Personally, I don't really find this book all that helpful. Most entries are only a couple lines long; for example, the entry for Pope Linus states only "Generally considered as the successor to St. Peter.". If i need to look up information on a person, I'd rather use an encyclopedia or Wikipedia.
Webster’s new biographical dictionary. (1995). Springfield, Massachusetts. Merriam-Webster Inc., Publisher.
Citation by: Rachel Vessels
Type of Reference: Biographical Reference
Call Number: 920.02 Mer
Content/Scope: A biographical reference for ages 9-99 years old. This impressive dictionary gives reference to over 30,000 people. From inventors, rulers, politicians and writers, from the famous to the not so famous. This a great reference for a quick look-up to thousands of people. Gives information from births to deaths, careers, and profiles.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster has been the #1 provider of language information for more than 150 years.
Arrangement/Presentation: Arrangement is alphabetical with a quick thumb tag. Presentation is quick reference information on thousands of people throughout history. A great feature of this dictionary is it’s pronunciation of each person referenced.
Relation to Other Works: Merriam-Wester is the #1 resource for a reference like this.
Accessibility/Diversity: This biographical dictionary is very diverse in its short, simple non-discriminatory vocabulary. No pictures or illustrations are present.
Content/Scope: A biographical reference that can be used by high school students, contains one of the most extensive collections of biographies.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Scholastic is a global publishing company known for its educational materials. Many schools turn to their book club offers and host book fairs using their resources.
Arrangement/Presentation: Arrangement is alphabetical. Included in the single volume, 1,184 page it highlights men and women from around the world.
Relation to other works: There are many children's dictionaries available; this dictionary meets requirements for libraries that need a comprehensive reference at an elementary level.
Accessibility/Diversity: This will be of specific interest to students who are needing biographical references in their class work.
(1983). Webster's new biographical dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.
Chris Brown
Call Number: CT103 .W4 1983
This biographical dictionary allows people to browse important people and gain knowledge of who they are and why they are important.
This biographical dictionary could be used in any type of library where people seek information. In our school the book would be used in a non-circulating manor to help students identify people when doing research projects or any other reference need.