The reference collection
includes indexes, abstracts, standards, dictionaries, directories, handbooks,
encyclopedias, and atlases. Many of these books are received on a continuing
basis, so that the most recent publication is always available.
Reference materials are shelved in their own section
toward the rear of the library with purple range end signs and are
identified in the library catalog by location REF. Some heavily
used items are located at the Library Service desk (location REFDSK).
Many atlases (REFLG), because of their size, are located in the
atlas cases at the end of the reference section. Reference materials
do not circulate.
Many familiar printed indexes and abstracts such as Biological
Abstracts, Engineering Index, Physics Abstracts, and Science Citation
Index, have been superseded by electronic counterparts - see the
Databases page.
Some print standards
are kept in the reference collection. Most major standards are
available online to LANL staff — see the Standards
and regulations page for more information.
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