Reference materials are resources designed to be consulted rather than read completely. Often they provide concentrated information on a subject. As a result the information will not be full or complete. Most references are secondary sources, so the authors rely on their information from other sources. Reference materials include dictionaries, encyclopedias, statistical sources, biographical sources, and directories. Reference sources are most useful for quickly locating facts. The nature of the facts will differ depending on the type of source it is. Encyclopedias can provide background information for a good overview of the topic. Dictionaries, not only help you define and spell words, but can explain current or historical usages of words, and reveal special usages. Biographical sources provide basic facts about the lives of people. Statistics are nothing but facts. Directories provide names addresses, and other contact information. Even though they lead you to all sorts of fascinating information, they are not recommended as principal sources for research

The call numbers of most Reference books start with "REF" at the beginning of the call number. These books are found in the main (second) floor of the library. A few Reference books are kept separately behind the Reference desk. The call numbers of these books begin with the superscript "REF DESK." Many reference materials are now available online. Some are free and others are available through a library subscription. The Library maintains anr online Reference page.