Navigating the political waters: a comparative review of two influential political reference resources-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Navigating the political waters: a comparative review of two influential political reference resources

Published:2014-03-11 Issue:3 Volume:28 Page:2-5
ISSN:0950-4125
Container-title:Reference Reviews
language:en
Short-container-title:

Author:

Gould Gretchen

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to review the 2012 editions of two political reference handbooks judged influential as current reference sources for the study of politics and politically related topics. Design/methodology/approach - The coverage, organization of information, and the ease of use and understanding of information presented in the political reference handbooks is examined and comparatively reviewed. Findings - These two political reference handbook titles have many similarities, but also differences. The Almanac of American Politics contains more detailed information but utilizes a more complicated approach in the analysis, classification, and ranking of votes. Politics in America does not provide in-depth information, but its approach in the analysis, classification, and ranking of votes is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. Research limitations/implications - While online versions of these resources are available, this review concerns solely the print editions. Originality/value - This paper provides a comparative overview and analysis of two important political reference handbooks which will be of value to information professionals and others seeking to perform reference in the area of politics and political science.

Publisher

Emerald

Subject

General Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Reference8 articles.

1. Barone, M. and Cohen, R.E. (2007), The Almanac of American Politics 2008, National Journal Group, Washington, DC.

2. Barone, M. and McCutcheon, C. (2011), The Almanac of American Politics, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL.

3. Barone, M. , Ujifusa, G. and Matthews, D. (1972), The Almanac of American Politics: The Senators, the Representatives – their Records, States, and Districts, Gambit, Boston, MA.

4. Bicknell, J. and Meyers, D. (Eds) (2011), Politics in America 2012: the 112th Congress, CQ-Roll Call, Washington, DC.

5. Borosage, R. (2008), “The emerging-center left majority”, The American Prospect, available at: http://prospect.org/article/emerging-center-left-majority (accessed October 2013).