The Recommended Resources list was drawn up by a committee of MLS public and academic library reference librarians. It is in 2 parts, Core Resources and Recommended Resources.

Core Resources (pdf) is a short list of items that every MLS public library must have. They serve as the foundation of a library's reference collection. This required list has only a few specific titles. The rest of the entries are subject areas in which the library must have at least one title. The Required Resources list is organized into the same main subject categories as the Recommended Resources list to make it simple to find a recommended item that will fulfill the requirement.

Recommended Resources (pdf) is a list of subject categories with specific titles in each category that are good reference resources for that subject. They are recommended by experienced public library reference practitioners. It is expected, but not required, that resources to fill the requirements of the Required Resources list will come from the Recommended List.

If you have any suggestions for additions, questions or comments on the list, just email consulting@mls.lib.il.us. Please let us know which library you're from, and mention the Adult Reference Recommended Resources List in the subject line.

The list is presented in .PDF format as an entire document, including both the Core and Recommended Lists, and as separate documents for each section, so that users are able to access and print just what they need.

Comments and additional resources can be added at the MLS Reference Wiki. Contact Consulting for a login to the wiki.

Complete Recommended Resources List (PDF)

Core Resources (PDF)

Recommended List by sections: (all PDF)

1. GENERAL SOURCES
2. CONSUMER INFORMATION
3. READER'S ADVISORY
4. PHILOSOPHY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND RELIGION
5. STATISTICS
6. BUSINESS
7. LABOR
8. TAX INFORMATION
9. LAW AND GOVERNMENT
10. OCCUPATIONS
11. EDUCATION
12. LANGUAGE
13. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
14. MEDICINE
15. SOCIAL CUSTOMS
16. ART
17. ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES
18. PERFORMING ARTS
19. MUSIC
20. GAMES AND SPORTS
21. LITERATURE
22. HISTORY AND ETHNIC STUDIES
23. GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL
24. BIOGRAPHY, NAMES, AND GENEALOGY

The Core Lists are developed and maintained by committees of librarians from MLS member libraries. Metropolitan Library System is pleased to share these documents with colleagues from other libraries. If you use any of this material, please attribute it to Metropolitan Library System, Burr Ridge, IL.