Reference Department

Our Favorite Links
Reference by Email
Oak Ridge Room
Beginner Internet Instruction Class
Email Class
Oak Ridge Firsts & Other Important Dates
Historic Photo Collections

Reference Services

Reference Collection
Reference by Email
Computers & Internet Access
Internet Express Computers
Computer Classes
Oak Ridge Room
Organization Database
Interlibrary Loan Service
Business & Investment Area
Periodicals
Newspapers
IRS Tax Forms
Telephone Directories

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.

Reference by Email

You may address your reference question to us by sending an email to reference@oakridgetn.gov. We will make every effort to answer your question within 24 hours.

Computers & Internet Access

The Library has 16 computers for public use. These computers are equipped with the Microsoft Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.), and have Internet access. Printing is available from these computers. Two additional computers have games for children.

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Internet Express Computers

The Library has two computers with Internet access only for patrons or guests needing to check email or do a quick Internet search. These computers are available for 15 minutes. Printing is available from these computers.

Computer Classes

Beginning Internet and Introduction to Email classes are offered by the Library. Additional information is available at the Reference Desk.

Oak Ridge Room

Materials concerning Oak Ridge history and books by Oak Ridge authors are located in the Oak Ridge Room. The Library also has a growing collection of oral histories. This room houses past city budgets, minutes of City Council and School Board meetings, and a collection of photographs from the early days of Oak Ridge. Please see the Reference Librarian if you want to browse or research materials in this room.

Organization Database

The Library maintains a database of over 400 area clubs, organizations, and social service groups. The list can be searched by group name or by a key word that describes the group’s focus.

Interlibrary Loan Service

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

Business & 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.

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 and Information Desk list titles owned by the Library and the years available for each title.

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.

IRS Tax Forms

Current tax forms are provided as a service by the library. The Reference staff can also print forms from the IRS web site upon request.

Telephone Directories

Printed directories are available for all Tennessee cities and towns as well as Atlanta, Georgia. The library also has a criss-cross directory for Oak Ridge and Knoxville.

Any 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:

Find information through the Library catalog
Locate Library materials
Answer short-answer questions over the phone
Use the computers
Locate materials not listed in the catalog by using special indices
Refer you to other information resources.