Don't be a Dummy at the library
Lynn Denison
August 7, 2007
Do you ever feel like a “dummy” when certain subjects are mentioned? Maybe you know just enough about a subject to realize that you would like to learn more without expending too much time and effort. If so, you have a delightful experience awaiting you at Rowan Public Library when you begin to explore the For Dummies series of books. These informative books are the perfect ones to turn to when you want to briefly investigate a topic. Currently, the library has over one hundred fifty For Dummies titles available for checkout.
The For Dummies phenomenon began in the early nineties when new computer technologies were popping up all over the place. The accompanying “how-to” manuals were often frustrating to new users and difficult to understand. Starting with the publication of DOS for Dummies in 1991, the For Dummies publishers began to tackle topics that are often complex, confusing, and intimidating. For Dummies books, while being informative and reliable, have a down-to-earth style and a lighthearted approach. All books make use of cartoons and humorous icons, a “just plain English” style, and a modular format enabling the reader to find answers quickly and easily.
Today, with more than 125 million books in print, For Dummies books cover virtually all topics, including cooking, dating, Shakespeare, gardening, managing finances, running a business, planning a trip, exercising, choosing a dog and eating right.
Let’s explore one of the library’s newest acquisitions, Understanding Autism for Dummies. One of the authors,Stephen M. Shore Boston University
Just inside the front cover of this book is a two-page “Cheat Sheet,” with numerous concise and helpful “post-it note” style lists. These include “Logging On to Helpful Autism Web Sites,” “Deciphering Important Acronyms,” “Inquiring about Interventions,” “Carrying an Emergency ID Card” (copy of card included), “Preparing for Emergencies,” and “Communicating with Autistic People.” There is an extensive Table of Contents, enabling the reader to quickly zero in on the topics of most interest. An Appendix lists places to go for treatment as well as associations and organizations that deal with research, treatment, advocacy and parental issues. A quote that sums up the philosophy of the book is, “The main thing people lack when they first come into contact with people who have autism or first discover signs of the disorder in a loved one is knowledge. Knowledge is the key to understanding, acceptance, treatment, and happiness. Allow us to help bring you that knowledge!” You’ll find that all For Dummies titles have similar philosophies consistent with their subject matter.
Other new For Dummies titles available at the library include Resumes for Dummies, Windows Vista for Dummies, Office 2007 for Dummies, Manga for Dummies, and Bookkeeping for Dummies.
Do you ever feel like a “dummy” when certain subjects are mentioned? Maybe you know just enough about a subject to realize that you would like to learn more without expending too much time and effort. If so, you have a delightful experience awaiting you at Rowan Public Library when you begin to explore the For Dummies series of books. These informative books are the perfect ones to turn to when you want to briefly investigate a topic. Currently, the library has over one hundred fifty For Dummies titles available for checkout.
The For Dummies phenomenon began in the early nineties when new computer technologies were popping up all over the place. The accompanying “how-to” manuals were often frustrating to new users and difficult to understand. Starting with the publication of DOS for Dummies in 1991, the For Dummies publishers began to tackle topics that are often complex, confusing, and intimidating. For Dummies books, while being informative and reliable, have a down-to-earth style and a lighthearted approach. All books make use of cartoons and humorous icons, a “just plain English” style, and a modular format enabling the reader to find answers quickly and easily.
Today, with more than 125 million books in print, For Dummies books cover virtually all topics, including cooking, dating, Shakespeare, gardening, managing finances, running a business, planning a trip, exercising, choosing a dog and eating right.
Let’s explore one of the library’s newest acquisitions, Understanding Autism for Dummies. One of the authors,
Just inside the front cover of this book is a two-page “Cheat Sheet,” with numerous concise and helpful “post-it note” style lists. These include “Logging On to Helpful Autism Web Sites,” “Deciphering Important Acronyms,” “Inquiring about Interventions,” “Carrying an Emergency ID Card” (copy of card included), “Preparing for Emergencies,” and “Communicating with Autistic People.” There is an extensive Table of Contents, enabling the reader to quickly zero in on the topics of most interest. An Appendix lists places to go for treatment as well as associations and organizations that deal with research, treatment, advocacy and parental issues. A quote that sums up the philosophy of the book is, “The main thing people lack when they first come into contact with people who have autism or first discover signs of the disorder in a loved one is knowledge. Knowledge is the key to understanding, acceptance, treatment, and happiness. Allow us to help bring you that knowledge!” You’ll find that all For Dummies titles have similar philosophies consistent with their subject matter.
Other new For Dummies titles available at the library include Resumes for Dummies, Windows Vista for Dummies, Office 2007 for Dummies, Manga for Dummies, and Bookkeeping for Dummies.
Please visit Rowan Public Library either on the web at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or at
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