Also known as Earth’s Largest Bookstore, this company emerged on the scene in the late 1990s and has already had a large impact on the way the general public and libraries purchase materials. You can search by subject, author or title and immediately see a list of recent titles available through amazon.com, sometimes with a guaranteed twenty-four hour response time. Reviews both editorial and by customers themselves are also accessible online when available.
Books in Print (BIP)
THE major listing of books published and distributed in the United States is Books in Print, more commonly referred to in the library world as BIP. It is produced by R.R. Bowker and comes in a variety of formats.
The print version is printed annually in August or September and is now eight volumes including author, title and publisher indexes to over 1.8 million active titles. The accompanying Subject Guide to Books in Print, referred to as SGBIP, (six volumes) is available as a separate subscription and provides subject access to non-fiction titles listed in BIP. To give you an idea of the size of this resource, there are approximately 29,000 pages in BIP and 16,000 pages in the Subject Guide. The print version sells for $769US for BIP and $525US for SGBIP.
Bowker also produces Paperback Books In Print, Forthcoming Books In Print and other special listings.
BIP is also available on CD-ROM and over the Internet. One of the advantages of acquiring the CD-ROM version is that you can subscribe to Books In Print with Book Reviews on Disc™. It includes over 30,000 full-text book reviews from major reviewing journals such as Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, CHOICE, Booklist, Kirkus and Quill & Quire. This version sells for $2,075US for a yearly subscription. Another major advantage of subscribing to the CD-ROM version is that the library is able to initiate an order directly from the CD-ROM to either their vendor or directly to the publisher. This saves a great deal of staff time and paper involved in creating purchase orders.
Canadian libraries usually subscribe to either Bowker/Whitaker Global Books In Print on Disc™ or Books In Print on Disc Canadian Edition. The Global version includes all titles from BIP (US and Canada), Whitaker’s BookBank (UK), International Books in Print (Continental Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America) and Australian and New Zealand Books in Print. It is available on a 1 year subscription of $2,250 US and is updated monthly. The Canadian Edition comes with or without reviews and is available updated on a quarterly basis. The prices are: (without reviews) $1,650 US annually; (with reviews) $2,175US annually.
Canadian Books in Print (CBIP)
On a much smaller schedule is Canadian Books in Print, or CBIP, published by the University of Toronto Press. In contrast to BPIP, it is only two volumes, an author title listing and subject index. The 1999 version is only 1,300 pages long and costs under $150 CAN. It is published annually.
chapters.indigo.ca
Like amazon.com, chapters.indigio.ca provides Internet access to titles carried by the Canadian bookstore, Chapters. You can search by author, title, or subject and immediately be presented with a list of current titles available through Chapters.
Whitaker’s Books in Print; The Reference Catalogue of Current Literature
This is the British equivalent to BIP. Published annually, it comes in several volumes and costs £449, a paperback edition of the publisher directory is available separately for £25. All titles are available over the internet at the Internet Book Shop http://www.whsmith.co.uk/
Current review sources
| Title: | Booklist |
| Publisher: | American Library Association |
| Frequency: | 22 times per year |
| Price: | $800.00 US |
| Intended audience: | Public and school libraries |
| Description: | Contains evaluative reviews. “For more than 90 years, Booklist magazine has been the librarian’s choice for reviews of the latest books and (more recently) electronic media. Every year we review nearly 4,000 books for adults, more than 2,500 titles for children, more than 500 reference books and electronic reference tools, and 1,000 other audiovisual materials. We also publish a wide variety of feature articles including author interviews, bibliographies, book-related essays by well-known writers, and a selection of columns”. From their website January 21, 2004. |
| Internet URL: | http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm |
| Title: | Books in Canada |
| Publisher: | Toronto: Canadian Review of Books |
| Frequency: | 9 issues per year |
| Price: | $40CAN for institutions, $27.90CAN for individuals |
| Intended audience: | General public |
| Description: | Contains evaluative reviews. “We have Canada’s books wrapped up in one comprehensive review magazine. With more than 400 literary, intellectual and political books reviewed each year, along with essays and interviews with Canadian authors, this award-winning magazine aims to provide both a service for book readers and a forum for a range of opinions…” From the Canadian Magazines Publishers Association website. http://www.magomania.com/search/mag_1.epl?id=64 January 21, 2004 |
| Internet URL: | http://www.booksincanada.com/ |
| Title: | The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books |
| Publisher: | Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois |
| Frequency: | Monthly, except for August |
| Price: | Individuals: $50 US, Institutions: $60 +$7US for shipping outside of the United States |
| Intended audience: | Public and school libraries |
| Description: | “The Bulletin, founded in 1945, is devoted entirely to the review of current books for children. It provides concise summaries and critical evaluations to help you find the books you need. Each review gives you information on book’s content, reading level, strengths and weaknesses, and quality of format, as well as suggestions for curricular use. Most books are reviewed from publisher’s galley proofs. With this up-to-date coverage, you’ll know which books to buy the moment they’re available. Bulletin Blue Ribbons … provides an annual selection of the year’s most distinguished books.” From their website January 22, 2004 |
| Internet URL: | http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu/ |
| Title: | Canadian Book Review Annual |
| Publisher: | Joyce M. Wilson, Publisher |
| Frequency: | May each year |
| Price: | $120 CAN |
| Intended audience: | All types of libraries |
| Description: | “The Canadian Book Review Annual presents original 200- to 400-word reviews of the English-language trade, scholarly, and reference books that are published in Canada each year, and that are written by Canadians or those residing in Canada … In general, the following guidelines have been observed by the CBRA reviewers: a description of the book’s contents and brief information about the author usually precede critical commentary; emphasis is on analysis and evaluation … All reviewers—some 300 subject specialists across Canada—are identified in a list of contributors.” From http://www.interlog.com/~cbra/CBRA.html January 22, 2004 |
| Internet URL: | None |
| Title: | CHOICE |
| Publisher: | American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries |
| Frequency: | Monthly (July/August combined) |
| Price: | See below |
| Intended audience: | Academic, research and special libraries, some public and high school may refer to it for college level materials |
| Description: | “Choice magazine has been one of America’s leading review journals since 1964. Each year, Choice reviews more than 6,500 new books and electronic media in more than 50 disciplines spanning the humanities, science and technology, and the social and behavioral sciences … Choice magazine is published 11 times a year (monthly except for a combined July/August issue). Each regular issue of the magazine contains approximately 600 of Choice’s highly acclaimed reviews. Most issues also contain at least one special feature compiled by the Choice editors and a bibliographic essay … A subscription to Choice Magazine also includes a complimentary copy of Choice’s Special issue on the Web. Published each August, the Web Issue includes several special features and a compilation of recent Choice reviews of outstanding Web sites. The August 2002 Web Issue (Web VI) will contain more than 700 reviews of Web resources selected by the Choice editorial staff for their quality and relevance for academic and research libraries.” From their website: http://web.archive.org/web/20040213000252/http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/choice/howtosubscribe/choicemagazine/choicemagazine.htm |
| Internet URL: | http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/choice/choicereviewsonline/cro.cfm |
| Publication | What it includes | North America Pricing (US, Canada, Mexico) |
| Choice magazine | 11 regular issues of Choice magazine, including all special issues and supplements | $270.00 |
| Choice Reviews on Cards (Available only to subscribers of Choice and/or ChoiceReviews.com) | 11 regular sets of Choice Reviews on Cards (4.125" x 5.25" cards on 70lb paper) | $360.00 |
| ChoiceReviews.online Password Edition | One year of password access to Choice review database (90,000+ reviews) with customizable e-mail alert for up to 20 users | $300.00 |
| Additional User Option ChoiceReviews.online Password Edition | Blocks of 10 additional user passwords (if desired number of users exceeds 20) | $135.00 |
| ChoiceReviews.online Site License Edition | One year of IP-based access to Choice review database (90,000+ reviews) for one (1) simultaneous user | $300.00 |
| Additional User Option ChoiceReviews.online Site License Edition | Fee for each additional simultaneous user | $135.00 |
| Choice Select | A subscription to 4 of the most popular issues: November (Reference), January (OAT list), April (Electronic Media), August (Special Issue) | $115.00 |
| Title: | CM: Canadian Review of Materials |
| Publisher: | Manitoba Library Association |
| Frequency: | Biweekly |
| Price: | Available only on the Internet. Free access, but regular readers asked to contribute money as a charitable donation. |
| Intended audience: | Anyone involved with and working with young people, children. |
| Description: | “CM: Canadian Review of Materials is an electronic reviewing journal. We review Canadiana of interest to children and young adults, including publications produced in Canada, or published elsewhere but of interest or significance to Canada, such as those having a Canadian writer, illustrator or subject. We review books, video and audio recordings and CD-ROMS.” From their website, January 22, 2004. |
| Internet URL: | http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/ |
| Title: | Kirkus Reviews |
| Publisher: | Kirkus Reviews |
| Frequency: | Semi-monthly |
| Price: | Print and Online Combination Subscription – 12 months - $450US Print and Online Combination Subscription – 6 months - $250US KirkusReviews.com – online access only – Month-to-Month subscription - $37.50US/month |
| Intended audience: | Libraries and booksellers |
| Description: | “Kirkus Reviews, founded in 1933, is published 24 times annually and reviews, two to three months pre-publication, approximately 5,000 titles – Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Foreign Language, Non-Fiction and Children’s – per year. The reviews are reliable and authoritative, written by specialists selected for their knowledge and expertise in a particular field. KirkusReviews.com posts approximately 500 pre-publication books reviews each month. Both the magazine and Website are read – and depended on – by librarians, publishers, agents, booksellers, and the story departments of major movie and television studios. Not a few best-selling books and blockbuster movies have their success traced back to Kirkus. The full text reviews on our site include book title, author, review date, publisher, number of pages, price, publication date, ISBN and ISDN numbers.” From their web site January 22, 2004. Reviews tend to be less evaluative than those in Library Journal, CHOICE and others. |
| Internet URL: | http://www.kirkusreviews.com/kirkusreviews/index.jsp |
| Title: | Library Journal |
| Publisher: | Bowker |
| Frequency: | 20 times per year |
| Price: | $163US for Canadian libraries |
| Intended audience: | Libraries serving adults |
| Description: | “Library Journal, the oldest independent national library publication. Founded in 1876, this ‘bible’ if the library world is read by over 100,000 library directors, administrators, and others in public, academic, and special (e.g. business) libraries. Published 20 times annually, LJ combines news, features, and commentary with analyses of public policy, technology, and management developments. In addition, some 7,500 evaluative reviews written by librarians help readers make their purchasing decisions: reviews of everything from books, audio and video, CD-ROMS, websites, and magazines. Each issue reviews 250 to 300 adult books, mostly prior to publication, making it a source librarians as well as publishers turn to for early evaluations.” From their website: http://web.archive.org/web/20040201010935/http://libraryjournal.com/index.asp?layout=document&doc_id=18610&crumb=AboutUs |
| Internet URL: | http://www.libraryjournal.com/ |
| Title: | Publishers Weekly |
| Publisher: | Bowker |
| Frequency: | 51 times a year |
| Price: | $264US |
| Intended audience: | Book publishing industry professionals |
| Description: | “Publishers Weekly is the vehicle that draws the many elements of publishing into a community. It is the prime source of comprehensive news and provides unique industry data, including bestsellers by multiple categories, book industry statistics, news and more than 7,500 critical book and spoken-word audio and e-book reviews annually.” … Special issues include the Spring and Fall Adult Book Announcements (for round-ups of the seasons), Spring and Fall Children’s Book Announcements, and Multimedia Announcements. From their website: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/423071-About_Publishers_Weekly.php January 22, 2004 Their reviews are more promotional reviews. |
| Internet URL: | http://www.publishersweekly.com/ |
| Title: | Quill & Quire |
| Publisher: | Key Publishers |
| Frequency: | Monthly |
| Price: | $64.15CAN |
| Intended audience: | Professionals in book industry and librarians |
| Description: | “Quill & Quire magazine, which each month includes reviews of more than 35 new Canadian books, news and feature articles about the book industry, book deals, author profiles, opinion columns, and bestseller lists. Inside Report, a twice-weekly PDF newsletter with breaking news stories about Canadian publishing sent to subscribers via e-mail. Canadian Publishers Directory, a semi-annual guide/ordering tool used by booksellers and librarians to determine which international book lines are carried in Canada and by whom. The Book Trade in Canada, an annual reference guide to the Canadian book industry that includes a comprehensive listing of publishers, booksellers, and government generating agencies and professional associations in Canada, a calendar of events, list of awards and courses, and more.” From their website: http://www.quillandquire.com/ January 22, 2004. |
| Internet URL: | http://www.quillandquire.com/ |
| Title: | School Library Journal |
| Publisher: | Bowker |
| Frequency: | Monthly |
| Price: | See $170US |
| Intended audience: | Public and school libraries |
| Description: | “School Library Journal, the print magazine, and now, School Library Journal Online, the web site, serve librarians who work with young people in schools and public libraries. The two publications give librarians indispensable information needed to manage libraries, from creating high-quality collections to understanding how technology can assist (or hinder) learning. School Library Journal, founded in 1954, carries more book reviews and wins more awards for editorial excellence than any other publication in the field.” From their website: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/index.asp?layout=document&doc_id=18615&crumb=AboutUs January 22, 2004. |
| Internet URL: | http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/ |
| Title: | Canadian Book Review Annual |
| Publisher: | Joyce M. Wilson, Publisher |
| Frequency: | May each year |
| Price: | $120 CAN |
| Intended audience: | All types of libraries |
| Description: | “The Canadian Book Review Annual presents original 200- to 400-word reviews of the English-language trade, scholarly, and reference books that are published in Canada each year, and that are written by Canadians or those residing in Canada … In general, the following guidelines have been observed by the CBRA reviewers: a description of the book’s contents and brief information about the author usually precede critical commentary; emphasis is on analysis and evaluation … All reviewers—some 300 subject specialists across Canada—are identified in a list of contributors.” From http://www.interlog.com/~cbra/CBRA.html January 22, 2004 |
| Internet URL: | None |
| Title: | CHOICE |
| Publisher: | American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries |
| Frequency: | Monthly (July/August combined) |
| Price: | See below |
| Intended audience: | Academic, research and special libraries, some public and high school may refer to it for college level materials |
| Description: | “Choice magazine has been one of America’s leading review journals since 1964. Each year, Choice reviews more than 6,500 new books and electronic media in more than 50 disciplines spanning the humanities, science and technology, and the social and behavioral sciences … Choice magazine is published 11 times a year (monthly except for a combined July/August issue). Each regular issue of the magazine contains approximately 600 of Choice’s highly acclaimed reviews. Most issues also contain at least one special feature compiled by the Choice editors and a bibliographic essay … A subscription to Choice Magazine also includes a complimentary copy of Choice’s Special issue on the Web. Published each August, the Web Issue includes several special features and a compilation of recent Choice reviews of outstanding Web sites. The August 2002 Web Issue (Web VI) will contain more than 700 reviews of Web resources selected by the Choice editorial staff for their quality and relevance for academic and research libraries.” From their website: http://web.archive.org/web/20040213000252/http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/choice/howtosubscribe/choicemagazine/choicemagazine.htm |
| Internet URL: | http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/choice/choicereviewsonline/cro.cfm |
| Title: | Teacher Librarian |
| Publisher: | Bowker |
| Frequency: | Monthly |
| Price: | $49US |
| Intended audience: | School library staff |
| Description: | “Teacher Librarian, or TL as we’re often called, is designed specifically for you, the library professional working with children and young adults. Within our pages you’ll find lively and relevant articles exploring current issues such as collaboration, leadership, technology, advocacy, information literacy, and management. Regular sections include reviews of education and library-related professional materials, the best of new books for children and young adults, non-fiction, bestsellers, videos and computer software and Internet resources grouped by theme to spark your imagination.” From their website: http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/about_us/about.html January 22, 2004 |
| Internet URL: | http://www.teacherlibrarian.com/ |
Strengths and weaknesses of different types of selection aids
| Selection aid | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Current Sources for In-Print Books | * Comprehensive * Useful for verification | * Go out of date quickly in print format * May not contain reviews * Many are expensive |
| Current Review Sources | * Current * Often written by subject specialists * Readily available | * May not relate directly to your library * Represent only one person's opinion |
| Best Books, Recommended Lists and Core Collections | * Help develop strong collections * Easy to use | * Often American in content * Date quickly * May not suit your local needs |
| Publishers' Catalogues, Flyers and Announcements | * Give advance notice of high demand titles | * Promontional rather than evaluative |
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