Which category of library resources consists of items designed to be consulted for specific facts or information rather than read from cover to cover?

### Why this is right The deciding feature is how the item is meant to be used: reference materials are organized so you can look up a particular fact or topic quickly. You usually consult a relevant entry or section rather than read the whole item from beginning to end. ### The concept A **reference material** is a source designed for finding specific information, often using alphabetical entries, an index, or clear topic sections. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and directories are common examples. Other library resources may contain useful facts too, but their main purpose differs: periodicals publish issues over time, textbooks teach a subject in sequence, and circulating fiction is written mainly to be read as a story. “Circulating” means that library users can borrow an item and take it away. | Category | Main purpose | |---|---| | Reference materials | Look up particular facts or information | | Periodicals | Read articles in publications released regularly | | Textbooks | Learn a subject through organized lessons | | Circulating fiction | Borrow and read stories | ### The other options - **B. Periodicals**: These are publications such as magazines and journals that appear in regular issues. They may contain information to consult, which makes this choice tempting, but they are not defined by quick fact lookup. - **C. Textbooks**: These present and explain a subject, usually in a planned sequence for learning. A textbook may be consulted for a fact, but it is generally meant to teach more broadly. - **D. Circulating fiction**: This is story-based writing that can be borrowed from the library. It is primarily read for the story, not used to find specific facts. ### Terms - **Reference materials**: Library sources arranged for looking up specific information. - **Periodicals**: Publications issued regularly in separate installments, such as magazines. - **Textbooks**: Books that explain a subject in an organized way, often for a course. - **Circulating fiction**: Fiction that library users can borrow and take home. ### Remember If a library item is designed for quick fact-finding rather than continuous reading, think **reference material**.