Reference Library
Overview
The Reference Library is located in room 200 of the Main Library, and provides information and instructional services that support the research needs of the UIUC community and the public-at-large. The collection contains nearly 25,000 volumes and represents the largest collection of reference material in the UIUC library system. This collection covers all disciplines with a particular emphasis on the humanities and social sciences. Please visit the Reference Library's website for more detailed information.
EOTU Resources in the Reference Library
The Reference Library contains material specific to the University of Illinois. Call numbers beginning with "C" and shelved between 378.999-379 of the wall collection (the part of the collection displayed around the room's exterior walls) are items related to the University of Illinois. These include alumni directories and registers, financial reports, operational budget information, salary reports, histories, and lists of faculty publications from 1908-1979. There is more information about getting around the reference room. The collection is also filled with general reference sources that may be of interest for people looking for information about the university. Reference collection strengths in biography, bibliography, and general statistics can often provide important information about people and places associated with the university. The Reference Library's collection of both print and electronic periodical indexes is also valuable in tracking down articles published about the University of Illinois.
Reference Help
Students and the general public can get help in person at the Information desk which is located on the second floor of the Main Library. Users can also get help by telephone (217-333-2290) or by using the Ask a Librarian service, which allows questions to be posed by e-mail, chat, or instant messaging. Please don't hesitate to use the Reference Library as a primary contact for information, research assistance, and for referrals across disciplines.
