OWHL Guides: French 220: Reference Sources Plus

Reference Books vs. Circulating Books

Reference books should only be used for an overview, and not as one of your major sources. Because reference book articles are short, you are not going to find the level of detail required to write a successful paper.

Circulating books offers more specific information on one major subject with lots of details in its further subdivision. You may also find lots of supporting materials via facts, personal experience or survey as well as possible some statistics. It takes you to a deeper level of research.

Where can I find them?

Reference books are located in the Garver Room (silent study room).

Reference books CANNOT be checked out or leave the library.
Please return reference books to the Garver Room when you're done with them.
All reference books will have the prefix REF before the call number.

Circulating books are located in the stacks.

Please use the Stack Directory in the Main Help Desk area or ask librarians.
If you don't find a circulating book in the stack, you may check 1) Books around the slot where it should be; 2) The shelves with "To be shelved" in the stacks; 3) Ask the librarian at the Circulation Desk to see if it is just returned.
Librarians can help you to get a copy via an Interlibrary Loan service.