Teaching General Reference Work: The Complete Paradigm and Competing Schools of Thought, 1890-1990

Abstract

Because the early content of reference courses was determined by strong personalities, this article explores the educational influences of such pioneer individuals as Dunkin Van Rensselaer Johnston at the New York State Library School in Albany, Alice B. Kroeger of Drexel Institute, Isadore G. Mudge at Columbia University, and the next two editors of the monumental "Guide to Reference Books." By examining the interwoven relationships among nine reference textbook authors who wrote the six leading textbooks, totaling thirteen editions between 1930 and 1987, this article identifies predominant worldview and competing schools of thought regarding the teaching of reference work.

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