Main Library · Information and Reference Department

Second Floor—South Building
513-369-6900

Manager: Ben Lathrop
Reference Team Leader Allison Schultz

About the Department

In 2007, a dynamic new service model was developed for the Main Library. Under this new plan, resources previously divided among five Main Library subject departments were drawn together into the Information and Reference Department. The Information and Reference Department offers customers expert reference assistance across a broad range of subjects from the 2nd floor service desk.

The Collection

The Information and Reference Department has a remarkably broad and extensive nonfiction collection. It encompasses a a wide cross-section of subjects including: philosophy, psychology, religion, sports and outdoor recreation, chemistry, cooking, consumer research, gardening, engineering, natural history, health and medicine, parenting, earth science, car repair, business, government, computers, politics, investments, jobs, art, architecture, antiques, design, crafts, television and movies, photography, theater, journalism, literary analysis and criticism, biographies, language and linguistics, publishing, poetry, drama, history, geography, travel, popular culture, and current events.

As a designated Government Documents and Patent and Trademark Depository Library, the Department’s collection also includes many publications received from the federal government and the Patent and Trademark Depository Library program

Resource Centers

• Grants. Resources to help non-profit organizations identify and pursue funding opportunities.
• Careers. Resources about career choices, job searching, resume writing, and interviewing.
• Small Businesses. Information on the management, planning, finance and legal aspects of starting a small business, as well as information on industry and market analysis.
• Public documents. Public documents received on deposit from the federal government, including publications from the Executive Branch, the Supreme Court, the Congress, the Patent and Trademark Office, and numerous independent agencies.

Services

The Information and Reference Department staff offer professional, expert assistance to all customers having questions, from simple fact checking to in-depth research. Although the primary service point is the 2nd floor central desk, “Roving reference” staff are also available on the 3rd floor to help customers locate material and use Library resources. Staff in the “Remote Reference Center” handle phone calls and emails. Passport application are also accepted in the Department, please see our Passport site for more details about this service.