The reference collection and the reference desk are located on the second floor of the library. The reference staff's job is to help you find the information and library materials you need. Current students and staff members who need or want extended help may schedule appointments with a librarian or library intern. The reference telephone number is (508) 999-8678. The reference department does not currently answer reference questions submitted electronically.

The reference collection consists of materials: books, serials, periodical indexes electronically or in print. Some dictionaries, encyclopedias, and directories contain the kinds of information that answer questions. Others, such as bibliographies and indexes, refer you to other sources of information.

Much of what the library collects and provides its users is in formats, print and electronic, that must be used in the library. (Materials in the general collection may be borrowed; reference materials may not.) Some of the most frequently used materials are in electronic formats that are networked and can be reached from computers elsewhere. Anyone can access the library's online public access catalog, Voyager, but licensing agreements restrict the use of electronic periodical indexes to current students, faculty members, and staff. Some basic reference sources: dictionaries, almanacs, statistical handbooks are available to anyone on the Internet.

Other services provided at the reference desk include: requests for journal articles and books through interlibrary loan, mediated database searches and applications for Boston Library Consortium cards. These services are available to current students, faculty members, and staff. Others may wish to investigate searches and document delivery available, for a fee, through Project ASC.

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