North of the Reference Desk is the Reference Area where
users can access a variety of reference works such as periodical indexes and abstracts,
dictionaries, encyclopedias, directories, manuals, etc. These resources may be in print,
microfiche or electronic format. They enable the user to locate references to periodical
articles in specific subject areas, such as agriculture, political science, engineering,
and business, and find in-depth information about companies, census data, doctoral
dissertations, biographical information, etc.
Users may access a wide variety of electronic indexes and abstracts to periodical
literature, often referred to as "databases" or "CD-ROMs," in the
Reference Area. These databases may be found in two locations--in the computer
workstations marked A through H, and in Rooms 188B, 188D, 188E, and 188F,along the east
wall of the Reference Area. In addition to the electronic databases described above, most
of these workstations also provide access to many resources and services through the
Library's World Wide Web homepage. If assistance is needed in using these sources, library
users may wish to make an appointment with a subject specialist. Appointments are made by
inquiring at the Reference Desk, the Reception desk in Room 152, or by calling 294-3642.
The Reference Area also contains printed indexes and abstracts to periodical
literature, many of which are located on the numbered tables and short
shelves. The tall shelves on the west side of the area house a
variety of traditional reference resources, such as encyclopedias, dictionaries,
handbooks, almanacs, and directories. Many government publications, such as the Code
of Iowa and The Federal Register, are also available here.
Most items in the Reference Area can be found in the Library Catalog, with the
location "Reference Collection." Materials in this collection must be used in
Parks Library, and may not be checked out.
