How is an almanac organized?

Almanacs are arranged by general topics. Indexes help you locate the specific needed information.

Where do I find an almanac?

Look for an almanac in the reference section at REF 317.3 or non-fiction section of your library at 317.3.

When do I use an almanac?

Use an almanac when you need up-to-date information (e.g. what the flag of a specific country looks like or what the population of a specific country is), especially when you need a list of things (e.g.academy award winners or first ladies) or to compare things (e.g. the highest mountain, the longest river).

How do I use an almanac?

Think about what information you need. Then think of the general topic and the specific topic and use the indexes to see what you can find that matches or comes close to what you want.

An almanac will have more than one index. Look in the front of the book for the more detailed index (the opposite location from most other books).

There may be a table of contents. General topics are listed such as Health, State and Local Government and Noted Personalities. The table of contents will probably be in the back of the book (opposite of most other books).

There may be a Quick Reference Index. This is more detailed than the table of contents and less detailed than the general index. Topics may include: Planets, Rivers, Zip Codes or Zodiac Signs.

The general index will be the most detailed and will be listed by main headings (usually in bold print) and subheadings (usually indented).

Example: If you need the most current population of Egypt by cities find Egypt as the main heading listed in the general index and then find the subheading population. This will tell you the page to turn to for the information.

Example:Look up Basketball as a main heading. Under basketball it may list NBA and then another subheading called Coaches. This lets you know that on the page listed you may find a chart of the NBA Coaches of the Year or All-Time Coaching Victories.

There may also be a thumb index. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2001, for example, has topics listed on the back cover. The edge of the pages are dark to coincide with the topic. This is a quick way to turn to the section you need.

Some of the common almanacs you may find in your library are:

General Almanacs You May Find in Your Library

General Almanacs will have a little bit about everything.

The World Almanac

World Almanac for Kids / World Almanac for Kids Online

Information Please / Information Please Almanac Online / Fact Monster

Kids' Almanac (Yahooligans)

Specialized Almanacs You May Find in Your Library

Specific almanacs will focus on one subject.

Old Farmer's Almanac / Old Farmer's Almanac Online

focuses on agriculture showing tide and sunrise tables, planting charts, recipes, and weather

World Almanac of the U.S.

focuses on facts, charts, and tables with information only about the United States

 

On to the next section... Atlases

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Last modified: October, 2003 by Steinke, Ague, Feuerhelm, Maxwell, and Warburg