General Research

The Reference Department provides free information assistance to all Amherst residents and patrons of the Amherst Town Library. The Reference Staff is trained to answer your questions and guide you through a variety of available resources and help you choose the right one.

We respond to questions received in person at the Information and Research desk, via email, telephone or fax.

The Reference Staff can help you find answers to all kinds of questions ranging from single facts to in-depth queries.

Single Facts
Are you looking for a name, address, date, number, or place?
Who is…? When did…? How many…?

We can help you find the answers using almanacs, statistical sources, dictionaries, atlases, and other reference books with brief information or summaries.

Background Information
Do you need an overview of a topic?
Where can I find some history on the Civil Rights Movement?
Who was involved with the discovery of King Tut’s tomb?
What are some of the issues involved with privacy laws?

We can help you find general information on a topic, uncover names, dates, places, and important issues that relate to the subject, or find bibliographies that might lead to more (in-depth) information.

In-Depth Questions
Are you interested in the minute details of a topic, or in questions without definitive answers ?
What information is available on possible cures for cancer?
Where is information on the effects of mainstreaming physically disabled students?

We can help you devise a search strategy, help you find primary resources and other relevant information so you can explore the issue closely.