• finding information on a topic
• developing a search strategy for research papers
• using the library's catalogs, periodical indexes, and government publications
• using the electronic databases available in the University Libraries
• locating facts and statistical data
• answering questions about library policies, services, and facilities
• searching for information on the Internet

Help is available both in person in the Reference area on First Floor West, or by telephone, 765-285-1101. The Reference Desk is staffed by a full-time employee during these hours:

Please go to the Ask a Librarian page for other ways to contact us.

In CardCat, "Reference Collection" is indicated in the LOCATION portion of appropriate records. Most of these books are shelved in call number order in the Reference Collection. Current editions of a few popular sources are kept at the Reference desk. Items in the Reference Collection do not circulate.

Helpful CardCat tip: To look for a Reference book, do an Advanced Search in CardCat. Click in the search box and type your search terms. Towards the bottom of the screen, click on the down arrow next to "Location" and click on "Reference". This will limit your search to items only found in the Reference Collection.

Computer databases are available through CD-ROM and online access, covering a wide variety of subject areas. For a complete listing of these databases, see Electronic Databases. The Reference Collection also has several computer workstations providing access to the Internet through the University Libraries' Web site.