Plan: Almanacs

PRINT

Use an almanac when you are looking for current statistical data and basic information about a topic.

Almanacs are published annually (each year). They include up-to-date (current) statistics lists, charts, and tables of useful information on many different topics. They may also include maps and color plates of national flags.

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 nonfiction 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 a print 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. The index is frequently located the opposite of other books; the more detailed index may be in the front rather than the usual place in the back of the book.

There may be a table of contents. General topics are listed such as Health, State and Local Government, and Noted Personalities.

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 2006, 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.

An almanac is usually arranged by topics.

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

1. The World Almanac
   
2. Macmillan Visual Almanac
3. Information Please Almanac
   
4. Astronomical Almanac
5. Time Almanac
   
6. Almanac of the 50 States

ELECTRONIC

General Almanacs

These provide general information about the world, current events, countries, sports records, business and the economy, astronomy, education, awards, space, and much more.

These sites will open in a new window. Close the window to return here.

The World Almanac for Kids           http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com/

 

Information Please Almanac online     http://www.infoplease.com/

 

Specialized Almanacs

These will cover more detailed information about a specific field.

Old Farmer's Almanac                    http://www.almanac.com/

• Includes tide and sunrise tables, planting charts, recipes, a day in history, and the weather. <http://www.almanac.com/>

 

Daily Almanac    http://www.infoplease.com/daily

• Includes today in history, world news today, weather today, birthdays today.
  

Credit: Eugene School District 4J, Eugene, OR, and OSLIS Revision Committee 2002