Volume 2 of the much-anticipated New Walford Guide to Reference Resources is released

New York, NY (January 4, 2008)—First published in 1959, Walford’s Guide to Reference Material has long been considered one of the most authoritative and comprehensive directories of research sources—the “reference of references” that librarians and researchers consulted first for a quick but comprehensive lay of the land and an overview of the best and most trustworthy resources on virtually any topic.

Last published in 1993, Walford’s was slated for a wholesale re-engineering that would take into account the sweeping changes that resulted as information migrated from a paper landscape to an electronic universe. The New Walford Guide to Reference Resources (TNW)—Volume 2 of which focuses on the Social Sciences and will be released by Neal-Schuman Publishers in the U.S. on January 25, 2008—is the much-anticipated result.

The only guide of its kind, TNW brings together the best—the most trustworthy and authoritative sources for each subject area—irrespective of format. By tapping the expertise of seasoned subject specialists, TNW is able to identify the best sources—in print and online—in a way that online search engines can’t. The antidote to algorithm-driven “googles,” the results of which have nothing to do with a researcher’s needs or a resource’s authority, TNW identifies only quality sources (instead of an over-abundant universe of choices)—that have best stood the test of time at busy reference desks and that will best serve the researcher’s needs.

In its review of Volume 1 (Science & Technology), the Journal of Librarianship and Information Science says this: “Digital reference has changed the information landscape irrevocably, but Dr. Lester and his team have provided us with a first-class map of the country. They should congratulate themselves on having produced an excellent tool, worthy to carry the name of Walford into the 21st Century.” And Library Journal says, “Every public and academic library with a previous edition will want this update.” Internet Resources Newsletter calls TNW “A key resource for library and information professionals,” and Refer praises TNW for its “refreshing new approach,” and notes that “the coverage is impressive.”

Reviewers are also singing TNW’s physical praises. Says Information Research, “The pleasure of holding this substantial guide to the guides is close to ecstasy. The quality of print and design of the book is remarkable, the paper of high quality, the structure, lay-out and explanations transparent, the possibilities of browsing and searching as good as one can get in the printed reference book.”

Coverage in Volume 2 on the Social Sciences includes 150 topics in 15 broad subject areas (each with its own introductory essay) including: law, government, politics, finance and taxation, psychology, sociology, industries and utilities, social work and social services, economics, business and management, education and learning, media and communications, sports and recreation, library and information sciences—plus a dedicated section on the best general social science resources and another listing 100+ specialized research and professional resources specifically for information professionals.

As with Volume 1, individual resource listings are organized (within each subject area) by one of seven resource types—dictionaries, electronic resources, organizations, and laws, for example. The description and evaluation of each resource will help users quickly determine whether a resource will meet their needs. Geographic codes, prices, review excerpts, associated resources, and URLs are given where relevant. A detailed topic index plus a title and author index completes the volume.

Designed with the busy reference desk in mind and invaluable as a reference collection development tool, TNW is the ideal starting point for experienced scholars as well as undergraduate (and even advanced high school) researchers looking for a single, trustworthy guide to the best sources in print and online in today’s information universe.

The New Walford, Volume 2: Social Sciences
ISBN 978-1-85604-498-1.
2008. 8½ x 11. 800 pp. $425.00

Volume 1: Science & Technology
ISBN 978-1-85604-498-1.
2005. 8½ x 11. 800 pp. $425.00

Volume 3: Literature & the Arts
ISBN 978-1-85604-498-1.
2009. 8½ x 11. 800 pp. $425.00

About the Editor
Dr. Raymond Lester held posts in Unilever and a number of university libraries before becoming Director of Information Services at the London Business School and then the Head of Library and Information Services at The British Natural History Museum.