Nonfiction

Nonfiction

Text Book Reflection

Nonfiction is defined more by what it is not due to the wide array of books that fall under the nonfiction umbrella. Nonfiction includes biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, expository and narrative text. There is no cookie cutter formal that defines it. There are criteria that that will help librarians determine which books are a good choice for their library collection. In reviewing a nonfiction book, you must first look at the qualifications of the author. Are they an established researcher? One way to do this is to look at the author’s source notes and other information provided in the text. Another aspect to look at is are the facts accurate in the book. Librarians don’t have to be experts in every field, but they do need to know where to go for recommended book lists such as “Outstanding Science Trade Books”. Also look at the purpose and scope of the book. How many broad books about certain subjects do you need and how many books that give more focused details. There is another significant area to review is the organization of the books to help students find the information they need. The books would need a Table of Contents and index with timelines and bibliographies as added bonus. The visual in the book also need to standout. Visuals can break apart the text and highlight important information. Pictures also need to be evaluated for quality and interests. Visuals also need to help students find the information they quickly. Remember that even in the nonfiction section of the library, the collection needs to be the window, mirror and doors to your student body. This information will help me select quality nonfiction books for my future library collection. By knowing the five basic criteria and knowing a few basic resources to help assess the books, I will feel more confident in my choices. Learning which authors and series are considered standouts in the field of nonfiction will also make my job easier.