Handbook

Handbooks are collection of miscellaneous facts on a particular theme or year. They generally assume knowledge; hence they are usually used to provide answers to specialist queries. E.g Guinness World records.

A handbook is a type of reference work, or other collection of instructions, that is intended to provide ready reference .

A handbook is a treatise on a special subject. Nowadays it is often a simple but all-embracing treatment, containing concise information and being small enough to be held in the hand.

A handbook is sometimes referred to as a vade mecum (Latin, "go with me") or pocket reference that is intended to be carried at all times. It may also be referred to as an enchiridion.

Handbooks may deal with any topic, and are generally compendiums of information in a particular field or about a particular technique. They are designed to be easily consulted and provide quick answers in a certain area. For example, the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is a reference for how to cite works in MLA style, among other things.

Handbook (LDS Church)

The Handbook (formerly the Church Handbook of Instructions and earlier the General Handbook of Instructions) is a two-volume book of instructions and policies for leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The books are prepared by the church's First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Along with the church's standard works (i.e., its scriptural canon), the Handbook stands as the preeminent policy and practice guide for the leaders of the LDS Church. The LDS Church only distributes copies of the handbook to individuals who fill certain leadership callings within the church hierarchy, although one of the two volumes can be accessed on the church's official website.

Purpose

In general, the Handbook contains institutional church policies as opposed to church doctrine. However, brief statements of doctrine are commonly presented at the start of sections in the handbook in order to provide the doctrinal context in which the policies are being set and implemented. In this way, the Handbook unifies the church's scripture and creeds with its ecclesiology and polity.