Few things are as frustrating as needing the answer to a fairly straightforward question—Who directed Shane? Where is Mozambique? Who said “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds?”—and not being able to find the answer quickly without calling the public library or firing up your computer. When you’ve got the right books on your reference shelf, the answers you need are at your fingertips. Here are the standard reference library books you’ll reach for again and again:

1. Dictionary. Take a look at the copyright date of the dictionary on your shelf. If you’d be suspicious of any can in your pantry with this date, it’s time for a new edition. An older dictionary may be serviceable, but it won’t include the most contemporary words and meanings, up-to-date biographical and geographical entries, or current acceptable usage, leaving you more open to making mistakes. See the box below for what to look for in your new dictionary.

2. Thesaurus. It’s best not to depend exclusively on the thesaurus in your word processing system. Whether you’re reaching for the best word to capture your meaning, or just want to limber up your vocabulary, an actual (as opposed to virtual) thesaurus will give you more words and more nuances of meaning to choose from. Look for a thesaurus that lists words alphabetically, so they’re easier to find, and that groups synonyms according to similar meanings, so you choose the best word for the context.

3. Book of quotations. Look for a thorough collection of quotes—the bigger the book, the more likely it is to include that quote you’re trying to track down. The books that are easiest to use are arranged by subject, rather than author or chronology; subject listings allow easier browsing for just the right quote to use in a speech, and all good quote books include author indexes in case you know who said the quote you want. Look for a keyword index as well, so you can look up a quote you know even if you don’t know the speaker or how it would be classified by subject.

4. Atlas. An up-to-date atlas—including the latest changes in country names, for example—is an invaluable tool. Large-format books make map reading easier, but come with high price tags; depending on how you’ll use your atlas, a smaller, less pricey book may work for you.

5. Video/movie guide. Look for the most recent book with the largest number of movies and with cross-referencing of major producers, directors, and actors.

6. Almanac. Most almanacs are annuals, meant to be replaced every year. Look at a few different brands to find the book that displays information the way you prefer, and one with a complete index rather than a “concise” or “mini” index that does not cover the whole book.

7. Classic all-purpose cookbook. If your cookbook library is limited, choose a book with some basic kitchen how-to, such as how many minutes to cook an artichoke or how to carve a chicken, rather than one with recipes only.

8. Household maintenance and repair handbook. Unless you’re a dedicated do-it-yourselfer, a general book will assist you with almost any home repair.

9. Encyclopedia. Select an encyclopedia based on the way you plan to use it. For most family reference fact-checking, a good one-volume encyclopedia is enough. Multivolume encyclopedias take up shelf space and cost a bundle; a one-volume book is easier on the budget and can be replaced more often to keep your library up-to-date.

10. Family medical encyclopedia. Choose a book that allows you to look up symptoms, to help you avoid unnecessary trips to your physician.

11. Etiquette book. This may seem quaint or unnecessary, but next time you need to RSVP for a formal event or write a condolence note, you’ll be glad you have an authoritative guide.

12. Gardening book. Be sure to choose one geared to your climate zone.