Hi WOaS,
Back when I started growing, which was pre-internet...I bought every ganja book I could lay my hands on. Not too many back then though. These days, with everything available on the internet...it may not be necessary.
But let me waffle a bit. For a nowbie who is sincerely interested in learning his craft, then a good guide or reference book can be invaluable. Some of the advice people get in forums is conflicting if not totally bogus. It's nice to have accurate and useful info all in one place. So yes for a newbie and maybe for everybody else.
JD