August 2012: Summary of Features

About the Cover: Palm Bay Library, Brevard Community College, Palm Bay, Fl. Dr. Ethel S. Newman, provost. Deborah F. Anderson, professor/librarian. Photo courtesy of Duke C. Darkwolf, associate professor/librarian.

Taking a Longer View. Editor and publisher Irving E. Rockwood suggests an antidote to the tyranny of multitasking.

E-Products for Academic Libraries: 2012 Buying Guide. In the tenth annual installment of the Buying Guide, independent consultant and former Choice editor Susanne Bjorner presents succinct descriptive information on web-based resources of potential use to a broad range of academic library patrons.

Recent & Forthcoming Internet Publications, 2012–2013. This annual feature highlights publications about the Internet, including introductory guides, cyber security, specialized design manuals, and works dealing with social influences and policy issues.

Spotlight on the States: Key Online Resources.

The United States is well known for the unique and rich diversity of its local and regional governments, and the many initiatives and innovations that originate at the state level. Currently, conditions in the states are more somber. Many states are stressed by huge budget deficits, anemic economic growth, protracted high unemployment, and public sector union showdowns, all of which are prompting political battles over taxes and spending. This bibliographic essay provides a roundup of more than seventy-five valuable, free online resources for information and statistical data on the states in the areas of general reference, politics and public policy, and budget and finance. The sites emanate primarily from government agencies, authoritative academic and research institutions, and professional associations and think tanks.

Special Review: Book Bargains Galore. This special feature review evaluates four websites that compare prices of books in online bookstores.

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