Welcome to the hobby, Dave! Are you from the St. Louis area? If so, there are several of us here that collect chips. I'm trying to set up an area club. If you're closer to Kansas City, there are a great group of collectors who already have a club set up.
You can't go wrong with James' price guide 3rd edition. If you just collect Nevada chips, then I would recommend The Chip Rack, also. They're both very good reference guides.