Search

To make the most of a library, read and read and read. Here's a sure remedy for the television habit: pile a stack of library books on the television set and next time, instead of turning on a program, reach for a book. Some people limit themselves to reading current bestsellers, but the library is full of yesterday's bestsellers which are still compelling today. Learn to use the card catalog; this is where any book can be found. Learn to use the stacks; unknown books will turn up that are exactly what is needed. Learn to know the reference librarian. Learn to use "The Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature." It is a guide to the latest information on any subject of interest. Four personal hints are: (1) take full notes when using magazines; (2) ask about the availability of reprographic machines; (3) keep a small notebook of identification numbers of frequently used books; and (4) learn how to use the reference books. The library can give help on any subject. Here are a few ideas for fun and rewarding library projects: trace family roots, find out what famous person slept nearby, cook a Polynesian feast, or take up photography. (DC)

It is helpful to know how to read a company's annual report if an individual is considering going to work for the company, investing in it, or selling to it. When reading an annual report, start at the back with the report of the independent certified public accountant and the footnotes. These can provide information that is not readily apparent from the figures in the report. Next, turn to the letter from the chairman. This should tell how the company fared this year and why, as well as giving insights into the company's future. Now it is time to dig into the numbers. One source is the balance sheet which offers information on the company's assets and liabilities. Important numbers to watch are stockholders' equity, long-term debt, and the ratio between these numbers. A second basic source of numbers is the income statement. The first number to look for here is net sales and the rate at which sales are changing. Watch out for net earnings per share; it can be misleading. Don't be smug about net earnings until finding out what is behind them and what might happen next year. The most important thing of all is to compare the annual report to past reports. (DC)