Niamh's+Reference+Tool

__ **Reference Tool Evaluation** __ ** Kilberd, Declan Ed. (1917). //Sinn Fein Rebellion Handbook.// Dublin; Fren Hanna Ltd. ** ** Scope: ** This is a 243 page collection of textured detail from the events leading up to the 1916 Rising, subsequent surrender and execution of ‘rebels’ and beyond to official reports by the British.It includes maps, lists of Who's Who in the rebellion, official reports by the General in charge of the suppression of the Rising, lists of premises on the streets in Dublin where the main activities took place, photographs, background to the rising and much more. It builds on Enda's reference tool as it tells the story from the British side and adds many official documents and the aftermath of the Rising. ** Quality of Content: ** Overall quality is high, as the handbook has a very detailed account of the Rising. It includes often lengthy paragraphs depicting each of the various outposts the rebellion participants took, from the various places in Dublin where fighting broke out in, to places in the country including Meath, Galway, Enniscorthy and Skerries. The descriptions are detailed and the reports from official British sources help to negotiate the bias. ** Authority/ Currency: ** The Irish Times has been and still is a reputable broadsheet in the island of Ireland and the collection is compiled by them. The Editor, Declan Kilberd, is also a noted writer and critic an a notable figure in the University College Dublin English,Drama and Film Department. History may not be his forte, but his editing skills are second to few. He has also been a columnist with the Irish Times in the past and would therefore have good knowledge of the paper he is editing. ** Audience: ** As our audience shall be a mix of tourists and Irish history enthusiasts, beginner and expert alike, this is a perfect resource to include.It is easy enough to get a general introduction to the events of the Rising from this piece as it is incredibly well indexed and the pages are numbered, yet the extent of the detail is enough that the average history buff would learn something new or could look at something in a little more detail. For example, if somebody from Meath or a certain family heard that their county or family were involved in the Easter Rising, they could find out a little more about that in this handbook .It lists those who were heavily involved in alphabetical order, both those who were punished (and their punishments) and those who tried to quench the Rising. It also includes a place by place breakdown of events over the weekend. ** Accuracy: ** Although bias is combated to some extent by including proclamations by both sides, as this was compiled by an Irish paper, it is of course subject to some bias. Looking closely at the phrasing of the newspaper articles from the time that are included, the bias seems to be against the 'rebels'. Yet much documentation is included as the punishments and 15 executions. The photos of the executionees for example display youthful innocent looking faces, whereas the pictures of the Generals display mature,experienced men with harsh expressions; this may just be the types of photos that were taken at the time or this could be done on purpose. Yet the level of material included reflects neither side of the argument, so bias is at a minimum. Also, the official nature of the reports included increase accuracy. However, the description of events are hard to pin down as completely accurate unless you compare all memories of events on certain streets and in the country. ** Format/Cost/Ease of Use: ** Despite the many benefits of such material, the age and current state of the material is problematic for multiple users. It is only in rare print editions housed before now in the National Library and University College Dublin library. This makes use of the book minimal and subject to staff observation. Much care must be taken with the material as it is irreplaceable. ** Arrangement of Material: ** The material is arranged very well with detailed contents and index pages. It also appears to be mostly in order of events, although the Who's Who is well placed for those who want an index of the main people involved.