1085 special libraries and research centers are listed beginning with Paris, then by surrounding Departements, and remaining Departements in alphabetical order. The volume also contains the holdings of French territories, Monaco, and other countries with French libraries. Indexes are arranged according to key word, collections named for individuals, and by library name. In addition to practical tips, special collections are noted with the extent of holdings. There are no further subdivisions, so browsing is out of the question.
Annotations are too short and often too vague.
Because of insufficient systemization the user must rely on the key word index, which does not attain the usual high standard of Anglo-American bibliographies. Even overlooking the unclear selection criteria, the insufficient subject access is enough to prompt one to do without this volume. While the timespan between the 3rd and 4th editions was eleven years, this new 5th edition appears only three years after the last one. The total number of institutions listed has grown to 24,624 in 191 nations, attributable in part to recent changes in Eastern Europe. Collection specializations and highlights are indicated.