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.