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The 12^th edition of the Public Library Catalog: Guide to Reference Books and Adult Nonfiction is primarily a reference book that assists librarians in developing a "core collection" for public libraries of all sizes. It is also useful as a general readers’ advisory and general reference tool. Coverage is limited to titles published in the USA or published in the UK and Canada and distributed in the USA. The first part of the catalog lists titles in their various Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) arrangements. Complete bibliographic data, price, subject headings, descriptions, and selected excerpts from reviews are included. It lists over 8,000 titles; however, those who purchase this edition can anticipate receiving, at no cost, paper supplements through 2007 (about 2,400 new titles). The second part of the catalog consists of a well-constructed and well-analyzed index. Arrangements are by author, title, subject, and DDC. Individual works within anthologies and collections are also indexed. There are also cross-references to pages within certain titles. The latter is more useful from a reader’s advisory than from a collection development perspective.

There are many new title additions, particularly in often changing subject areas such as science and technology, and health and medicine. Current events, topics such as terrorism and the Iraq War are covered thoroughly. In addition, there is improved coverage of national and regional histories of countries in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia. There have been improvements to the computer science and technology areas, with new additions of titles in data and internet security. However, this area could be expanded. For example, there is only one general computer programming title listed and no titles on web design, graphic design, etc. The preface states that titles on "computer software user guides" are not included because they become outdated quickly. However, the catalogue lists PCs for Dummies (covers Windows XP) and the Macintosh Bible. Some titles in the respected Missing Manual series could be added easily. The photography section has been improved with the addition of digital photography; however, it is puzzling as to why perennially popular photographers’ works have been removed (were listed in the 11^th edition) such as Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks, Richard Avedon, etc. Some work still needs to be done in areas where imbalances have persisted since the 11^th edition. Classification areas such as history may have been neglected in the pursuit of updating other areas. For example, within the category of the Reconstruction Era of the United States, there are ten books listed. Of these, four are about General George Custer. The Colonial Period of the United States lists eight titles and two of these are about King Philip’s War. One title from these subjects should suffice for their categories.

On an incidental note, the directory of publishers and distributors, found in the back of the 11^th edition, has been eliminated. Overall, this new edition has improved with its expansion of titles. It is a recommended purchase for all public libraries.

Review from: American Reference Books Annual 2005

The Public Library Catalog service, a list of recommended reference and nonfiction books for adults compiled by librarians, includes this volume and three annual supplements for the years 2005-2007.  Begun in the early 1900s by H.W. Wilson, the listed books are published in the United States, Canada, or United Kingdom, and distributed in the United States. It does not include non-print items, periodicals non-English materials with the exception of dictionaries, aids to language learning, or ephemeral materials.  Comprised of over 8,000 titles and some 1,500 analytical entries, the new edition is a catalog of extraordinary range.  Mixing old and new, this particular edition features extensive revisions in the areas of health, science and the environment, and cooking and gardening. Another new dimension is the increase in the number of reference titles in all subject areas. The availability of electronic versions, paperback, and large print editions of books listed is provided.

The catalog is broken into two main sections: the “Classified Catalog” and an “Author, Title, Subject, and Analytical Index.” Arranged by Dewey Decimal Classification, the Catalog's main entry contains complete bibliographic and cataloging information for each title. Entries also provide price and ISBN to facilitate acquisitions. Besides additional access points, the index contains analytic entries that index composite works. Intended for public and undergraduate libraries this service is useful to acquisitions and reference librarians as well as catalogers for weeding and collection development. Reference librarians may also use it for readers' advisory.