A Buffalo Round-up: A Selected Bibliography

Ellen Pilon is a library assistant in the Patrick Power Library at Saint
Mary’s University in Halifax.

Anyone studying bison is all set with this bibliography which, according to Dr. Arthur, responds to the stated need of researchers for some bibliographic control of material published on the plains bison and the wood bison.

No attempt at quality control has been made; “the good and the bad” have been included. Nearly half of the listed books, pamphlets, and articles were catalogued by Dr. Arthur himself; the rest are from other libraries, museums, universities, subject bibliographies, etc., and computer searches. Citations include books, monographs, journal articles, theses, unpublished papers, reports, newspapers, magazine articles, and pamphlets. Arthur notes that “although samples of most subject categories on bison will be found in this bibliography, emphasis has been placed on the history, biology and ecology of the animal.”

The book is an updated bibliographical tool of interest to researchers and practitioners in the fields of wildlife biology, science, and animal diseases and to meat producers who need recent research on bison management. The well-written, clear preface by bibliographic assistant Jennifer Johnson describes scope, arrangement, and style. The bibliography is arranged alphabetically by authors’ surnames. Citations appear only once. A subject index, with heading and citation numbers, offers access. See also references are included to direct the user to related subjects. The format is pleasing and easy to use. There are 2,521 entries, dating from as early as 1835 to 1983.

Libraries and individuals will balk at the price of $35 for a paper-covered 147-page bibliography, but discounts are offered. The book is indispensable for anyone studying buffalo.