Reference is the place to begin your library research. For example, in reference you can find encyclopedias and dictionaries; hard-to-find facts; up-to-date maps; telephone numbers and addresses for government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses; and information on how to do citations. Reference books provide background for research topics, dates of events, brief biographies and literary criticism. Reference sources also list, in guides developed by those familiar with the field, the most useful and current books and articles for your research. Reference offers the latest in online, Web-based tools for finding books and articles, college catalogs and electronic books as well as for searching the Web. Electronic journals are also available through the online book catalog, URSUS.

Reference librarians provide help in finding and using research tools and in designing research strategies. The staff offers in-person help with research, teaches library classes and creates subject research guides. For help with your research, stop by the reference desk or call for an appointment (207-621-3349).  Online research assistance is available through Ask A Librarian: http://maine.cb.docutek.com/ocls/vrl_entry.asp.  This service enables students to talk online with a live reference librarian or to send a reference question by e-mail.

Off-Campus Library Services offers support to students, faculty and staff participating in distance learning: http://www.learn.maine.edu/ocls/.

Online research guides are available in many subject areas and also as course-specific guides: http://umalibguides.uma.edu/guides.

Library instruction classes, taught by library staff, teach students how to do library research. Librarians work closely with faculty in designing course-related classes. In these sessions, students learn about research tools and the use of online databases for finding books, articles and Web sites. Faculty can schedule a class by coming to or calling the library (207-621-3349). Sessions are scheduled during class time. Faculty should contact reference staff at least one week before they want the class scheduled.