Look for a sign that tells you where to find the reference desk, or reference collection. Reference books usually cannot be checked out because they usually only need to be used for a very short period of time. Databases Academic library Web sites will usually also provide access to reference tools or resources from the library's Web site. Many reference books, like Encyclopedia Britannica , are now available on the Internet. Some reference databases, like Contemporary Authors , will be restricted to library users with identification or library cards at a particular library.
Reference books cover general topics.
If you search for music AND encyclopedias you might find a useful reference book such as The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians . If you searched for accordions AND encyclopedias , you would come up with nothing because no one has written an entire encyclopedia about accordions. How To Use Reference Tools Each reference tools will be different. If you are using a reference book, carefully follow instructions in the front of the book. Try looking up your topic in the index of the book or within the book in alphabetical order.