STLQ

.: Diane Kovacs of Kovacs Consulting is conducting her "Current 'Core' or Essential Reference Tool Surveys". In an e-mail sent to various discussion groups, Diane asks, "Please take the time to share your understanding of which reference tools are most important for you to do your job in the following areas:

• Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Related
  
• Biological Sciences (Biology, Zoology, etc. non-medical)
  
• Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.)
  
• Earth Sciences (Geology, Meteorology, Volcanology, etc.)
  
• Math and Computer Science
  
• Physics and Astronomy (and related)
  
• Engineering and Related Technology

Diane also notes the following: "As always, I will post the data I've gathered on core subject reference topics back to the lists I posted the surveys to for everyone to share as well as posting the data to http://www.kovacs.com/misc.html. Last year's data is available on that page now - scroll down past the current survey links. I'm in the midst of compiling data from the other reference tool surveys that I sent out earlier this year. Moving slowly, but steadily."

I think lists of core reference tools would be of value to new and recent graduates who are becoming familiar with their subject areas. I would like to see the subject coverage of engineering be further subdivided into its subject disciplines. The previous survey for this area covered engineering, computer sciences, and technology - way too broad, and the results would be of little help to someone beginning work in engineering disciplines such as mechanical, materials, civil and environmental, electrical, and so forth. Further subdivision of subjects might include biological sciences down to botany, zoology, entomology, microbiology, and genetics, as well as splitting mathematics and computer sciences into their own surveys. The one subject missing is agriculture, and its subdisciplines as well. Would be great to see a survey for those subjects as well.

These are not criticisms, just suggestions! :-)