Handbooks are a type of reference material that provide instructions, guidance, and information on a particular subject. They are often written in an easy-to-understand format and can be used as a manual for a specific task or activity. The term 'handbooks' can also refer to manuals, which are documents that provide detailed instructions on how to use a product or service. GUIDES are another type of reference material that provide general information about a topic or subject. They are usually written in a more conversational style and provide an overview of the topic.