Descriptions+and+Uses

The [|ODLIS] states a **// Directory //** is:

"A list of people, companies, institutions, organizations, etc., in alphabetical or classified order, providing contact information (names, addresses, phone/fax numbers, etc.) and other pertinent details (affiliations, conferences, publications, membership, etc.) in brief format, often published serially (//example:// American Library Directory). In most libraries, current directories are shelved in ready reference or in the reference stacks." ​ = = = = = = * A sampling of directories is displayed on the Directory List page. 
 * General descriptions and some usage examples are outlined below...

** A good place to begin your search is with a // Directory of directories //**
 * These reference sources list the various types of directories in print and offer descriptions of each
 * If you are unsure which directory to consult for your information needs, a search through a //directory of directories// will often point you in the right direction
 * **Electronic** directory of directories are updated more frequently, and often support "free-text" search. This is a useful option if the patron is looking for directories in a general subject area


 * // Telephone directories // are perhaps the more well known of all directories **
 * //Telephone directories// provide addresses and phone numbers for the individuals/businesses in a set geographical area
 * Depending on the directory, this can include information for a city, state, country or even international information
 * //Telephone directories// also provide regional maps; emergency services information; information on local government; zip codes; calendars of events; and much more
 * //Telephone directories// can be used to locate businesses and services for a patron in the process of moving to a new city
 * **Electronic** //telephone directories// and white/yellow pages provide the same information, while also providing links to maps and other information (websites, etc.). They also often provide links to other telephone directories from all over the world

** // Business directories // are useful for finding all manner of information regarding a business or corporation **
 * //Business directories// list important identifying information for companies and corporations: addresses and telephone numbers; manufacturing details; employee count; names, titles and other information for officers and directors; holdings; stock exchange details; sales and other financial data
 * //Business directories// are generally unique in their scope of coverage: in geographical area (U.S. & Canada or international); whether the companies listed are public or private; or per financial information
 * A patron looking for local wholesalers of clothing can obtain addresses and contact information for local businesses through a regional //business directory//
 * The **electronic** **versions** of //business directories// have the advantage of being updated more frequently than their print counterparts. They also have the capability of handling much more detailed information, such as extensive personal information for executives. Business directory databases also can provide links to a company's homepage

**// Publishing and Book Trade directories //** ** list information on national and international publishing companies **
 * They also include directories listing literary agents; book retailers and wholesalers; book trade organizations and events; and literary awards and associations
 * //Publishing and book trade directories// list the names, addresses, phone numbers, personnel, and subject specializations of publishing and book trade companies
 * Prizes awarded and calendars of events are listed for associations in some //publishing directories//
 * Book retailers and wholesalers are generally listed by type, and can include international and foreign language distributors
 * A patron hoping to find a publisher for her Indian Cookbook would want to look through a //publishing directory//
 * **Electronic** //publishing and book trade directories//, such as the [|Publishers' Catalog Home Page] will allow searching by format and keyword. Other online publishing directories will include university presses


 * In // Government Directories // you can find information such as: **
 * Regional political structures (local, state, federal, international); elected officials; heads of state and armed forces; and personnel
 * //Government directories// provide contact information, and in the case of international directories, they also provide general data on the governmental structure, languages spoken, ethnicities and currency
 * There are both public and privately published //government directories:// directories published publicly often inlude handbooks published by governmental entities, such as the Social Security Handbook
 * In government directories one may find the committee appointments of a senator; addresses and phone numbers for lobbying organizations; and information on obtaining a patent
 * **Electronic** **versions** of most //government directories// are available as online formats, for a fee. An excellent free site that links the user/librarian to the Federal Depository library directory information is the GPO's website: [|www.fdlp.gov]


 * // Association Directories // list information for: **
 * National and international associations and non-profit organizations; professional and trade associations; cultural and art organizations; and advocacy groups
 * //Association directories// provide addresses and phone numbers; along with information on executive officers; publications produced by the organization; and annual budget
 * //Association directories// will also give information on the purpose and activities of the organization
 * Use an //association directory// to find the local chapter of the California Veterinary Medical Association and contact information for your client
 * **Electronic** **versions** of many //foundation directories// are available, and offer the advantages of direct links to associations' web sites and downloadable membership applications. The SJSU King Library subscribes to the online directory //Associations Unlimited// - []

** // Foundation and Grant Directories // provide information about foundations and grant-making organizations **
 * In addition to the standard contact information, //Foundation and Grant directories //often describe the scope, activities, mission statements and activities that these organizations support
 * Users might also find information on the trustees, officers, and chief donors
 * //Foundation and Grant directories // are often used to supply users with information on where, how, and who to contact to acquire funding for research, non-profits, groups and other projects
 * The **online versions** of //foundation and grant directories// provide much greater and more detailed information than their print counterparts. The //Foundation Directory Online// (available through the King Library - [|King Library - Foundation Directory Online]) provides tutorials, news, webinars and much more

**// Education and Research Directories // list information for educational institutions and research centers**
 * This includes the standard address and contact information for the institution and its faculty and staff
 * //Education directories// often include information on museums and libraries in addition to universities, colleges and other secondary schools
 * Users may find information on staff, faculty, publications, admission details and a description of the institution's scope and background
 * //Research directories// offer information on university and non-profit research centers
 * //Research directories// can be used to obtain information on a center's staff, sources of support and research activities
 * For example, a patron might use a research directory to obtain contact information for all leukemia research centers in their area
 * **Electronic versions** of //directories of educational institutions// are available for a fee. Three //research directories// (the //Research Centers Directory//, the //International Research Centers Directory//, and the //Government Research Directory//) have been combined into one online database by GaleNet. The **online versions** allow searching across multiple directories; and are updated semi-annually

**// Library Directories // offer information on national and international libraries**
 * This includes public; college; law, medical and religious libraries; industry and trade libraries; and library consortia and schools
 * //Library directories// describe and identify a library's staff; income and expenditures; special collections; and library holdings
 * They are generally arranged geographically, though a few provide subject searching as well
 * Subject searching (in a directory such as the //Directory of Special Libraries and Information Centers//) is helpful when a user is interested in specific archival collections, such as historical print material
 * The **online versions** of //library directories// offer information such as a library's publications and subject interests.

**// Special Directories // encompass all manner of information not already described**
 * There are directories aimed at specific population segments, such as sources for women, asian americans, etc.
 * There are directories concerned with specific aspects of trade, such as the //World Drinks Marketing Directory//
 * There are directories listing information for consulting firms and law and legal firms
 * As outlined in the Selecting and Evaluating page, libraries will look closely at the population they serve in order to determine relevant directories for their ready reference collections

**NEXT:** Helpful Hints & Search Tips
__Sources for images displayed on this page__: //Directories in Print//. 33rd ed. 2 vols. Published/released by GALE/CENGAGE Group. April 2011. []

//Standard & Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives//. 3 vols. Published by McGraw Hill. 2003. []

//American Book Trade Directory.// 55th ed. Published by Information Today. 2009. []

//Worldwide Government Directory with International Organizations 2010//. Edited by Linda Dziobek. Published by CQ Press. 2010. []

//Encyclopedia of Associations: National Organizations of the U.S.// 48th ed. 3 vols. Published by GALE/CENGAGE Group. 2009. []

//The Foundation Directory.// 31st ed. Published by Foundation Center. 2009. []

//The Europa World Of Learning.// 60th ed. Edited by Europa Publications. Published by Routledge. 2010. []

//The American Library Directory.// 61st ed. 2 vols. Published by Information Today, Inc. 2008-2009. []

//World Drinks Marketing Directory.// Published by Euromonitor International. 2010. []