Special Subject Encyclopaedia
It is rather common for the reference librarian to receive queries regarding specific subjects. The answer of such queries can be searched from the subject encyclopaedias. A user frequently wants to know something `on or about' a particular subject. He not only seeks detailed data on a specific subject but also expects well-organised overviews for the purpose of research. A user may refer to general encyclopaedia for an introductory outline or concise account of a subject sufficient enough to get familiarised with a subject. He can go for further information to a specialised subject encyclopaedia.
A librarian may guide a research scholar to a subject encyclopaedia as a stepping stone to a more extended research. The researcher can focus on the important aspects of the topic and can explore further on those guidelines. He can also refer to the sources mentioned in the bibliography appended to the article. But a research scholar should be cautious to note with care the year of publication of the reference sources as well as sources in the bibliography so as to refer to the latest publications to get updated and reliable information.
The single volume subject encyclopaedia aims to bring together in a nutshell, all the points discussed in many sources. Thus, it becomes concise and handy reference tool to refer to narrow and specialised topics on which no books have been published. Subject encyclopaedia is valuable reference sources for the biographies of the subject specialists who have not gained enough popularity to be on international scene for inclusion in the general encyclopaedias. But his valuable contribution to the subject can enable him to find place in the subject encyclopaedia.