Beverly Public Library: Reference Department

Reference Department

Chat with a Librarian

There are a number of ways to get in touch with us. You can always phone us at (978) 921-6062 or email us. And now you can also instant message us. IM us through AOL Instant Messenger or Meebo

AOL Instant Messenger - beverlypublic
Meebo - beverlypublic (Log with your AIM, GoogleTalk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN, or Yahoo IM account info)

If you don't have a IM account, you can still chat with us using the box to the right.

If we are not open, you can still contact a library though a 24/7 online information service, MassAnswers.

Reference Librarians are on duty at all times during open hours to assist the public with locating information on a range of topics including business, the law, medicine, consumer information, school assignments, local history, and recreational reading.

Reference Department resources include books, periodicals, microforms, and online research databases. A local history collection, located in the Beverly Room, focuses on Beverly history and Essex County history.

Helpful Websites

These websites provide information which answers some frequently asked questions at the Reference Desk.

Taxes

Massachusetts Department of Revenue
state income tax information, forms and help
http://www.dor.state.ma.us/help/taxhelp.htm
Internal Revenue Service
http://www.irs.gov/

Finding Materials

Patrons can search our online catalog as well as the Internet. Materials may be requested from most libraries.
The computer catalog allows you to search by subject, author, title, and keyword.
Simultaneously search the catalogs of over 300 Massachusetts Libraries using theVirtual Catalog. You can also use this catalog to request items not available at NOBLE libraries.

Pathfinders

Pathfinders are subject guides to the various information sources available through the library. They provide a starting point for conducting research. The pathfinders are in PDF format. You will need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your machine to open PDF files. Click here to download Acrobat Reader. It's free.

Interlibrary Loan

If the particular title you are looking for cannot be found on the computer, the Reference Librarian can assist you with an interlibrary loan.

Magazines and Newspapers

Current issues of magazines are in the Periodical Reading Room. The most recent issue (stored in binders) cannot be borrowed, but those stored under the shelves (the most recent 12 months) may be borrowed.
Back issues of magazines are shelved in the stacks on the third floor or have been converted to microfilm. They cannot be checked out.
Current issues of The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Beverly Citizen, The Salem Evening News, and other newspapers are kept in the Periodical Reading Room.
Back issues of some newspapers are kept in paper copy or on microfilm. Microform readers and printers are located in Reference. The Reference Librarian can assist you. Copies are $.15 and you will need exact change You can get up to $3.00 in change at the Circulation Desk.

Photo Copying

There are three public copiers, one across from the circulation desk, one in the stacks, and one in the Children's Room.
Copies are $.15 each. The machines can make change for $1.00 and $5.00 bills.

Computers at the Library

Public computers with word processing and other software and laser printers are available through the Reference Desk. We offer online research databases, Internet access, and an automated catalog.

The Beverly Public Library provides public access to the Internet as part of the Library's information services. A time card is required to use an Internet computer and may be obtained at the Reference Desk. There is a time limit of 30 minutes when other people are waiting. The newer Internet computers also have Microsoft Office software.

By using any Internet computer in the Beverly Public Library, you agree to abide by the rules established in our Internet Policy and may lose your Internet priviliges if you do not follow these rules

The library also has three computers with Microsoft Office software. These computers do not have Internet access. Patrons can sign up at the Reference Desk for one hour each day.

The library also provides wireless internet access. Click here for more information.

Beverly Public Library