The Oviatt Library maintains a large reference collection of materials
providing patrons with factual information or directing them to further
sources for that information. Such materials include, but are not limited
to, encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, atlases, handbooks, directories,
style manuals, and bibliographies. Resources may be available in print
or electronic formats -- sometimes both. Print reference sources are
indicated by "Reference Room" or "Ref" in the location
box in the Library Catalog record. Many of these materials are shelved
along with the regular collection on the upper floors of the library
but remain unavailable for checkout. When the catalog indicates "Reference
Room" as the location, the item will be found in the first floor,
Reference Room. Reference materials marked as STORED in the catalog
must be requested through the library's Automated
Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). Requests for stored items can
be made electronically via the catalog, or in person at the Oviatt Library's
Circulation Desk.
As general policy, library reference materials are not allowed to circulate
outside of the library. However, there are certain circumstances which
may warrant a short term loan of such items to CSUN faculty or staff
members. Rules and procedures are as follows:
- Reference materials shelved IN the reference room and designated
with the catalog location code "Reference Room" are NOT
available for loan.
- A reference librarian's approval is required for any reference
materials borrowed for a short term loan.
- CSUN faculty and staff wishing to borrow reference items are required
to bring those materials to the first floor reference desk to receive
loan approval and a library "exception" door pass. Once
approved, reference books must then be formally checked out at the
library's circulation counter where the item will be stamped with
the date due.
- Loan period:
- Reference items borrowed on a weekday (Mon.-Thurs.) are due
the following day at 12:00 noon.
- Any reference item(s) borrowed on Friday is due that SAME day
at 4:45 p.m.
- Reference materials DO NOT circulate over (or during) the weekend.
- Any exceptions to the length of checkout must be so noted on
the door pass by a librarian.
- Reference items must be returned directly to the Circulation Desk.
- Two overdue reference items may result in the cancellation of this
privilege for the remainder of the academic year.
In addition to the print reference collection, the library's Electronic
Books web page offers users online access to a variety of reference sources,
including encyclopedias, dictionaries, style guides, handbooks, college catalogs,
and directories.
