Reference Collection

The letters "REF" are used to designate the Reference Collection. Included in the Reference Collection are materials that circulate for three days and materials for use in the Library only.

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Periodicals

Current issues of periodicals are shelved across from the Main Desk; back issues are on open shelves near the Reference Desk. Printouts at the Reference Desk, Information Desk, Main Desk and Internet stations list titles owned by the Library and the years available for each title.

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Tennessee Electronic Library

Indexing for most magazines in our collection is accessed through the Tennessee Electronic Library.  TEL is available via the Internet, and you can also access it from your home computer.  click on the TEL icon under References Services or ask at the Reference Desk for the address and password.  You can search by subject, periodical title, date, or a combination of terms.  If you need assistance, please ask at the Reference Desk.  Access to TEL is provided as a public service by the State of Tennessee.

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Internet Access

You may connect to the Internet through the Library.  Internet users must have a valid Oak Ridge Public Library card and pin number to access the Internet at the library. Those living outside the city limits may purchase a full service library card for $45 a year, which will allow them to check out library materials in addition to accessing the Internet, or buy a visitor card for Internet use only. The visitor cards will cost $2 and be valid for one day. Please ask at the Reference Desk for more details concerning this service.

Two Internet Express stations have been set up to allow patrons quick access to email or to the Internet.  No library card or visitor pass is required, and the length of the session is 15 minutes.  Printing is not currently available from these computers.  See the Reference Librarian to log you on and get you started.  

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Newspapers

Current issues of local and national papers are shelved with the current periodicals. Back issues are held for a specified period. The Oak Ridger and New York Times are available on microfilm; the Oak Ridger is also bound.

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Vertical File

Pamphlets are arranged by subject heading in the vertical file cabinets. These are available for circulation.

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College Catalogs

College guides and catalogs are available for two and four year colleges, as well as graduate, professional programs and trade school. Most of these are for Library use only, but older editions of the college guides do circulate.

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Telephone Directories

Printed directories are available for all Tennessee cities and towns as well as Atlanta, Georgia.  Criss-cross assistance is available for the Oak Ridge and Knoxville area.

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Business and Investment Area

Directories of area and national manufacturers and businesses are available for use in the Library. Value Line, Morningstar Mutual Funds, and other investment services are also available

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Gates Computers

The Library has four computers provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These computers are equipped with the Microsoft Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.), a variety of educational software packages, as well as games for children.

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Interlibrary Loans

Materials not included in the Library’s collection may be available from other libraries. These items include books, photocopies of journal articles, and census microfilm. These loans are a privilege extended by the lending library, and library patrons are asked to assume responsibility for postage, insurance and any damages to the material.

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Other Questions?

If you have questions concerning the Services at the Oak Ridge Public Library, please ask at the Reference Desk. We are here to serve you! The Reference Staff will be glad to help you:

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Reference by Email

This is a new service that allows you to ask reference questions via e-mail.  We will answer specific reference questions or refer you to sources that will help you find the information you want.  Questions will be answered as soon as possible.  In case we need to contact you about your question, please include your name and a daytime telephone number.

If you want to request a book for purchase or get material on interlibrary loan, please call the Reference desk at (865) 425-3465.

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