Typical questions

Considerations

The ‘unexplained’ covers a wide range of subjects from angels to zombies! Only a few of these subjects can be touched on here. Broadly speaking, the subjects fall outside the boundaries of orthodox science and one of the first considerations the librarian has is to find out whether the enquirer is a ‘sceptic’ or a ‘believer’, that is to say, is the enquirer investigating the subject, or are they serious about the subject? The sources used may vary accordingly. For better or for worse, there is a great popular interest in these subjects and there is a need to be well supplied with sources and information about them.

Where to look

General

Bord, J. and Bord, C. (1996) Dictionary of earth mysteries, Thorsons

Carall, R. T. (2003) The skeptic's dictionary: a collection of strange beliefs, amusing deceptions, and dangerous delusions, Wiley

Available online, free, at http://skepdic.com.

Guiley, R. E. (1992) Harper's encyclopedia of mystical and paranormal experience, HarperCollins

Picknett, L. (1990) The encyclopedia of the paranormal: a complete guide to the unexplained, Macmillan

Randles, J. (1996) The paranormal source book; the comprehensive guide to strange phenomena worldwide, Piatkus

Rickard, B. and Michell, J. (2000) Unexplained phenomena: a Rough Guide special, Rough Guides

Steiger, B. and Steiger, S. H. (2003) The Gale encyclopedia of the unusual and unexplained, Gale, 3 vols

Williams. W. F. (ed.) (2000) Encyclopedia of pseudoscience, Fitzroy Dearborn 2000 A–Z entries relating to superstitions, alternative medicine, frauds, hoaxes, mistaken therories, etc.

Wilson, C. (1987) The encyclopedia of unsolved mysteries, Harrap

Astrology

Parker, J. and D. (2001) Parker's astrology: the definitive guide to using astrology in every aspect of your life, 2nd edn, Dorling Kindersley

Goodman, L. (1968) Linda Goodman sun signs, Pan The classic bestseller.

Fenton, S. (1998) How to read your star signs, Thorsons

Astrology.com www.astrology.com

Astrology Gateway www.astrologygateway.homestead.com

Dreams

The alleged ‘meaning’ of dreams can be addressed in a number of books compiled specifically for the purpose. The enquiries relating to such popular beliefs like astrology need to be distinguished from orthodox scientific enquiries about the physiology and psychology of sleep and consciousness. In terms of the Dewey classification, between the 135s and the 150s.