Which printed material is most likely to need periodic updating?

Periodic updating is essential for reference materials because they often contain information that can change over time, such as statistics, policies, regulations, or best practices. Reference materials are designed to provide accurate and relevant information, and as knowledge evolves or new data becomes available, it becomes crucial to revise these documents to maintain their integrity and usefulness. This ensures that users rely on the most current and applicable knowledge when making decisions or applying the information in practical situations.

In contrast, handouts, job aids, and workbooks may contain more static information that doesn’t change as frequently, or they may be less reliant on the latest data. While these materials may also need updates at times, the nature of reference materials makes their requirement for periodic revisions more pressing, particularly in fields where information can quickly become outdated.