The books we sold or repurposed just weren’t being used. I haven’t heard anyone really complain. That we allow most of what’s remaining in the reference collection to circulate, like all of our dictionaries, surprises patrons sometimes.

I actually had a chance to use an almanac once, while I ignored this strange feeling that the patron was mentally willing me to an empty staff computer for the answer. (There were no public computers available.)

Online, our Mitchell’s car repair and legal forms databases might see the most use.

Thank you for all the years of thoughtful, insightful commentary, on reference books and on the world of reference publishing. As publisher of one of the smallest reference companies in the country, I want to thank you, too, for making sure we were not overlooked or forgotten. You will be missed. Best to you in this new chapter of your life.

We will miss you, but certainly wish you all the best. And I know you will still be involved in reference publishing — just in new ways.

As someone who also worked for some of those reference imprints swallowed up by Gale in 1999 (Macmillan, Scribner, Schirmer, G.K. Hall, etc.), and who also entered the world of library reference publishing in 1988, I relied on Reference Books Bulletin within Booklist to not only publicize my titles, but also learn what my colleagues at other publishing imprints were doing. I will continue to follow those events, now in a new manner, as I continue as a Booklist subscriber. Best of luck to you!!

I wish you all the best as you start the exciting next chapter of your life! Thank you for all that you have contributed to the literary world! May you have many days of wonderful books and joy! Take care.