Reference library
A reference library is a library whose holdings must always remain on site (see presence ). In contrast to lending libraries , books and other media are not allowed to be regularly borrowed by users, but only used in the library's own rooms.
Reference libraries have the advantage that they always have their holdings available. A disadvantage is that the use of the books remains linked to the facility and is restricted by the opening times. However, many reference libraries allow borrowing overnight or over the weekend, and sometimes certain user groups (e.g. the lecturers of the university in question in the case of university libraries ) are permitted to borrow.
Lending libraries also often have a certain amount of non-loanable media. The reference inventory usually includes particularly valuable or old editions, for example manuscripts or incunabula , as well as frequently used reference works and work materials. In the case of electronic media, the decision between reference and loan stock is becoming increasingly easier thanks to content that is accessible online. However, many libraries are forced by licensing agreements to only allow online access to these resources within their own premises.