reference work
Let an agent handle reference works by type, publisher, edition, reliability and access, and use them properly as sources.
Research draft, second pass
A second pass drafted this model: the structure a model of this thing needs, and what is known about it in the world. The line under this one says how the second half was obtained - researched against sources, or recalled without web access, in which case nothing here was read anywhere and every claim is a lead to verify. Unreviewed either way.
written by Claude from model knowledge without web access - no source was read, every claim is a lead to verify
Researched by: Claude
Purpose and description
Let an agent handle reference works by type, publisher, edition, reliability and access, and use them properly as sources.
A work such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, atlas, handbook, directory or database compiled to be consulted for information rather than read from start to finish; a tertiary source.
What it is for: Looking up facts, definitions and orientation.
It can be choose a suitable reference work; check edition and currency; assess reliability; cite reference works correctly.
Distinguishing features
Designed for consultation
Tertiary source
Regularly updated
Editorial control varies
What it looks like
Printed volumes or online databases organised for lookup.
How it is recognised
Alphabetical or classified organisation
Editions and update dates
Primary sources are original evidence
Related models
is a kind of - category
is used for - purpose
is contrasted with - source type
is held in - access
In practice
Families and kinds
dictionaries
encyclopedias
atlases and gazetteers
handbooks and manuals
online reference databases
Identifiers
ISBN or ISSN standard numbers publications
Standards and regulation
Citation style guides
Copyright and database rights
Failure modes and hazards
Using outdated editions
Citing tertiary sources where primary are needed
Also called
+124
Where this came from
wikidata · CC0 1.0
Drafted structure
Bundle to layer to finding to question, as the second pass will find it: 4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions.
Work Which reference.
Editions matter.
Identity
Title and edition.
Identity
Work identity.
- Which reference work and edition is meant? provenance
- When was it last updated? provenance
Type
Kind.
Type
Reference type.
- What type of reference work suits this question? action
- Is a specialist work needed? boundary
Reliability Quality.
Quality varies.
Editorial
Process.
Editorial
Editorial process.
- What editorial or peer review process does it have? provenance
- Who publishes it? provenance
Verify
Cross-check.
Verify
Verification.
- Should the fact be checked against a primary source? boundary
- Which one? provenance
Access Using it.
Access routes vary.
Libraries
Access.
Libraries
Library access.
- Can it be accessed through a library or free online? provenance
- Is a subscription needed? provenance
Citation
Citing.
Citation
Citation.
- How should the entry be cited? action
- Which style guide applies? provenance
Creation Compiling.
Compilers follow standards.
Compile
Methods.
Compile
Compilation.
- How is the reference work compiled and updated? provenance
- Who contributes? provenance
Rights
Reuse.
Rights
Reuse rights.
- Can its content be reused, and under which licence? provenance
- Do database rights apply? boundary
What the second pass must settle
- Should reference types be separate entries?
- How should editions be linked?
- How should online reference reliability be assessed?