Running Head: GARDENING REFERENCE Reference Collection Development Proposal Gardening Reference Books at North Portland Tool Library

Amanda Meeks :: 813 Reference and User Services Emporia State University Library Setting: The North Portland Tool Library (NPTL) is a solely volunteer-run operation dedicated to the community and livability of the culturally and socio-economically diverse area of North Portland. By giving the residents of the community the means to maintain and improve their spaces, the NPTL plays a vital role in fostering community pride and beautification. All tools are loaned to community members for free and the library is financially funded through donations from members and sponsors. NPTL has very limited hours and is open two days a week for a few short hours at a time. It is important when compiling this reference collection proposal to consider these facts of limited funds, hours, and NPTLs dedication to the betterment of the community and not just as an information center. The following resources would serve NPTL community members by providing beginning to intermediate gardeners with ideas, inspiration, and instruction in their gardening endeavors. Suggested Resources: (1) Bown, D. (1995). Encyclopedia of herbs and their uses. DK Adult: London, UK. This encyclopedia is beautifully illustrated and has over 1500 colorful photos

highlighting both rarely seen herbs and the most common herbs. It includes a detailed AZ catalog of herbs, an herb catalog organized by genus, and portraits of each herb. Multiple access points and a visually appealing gem, the encyclopedia gives the user an easy to use guide to gather information based on their needs. The Herb Society of America's Encyclopedia of Herbs and their Uses is the most authoritative illustrated encyclopedia of herbs yet produced, according to the publishers note. This comprehensive collection covers culinary, aromatic, medicinal, and economic uses of herbs, as well as the decorative qualities herbs can provide in a garden setting (Choice

GARDENING REFERENCE review March 1996). User reviews call it informative and fascinating. All of these facts make me feel confident that the NPTL community would benefit from having access to this book because they could potentially use it to develop both formal and informal herb gardens that beautify, heal and feed their community. It is available from Powells for only $21.00.

(2) Giles, W. (2007). Encyclopedia of exotic plants for temperate climates. Timber Press: Portland, OR. Will Giles, a lifelong exotic plants guru and gardener, has compiled a highly authoritative encyclopedia and guide with more than 1500 species and cultivars described and illustrated through hundreds of colorful photos. Each plant description includes where the plant originates from, size of mature plants, color, planting conditions, and how hardy the plant is. The synopsis states, it will inspire gardeners to question conventional hardiness restrictions, experiment with new plants, and create gardens that are out of the ordinary. The book is organized by an A-Z catalog of types of plants (Aroids, BamboosTrees, Shrubs) and includes conversion tables for planting recommendations, a list of suppliers of exotic plants, references for further research and an index of plants by name for multiple access points. One of NPTLs missions is to help residents maintain and improve their spaces. This book would serve the more experienced gardeners of the community who are looking for a way to bring bold and colorful foliage to their spaces. The book is available from Powells for $49.95. (3) Levesque, M. (2010). The revolutionary yardscape: ideas for repurposing local materials to create containers, pathways, lighting, and more. Timber Press: Portland, OR. This practical guide of do-it-yourself (DIY) outdoor dcor and garden embellishments with excellent photographs of unique, functional projects focuses on reclaimed and discarded materials. Matthew Levesque is described as, A pioneer in the art of using recycled materials in cutting-edge garden design. This book covers projects such as containers, fences, seating, decking, pathways, and outdoor candleholders. It gives

GARDENING REFERENCE guidelines for the use of specific materials and where to obtain reclaimed materials.

Aside from photos and instructions for projects, this book includes a glossary and a list of resources for users to seek more information. Sustainability and living local are two key factors of life in the North Portland community. With the Portland Rebuilding Center, endless free boxes of discarded materials, and the NPTL, DIY projects are very accessible and common among the neighborhood. This book would provide more ideas and inspiration for gardeners who want to use the resources they have at hand. It is available from Powells for $22.95. (4) Robson, K. (2008). Encyclopedia of northwest native plants for gardens and landscapes. Timber Press: Portland, OR. One review points out that Timber Press always prints high quality reference books and this one is no exception. This weighty 500+ page reference encyclopedia provides descriptions, beautifully colored photos, and delicately rendered pen and ink drawings of 530 native annuals, perennials, ferns, trees and grasses from southern Alaska to the border of Oregon and California and as far east as Idaho. The encyclopedia was designed for gardeners who wish to incorporate native species into their garden spaces, so not only does this book give readers clear portraits of the plants found in this region, but it gives cultivation, garden tips, and guidance for each plant. Following the main section of the book, which is organized by the Latin names from A to Z, there is a section that lists plants by special situations and purposes, including the plants that will attract birds and butterflies. NPTL would benefit by having this reference tool available to members because many gardeners choose to use what is readily available in their space and prefer to cultivate these indigenous plants and wildlife. This comprehensive guide could help incorporate native species into any garden or inspire resourceful plant cultivation in the community. Available at Powells for $49.95. (5) Solomon, S. (2007). Growing vegetables west of the cascades: the complete guide to organic gardening. Sasquatch Books: Seattle, WA.

GARDENING REFERENCE This four-season gardening guide is a very thorough look at gardening in the Pacific Northwest for novice to intermediate gardeners. Novice readers may find the book too informative, but overall its easy-to-read chapters and scope of information is very practical for those who wish to hone their vegetable gardening skills. The synopsis says that, the book features basic info on soils, composting, chemical-free fertilizing, efficient water usage, and planning, but it is also filled with up-to-date tips on seed sources and new growing and cultivation techniques. There is even a planting schedule to inform readers of what to plant and when for the most fruitful results. Members of NPTL are often looking for ways to grow vegetables with minimal resources and this book would provide the knowledge to do so. It is available from Powells for $21.95. Final Reflection: I thought that this assignment was very useful and I enjoyed compiling it and

considering the many facets of developing a small collection proposal. I decided to focus on a community-based library that is unique, poorly funded, and creatively driven in my neighborhood because these resources are often under-valued and over-used. I had a hard time finding reputable reviews of some of the books, beyond user reviews, but I felt that this was okay because this library setting is less formal than that of an academic library.