I used Mark's somewhat extensively, but that is mostly because it is a text that I used in school (and for many years since).
The key on references, in my opinion, is to know them well. Get to the point where you can hammer through problems you are good at without going to the index.
I passed the mechanical systems exam taken in October. I opened 5 references at the test. They were Lindeburg, Mark's, Beer & Johnson, the Machinery's handbook and Shigleys'. The first 4 are texts I use at least once every few weeks at work so I know them pretty well.
Like many test takers, I took more materials to the exam, but that is how life goes.
I hope this helps.