Reference collection

A reference collection is a collection of objects maintained for the purposes of study, comparison, research, and authentication.^[1] While most commonly associated with libraries, reference collections can also be found in museums, archives, research institutions, and private holdings.

These collections are generally non-circulating, meaning that items cannot be checked out or removed from the premises, to ensure their availability and preservation for future users; and thus are not typically meant for general reading or entertainment, but rather for specific, detailed study and consultation.^[2] They may be very expensive items, such as a current encyclopedia, which the institution does not want to risk losing.

^ Carol A. Singer (2012). Fundamentals of Managing Reference Collections. American Library Association. ISBN 978-0838911532.
^ Nolan, Christopher W. (1999). Managing the reference collection (Nachdr. ed.). Chicago London: American Library Association. ISBN 978-0-8389-0748-1.

[1] Carol A. Singer (2012). Fundamentals of Managing Reference Collections. American Library Association. ISBN 978-0838911532.

[Nolan1999-2] Nolan, Christopher W. (1999). Managing the reference collection (Nachdr. ed.). Chicago London: American Library Association. ISBN 978-0-8389-0748-1.

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