reference libraries
Non-circulating book repositories
Reference libraries are collections designed for on-site consultation rather than borrowing.
Unlike lending libraries, materials stay in the building—encyclopedias, atlases, legal codes, and specialized databases that patrons consult briefly rather than read cover to cover.
Many public libraries maintain reference sections alongside circulating collections: The tax forms are in the reference library on the second floor.
- periodicalsRecurring printed publications
- stacksVertical arrangements of items
- card catalogIndexed library reference collection
- catalogingSystematic organization into records
- rare booksUncommon valuable printed works
bound volumes · dust jackets · reading rooms · quiet study · research · bibliography · circulation · database · references · indexing · primary sources · call numbers · special collections · archives · microfilm · directories · almanacs · interlibrary loan
- librariescirculation desk, stacks, card catalogs, checkout, checkout desk
reference librarieslending libraries
Places loaning books temporarily
lending institutions · mobile libraries · bookmobiles · free libraries
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