Q. What are "Reference" Books and Databases?

Reference works are information sources, typically written to contain a large amount of broad information on a number of topics. They are called "reference works" because users refer to them for basic information. For this reason, they are usually not read cover-to-cover.

Common examples of reference works are encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, atlases, concordances, glossaries, thesauruses, instruction or owners manuals, directories, and yearbooks.

Reference works can be databases or print books.

Print reference books are identified by a yellow Reference sticker on the spine and "Ref" on the call number.

Fall 2022 update: Reference books are being interfiled with the upper level collection. But unlike regular books, print reference books cannot be checked-out.