The purpose of this assignment is to give you hands-on practice on using reference sources. You will learn about the contents and the arrangements of some of the most used reference sources in the library, with the result that you acquire the skills to identify and to evaluate the similarities and the differences between reference sources.

Instruction
Take time to get acquainted with each reference source: read the "how-to-use" chapter, refer to the list of abbreviations and symbols to help you interpret the information contained within. Read the instruction for each question carefully and answer all pertaining questions on a separate sheet. Many reference sources form a multi-volume set, always check the index volume first to find the correct volume to find the answer.

1. Reference source: Statistical Abstract of the United States. Ref HA 202 .S7 2001 (Shelved behind LAC Library Reference Desk. Please ask the Librarian.)
Check the index for a table of statistics on degrees conferred by level and race.
Hint: The index refers you to the table number-not the page number. If the index refers you to more than one table, consult the first table listed. You need to do some math in order to answer these questions.

a. For the year 1998, list the difference in the number of bachelor's degrees conferred to whites (non-Hispanic) and to blacks (non-Hispanic)?
b. For the year 1998, what is the difference in percentage of master's degrees conferred to white (non-Hispanic) group and to Hispanic group?
c. Between 1981 and 1998, what is the difference in the number of doctor's degrees conferred to Asian or Pacific Islander group?

2. Reference source: CQ's State Fact Finder 2002. Ref HA214 .C72 2002
(Shelved behind LAC Library Reference Desk. Please ask the Librarian.)

a. For the year 1999, how much did California spend on education per capita?
b. For the year 1999, list the two states which ranked the highest and the lowest on education spending per capita.

3. Reference source: Encyclopedia of Associations. Ref HS 17 .E5 2002
(Shelved behind LAC Library Reference Desk. Please ask the Librarian.)
Hint: Look in the index volume to find the entry number. In order to find the information, you will need to turn to the entry number for this association. The index indicates the entry number-not the page number.

a. Name an association that promotes and supports the rights of employee whistleblowers.
b. List the title of two books published by this association

4. Reference source: The Statesman's Yearbook 2002. Ref JA 51 .S7 2002
(Shelved behind LAC Library Reference Desk. Please ask the Librarian.)
a. When did Vietnam conquer most of the Kingdom of Champa? (Hint: look under the subject heading "Key Historical Events"
b. Compare Vietnam's poverty rate between 1993 and 1998. (Hint: look under the subject heading "Social Statistics".)

5. Reference source: Gale Directory of Publications. Ref Z6951 .A97 2002

a. Who is the publisher of the newspaper Long Beach Express? Hint: Look under "California-Long Beach-Long Beach Express.
b. What ethnic community in Long Beach does this newspaper serve?

6. Reference source: Current Biography. Ref CT 100 .C8
Consult the volume that contains the cumulated index, covering 1940-1995. The index volume is narrower than the others. You want to find a short biography about the Dalai Lama. The index will direct you to one or more annual volume where you will find a short biography about this person.

a. In what annual volumes can you find the Dalai Lama's biography?
b. At the end of most biographical articles, there is a list of references sources for further readings. What are the title and the publication date of the book written by Noel Barber?

7. Reference source: Contemporary Authors. Z1224 .C58
In order to answer this question you will need to use the volume with the cumulative index (in soft-bound cover) or the index in Volume 126. Look up the author Robert Olen Butler. The index will direct you to the volume where you will find information about this author.

a. List the branch of the military, the rank, and the years during which Mr. Butler served in Vietnam.
b. In 1993, Mr. Butler won many awards for a book he wrote. What is the title of this book?
c. List the titles of two books published after 1993.

8. Reference source: The Oxford English Dictionary. PE1625 .O899 1993
Look up the word avocado.
a. From which languages is this word derived? You may need to consult the list of abbreviations at the front of the volume.
b. Give the definition of avocado as when it was first mentioned in 1697.

9. Reference source: Encyclopedia of Sociology. HM425 .E5 2000
You want to learn more about capitalism and racism. Hint: look under subject heading "Class and race".
a. What are the rational criteria behind the conventional belief that capitalism should eliminate racism?
b. Was this belief proven true in practice?

10. Reference source: Masterplots (Revised Second Edition.) Ref PN44 .M372

The drama Antigone was written by French playwright Jean Anouilh, and was first performed in 1944. Read the critical evaluation and answer the following questions:
a. This drama was based on a classical Greek play; what is the name of this ancient Greek playwright?
b. Antigone was controversial in the 40's for political reasons. In this drama, who are the two principal characters Antigone and Creon truly represent?

11. Reference source: The Dictionary of Art (Grove.) Ref N31 .D5 1996
a. The ancient site Copan in Honduras is famous for its sculptures. What civilization is associated with this ancient site?
b. Name the two explorers who introduced this site to the world.

12. Reference source: Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Ref. PN6080 .O95 1992
a. Who was the author of this popular quote, "A thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it? Think of the appropriate term or terms that you need to use to locate this information, then check the index and you will be directed to the page and line number where you can find this quotation, as well as the person to whom it is attributed.
b. Give the page and the title of the work where this quote appears.