| 45-2366 | Q121 | 2007-6137 CIP |
| Reference \ Science & Technology | ||
| McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science & technology: an
international reference work in twenty volumes including an
index. 10th ed. McGraw-Hill,
2007. 20v index afp; ISBN 9780071441438, $2995.00. Reviewed in 2008jan
CHOICE. | ||
| In the age of
"Googling" and pervasive first-use of Wikipedia (CH, Mar'06,
43-3736), researchers need to have foundational reference works that
reflect strict editorial policies. This encyclopedia (1st edition, 1960)
has served librarians and students at all levels for nearly 50 years with
lucid explanations of the components of modern science and technology. The
more than 7,000 articles are authored or coauthored by approximately 5,300
individuals drawn chiefly from the US academic community, with
representation from corporations and independent research institutions. On
the short end are articles without illustration that run 600 words. Most
concepts, however, run two to three times that length (and many
significantly longer), and are supported by simple dichromatic diagrams,
figures, equations, and charts. A bibliography of core books, conference
papers, and peer-reviewed articles is appended to virtually all of these,
and cross-references are inserted as needed. It would have been helpful if
the editors had insisted on a consistent style of referencing; presumably
the individual authors have employed the style most common to their
subject disciplines.
As expected, topics that are stable have changed little from the ninth edition (CH, Sep'02, 40-0029). Areas that are expanding greatly (such as the medically related fields), or areas with broadening applications (such as microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS), are given detailed treatment. The content is aimed at users with a serious need to build an understanding of the often-complex nature of a concept, organism, or process, and who are involved in an exercise of self-education. For those who need briefer explanations, one- and two-volume titles are available that might be preferable. A companion Web site will provide updates to this encyclopedia. As with earlier editions, the final volume is the analytical index. For libraries that do not provide online access through AccessScience (CH, Jan'08, 45-2358), this set is an essential investment. Although an older edition of some reference titles may be acceptable, in this instance the updates are significant enough to make the purchase advisable. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. -- J. M. Robson, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | ||