The general mission and purpose of the Reference department is to provide staff who will assist and instruct individuals in their pursuit of information, using appropriate methods and materials, regardless of format, and “to provide the most accurate information available in the most timely manner possible.” This assistance will be provided in accordance with general library policies, and every effort will be made to ensure that staff provides equal treatment to all persons.

We serve the patron who requests information on a specific subject or makes a request that requires a definite (fact or figure) answer. These requests may come in person, over the telephone, or through fax and e-mail. Regardless of the manner in which a request is received, every library users right to confidentiality is recognized and maintained.

We provide as wide a range of resources as possible to help patrons find the answers to questions we may be asked. The rapidly changing technological environment requires us to learn new retrieval methods while retaining a useful familiarity with traditional sources. Although we may interpret some sources of information, we are not qualified to interpret legal, medical, or taxation materials.

We manage the Reference collection on the second floor of the library and the periodical reading room on the first floor. We oversee the historical periodicals and Kansas Room collections, as well as microform resources and pamphlet files. The Government Documents Depository, the Adult Education & Literacy program, and Interlibrary Loan are an integral part of the Reference department, as well. Feel free to contact the Reference department at any time in person, by phone or fax, or through E-mail.