Reference Document

A Reference Document is a non-fiction document that provides instructions for a subject matter.

• AKA: Reference, Reference Material.
• Context:
  • It can (typically) provide Authoritative Information for knowledge domains.
  • It can (typically) contain Structured Content for easy information access.
  • It can (typically) maintain Factual Accuracy through verification processes.
  • ...
  • It can (often) include Glossary Sections for term definitions.
  • It can (often) follow Systematic Organization for information retrieval.
  • It can (often) undergo Regular Updates for content currency.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Basic Reference Guide to being a Comprehensive Reference Manual, depending on its depth level.
  • It can range from being a Domain-Specific Reference to being a General Reference, depending on its scope.
  • It can range from being a Technical Reference to being a Popular Reference, depending on its audience type.
  • ...
  • It can have Version Control for content management.
  • It can provide Cross-References for related information.
  • It can implement Search Mechanisms for information finding.
  • ...
  • It can be used in Educational Contexts.
  • It can be produced by Subject Matter Experts.
  • It can be validated through Peer Review Processes.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Guidelines Documents, such as:
    • Annotation Guidelines Document for data annotation.
    • Style Guide for writing conventions.
    • Process Manual for workflow instructions.
  • Reference Books, such as:
    • Textbook for academic subjects.
    • Dictionary for word definitions.
    • Encyclopedia for knowledge overviews.
  • Technical References, such as:
    • Programming Manual for software development.
    • API Reference for interface documentation.
    • Equipment Manual for device operation.
  • Legal References, such as:
    • Law Dictionary for legal terms.
    • Case Law Compendium for legal precedents.
    • Regulatory Guide for compliance requirements.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Fiction Book, which provides entertainment content.
  • Personal Diary, which contains subjective records.
  • Marketing Material, which focuses on product promotion.
• See: FAQ Document, Glossary Document, Instruction Manual, API Reference, Quick Reference Guide, Cheat Sheet.

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References

2009

• (Nisbet et al., 2009) ⇒ Robert Nisbet, John Elder, and Gary Miner. (2009). “Handbook of Statistical Analysis and Data Mining Applications.” Academic Press. ISBN:0123747651

1996

• (Wall et al., 1996) ⇒ Larry Wall, Tom Christiansen, and Randal L. Schwartz. (1996). “[Programming Perl, 2nd edition]." O'Reilly. ISBN:1565921496

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