Reference Sources In-class Activity.  Developed by Judy Clarence, librarian.

Each student receives a slip of paper with a reference question on it.  In addition, each student also receives a reference book.  The students are to examine their reference book for about five minutes.  Then the instructor directs each student to read the question on their slip of paper.  The other students determine if they have the reference book that answers the question read by the student.  The student who has the correct source is asked to describe the reference book and to find the answer to the question.  Below is a sample list of the questions asked.  The reference book where the answer can be found is also noted, with the local call number.

Question 1
I need to know the elevation of Mt. St. Helens (in Washington State) before and after the May 1980 eruption.
Volcanoes of North America QE 524 V66 1990

Question 2
I need a quick overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and senile dementia and what the difference is.
Encyclopedia of Aging HQ1061 E53 1995

Question 3
How much money do meteorologists make, and what do they do exactly?
Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance HF5381 E52 1997

Question 4
My uncle says he’s a psychologist, but I’m not so sure he really is. How can I find out? His name is Joseph T. Hanson and he lives in Glendale, California.
American Psychological Association Membership Roster BF11 A672

Question 5
How many new trucks were registered in California in 1995?
AAMA Motor Vehicles Facts and Figures HD9710 A2 M86

Question 6
A friend has just joined something called the "Church of Christ (Holiness)". How can I find out more about this group?
Handbook of Denominations BL2525 M425 1995

Question 7
Somebody says to you, "Get a grip on yourself!" What’s the source of this saying?
Sports Talk: a dictionary of sports metaphors PE1689 P27 1989

Question 8
When was Mare Island first established at a U.S. Navy base?
Guide to Military Installations UC403 C7 1991

Question 9
I need a short biography of the mystery writer Ngaio Marsh?
Modern Mystery Writers PR830 D4 M63 1995

Question 10
I’d like to get a short history and overview of Apple Computer. Where could I get this quickly?
Hoovers Handbook of American Business HG4057 A28617

Question 11
In baseball, what's the most innings a game has ever gone into?
Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball GV862.3 L54 1997

Judith Faust is responsible for this web page.
Last updated: 05/07/02