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and abstracts such as Biological Abstracts, Engineering Index, Physics Abstracts, and Science Citation Index, have been superseded by electronic counterparts - see the Databases page.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.