Reference Short Takes

First issued as a classified document in 1962, this public, annually published resource profiles over 270 recognized countries, oceanic regions, and wildlife refuges. When applicable, A-to-Z entries note significant historical developments, geographical characteristics, population and economic figures, governmental structure, media and transportation methods, enlisted military data, and major international disputes. Although intended for use by government officials, this is a practical, at-a-glance resource for both researchers and curious lay people. A good choice for public libraries and collections focused on international politics.

Revised to incorporate new issues and protocols, this substantial volume represents one of the most comprehensive and functional subject guides currently available. Capezuti (Evidence-Based Geriatric Nursing Protocols), Eugenia Siegler (Nurse-Physician Collaboration), and Mathy Mezey (Ethical Patient Care) have collected essays from 329 U.S. researchers and clinicians. Ranging between two and four pages in length, the entries are organized alphabetically by concept name and are followed by a list of web resources and bibliographic references. Topics range from organizational profiles and procedural issues to explanations of illness and prevention strategies. For hospital and medical policy collections.

This concise, chronologically organized guide to nearly 6000 years of Egyptian history opens with a chapter devoted to the country's five geographical regions, which have inevitably influenced politics and culture. Goldschmidt (Modern Egypt) follows with 11 chapters tracing significant political and cultural developments between 10,000 B.C.E. and 2007. Photographs, maps, and inset sidebars covering important subjects and cultural figures appear throughout the book. An accessible and enjoyable read; recommended for history collections as well as academic and public libraries.

The only comprehensive reference of its kind, this outstanding guide to global politics contains more than 900 entries on 1300 English-language materials, published between 1990 and 2006. Kahl (coordinator, Information Literacy, Illinois State Univ. Lib.) offers more than a mere bibliographic catalog. Each of the 14 geographically and thematically organized chapters, e.g., "African Politics" and "Women in Politics," includes a multiparagraph description of the content of every publication listed, whether in print or online. The book closes with three valuable indexes, organized by subject, title, and author/editor. Highly recommended for international affairs collections.

Radio buffs Reinehr and Swartz (coauthors, Handbook of Old-Time Radio) have created a comprehensive guide to the terms, program names, and major figures associated with radio between 1925 and 1962. They open with a chronology citing the genesis of radio with Marconi's first successful transatlantic radio message in 1900, and they end the time line in 1962, when television eclipsed radio in popularity. An excellent companion to Frank Buxton and Bill Owen's iconic The Big Broadcast, 1920–1950, which Reinehr and Swartz themselves praise. Recommended for public libraries, Americana, and cultural studies collections.

Attempting to design a viable framework that reconciles security-related specifications with the fast pace of web services, Periorellis (senior researcher, Newcastle Univ., UK) has brought together 14 proposals by 34 internationally dispersed contributors. Each proposal, which comprises a chapter, offers a method for ensuring security and authentication protocols while delivering crucial performance. Essays are preceded by an abstract and contain bulleted points, clear subheadings, and diagrams for faster comprehension. Rich with field-specific vocabulary, this is intended for the subject specialist.

Sterlacci (Leather Apparel Design) and Arbuckle (acting dean, Fashion Inst. of Technology) have compiled an outstanding reference to the clothing industry's field-specific terms, brands, and notable figures. Paragraph-long entries clarify both haute couture and mass merchandising concepts. A chronology beginning in 50,000 B.C.E. and ending in 2007 C.E. opens the book and is followed by an introduction that offers bite-sized glimpses of international historical trends. A thematically arranged, 76-page bibliography offers primary-source material dating to the 1920s. Highly recommended for collections focusing on consumer culture, fashion history, and fashion logistics.

In this guide to fragrance selection, renowned fragrance biophysicist Turin (The Secret of Scent) and writer/editor Sanchez (a frequent contributor to MakeUpAlley.com) review more than 1200 men's and women's fragrances in highly accessible, occasionally snarky, richly descriptive language. Sanchez's introductory essays are both illuminating and highly engaging. She brings a witty, intellectual edge to her account of the changing industry and the complex process of choosing scents. Sanchez and Turin employ the star-system and offer two-word synopses for each scent. For all fashion-focused collections.