encompass a wide variety of standards and principles that can be applied across different contexts. They can be divided into three main spheres:
- International: These guidelines often originate from global organizations, setting a framework that transcends national borders and promotes universal best practices.
- National/Regional: Tailored to meet the specific needs of a country or region, these guidelines reflect local values, laws, and cultural considerations while ensuring alignment with broader international standards.
- Local: These guidelines are grounded in the immediate community context, addressing unique local challenges and fostering a sense of shared responsibility among citizens.
2. Specialized Guidelines: This category includes guidelines shaped by specific fields or industries:
- Scientific: Developed by research institutions and scientific bodies, these guidelines provide rigorous protocols and best practices, ensuring integrity and accuracy in research and experimentation.
- Business: Crafted for the corporate world, these guidelines focus on ethical practices, operational standards, and strategic frameworks to drive successful management and growth.
- Professional Organizations: Established by various professional entities, these guidelines set the bar for conduct, skills, and competencies within specific professions, fostering excellence and accountability among practitioners.
Each type of guideline serves a crucial role, guiding individuals and organizations in decision-making and promoting consistency across practices.
Evaluation:
It is very important to evaluate the library books, especially reference books, before selecting them. A skilled reference librarian evaluates the reference books in the light of his experience. This can be evaluated in a few ways:
- Authority: Authority refers to the person or institution responsible for the publication or work, the author, or the publication. While evaluating the guidelines, it should be analyzed whether the authority has previous experience, reputation, suitability, etc. If the above qualities are present, it will be assumed that the work will be good. For example, if the Directory of Librarians and Information Scientists published by the American Library Association are published, it can be assumed that the relevant guide will be a good and accurate one. It is better to consider these aspects before selecting a guide for work.
- Scope: The scope of the guidelines is very broad. It is important to check whether the information has been included as per the purpose in the relevant guidelines. It is also important to analyze whether the name, address, objectives, functions, telephone number, description of the products manufactured by the organization have been given correctly. In the case of individuals, it is important to check whether the name, address, rank, and brief biography have been given.
- Compilation method: It is important to judge whether the primary or secondary method of collecting information has been adopted. Basically, in this case, the degree of dependence or truthfulness of the information is judged.
- Accuracy: It is necessary to analyze whether the information included in the relevant guide is correct and complete. If the information is not correct and complete, then the usability will be affected. Therefore, this aspect is very important.
- Format: The format of the reference book is very important. The guide is usually arranged in a chronological order. No matter what type of format is used, it must be accurate. It is also necessary to analyze whether the format has been read accurately.
- Index: Index plays an important role in information search. If it is added, then the users benefit as well as the quality of the relevant work increases. Therefore, it is important to judge whether the guide is indexed. It can be assumed that the guide with an index will be good.
- Special features: Is the guide a new publication? That is, whether the work has been published for the first time or has been revised. It should be seen whether it has a system for keeping it unique, modern or recent.
- Size and structure: In the context of the guide, the quality of the paper, size, and quality of the printing are important. The external shape should be considered. Especially the binding and quality of the paper should be improved and the printing should be such that it is clearly understood. The quality of the stitching should be improved.
- Limitations / disadvantages: Does the guide have any errors? It is important to consider whether recent and accurate information has been added.
If a reference library evaluates and selects a guide by following the methods described above, it is hoped that it will be possible to select the right guide. This will benefit user experience. The library’s reader service will be improved. Therefore, it must be evaluated before selecting a guide.
