Reference

Reference Services
Reference service is provided by professionally trained librarians every hour that the library is open. Information may be requested in person, by telephone, or by email. In addition to our book collection, the Reference Department offers newspapers, magazines, journals, public Internet access computers, an Adaptive Technology computer for the blind or visually impaired, and computers with Word, Powerpoint, Access, and Excel. A typewriter is also available for public use. The Burlington Public Library now offers wireless access for people with properly equipped laptops.

Online Databases

The Burlington Public Library has access to databases containing a wealth of information including full text magazine, newspaper, and journal articles for research. Home users need a Burlington Library card or a card from another MVLC library.
1. Click Online Databases
2. Select database from list.
3. Enter 14-digit library card number (all digits, no spaces).
4. Click "Go"
Database users are welcome to consult with the Reference staff by phone, in person, or by email regarding search techniques and database selection.

Reserving Materials

Patrons can search for materials in the entire Merrimack Valley Library Consortium by using our online catalog. If the material is available in Burlington, please call us at (781) 270-1691 and we will hold the material for you at the circulation desk. If the material is available at another library, library cardholders may request the item online. Click here for detailed instructions.

Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows library cardholders to borrow materials not owned by the Burlington Public Library or any libraries in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. Call (781) 270-1691 and the reference staff will try to locate the material in other libraries throughout the United States. Please be aware that requests from libraries outside our consortium can take 3-4 weeks.

Magazines

A listing of the magazines to which the library subscribes.

Newspapers

A listing of the newspapers to which the library subscribes.

Adaptive Technology Computer

The Burlington Library has an assistive technology computer station with software designed to help individuals with visual impairment and also those with certain learning disabilities. The assistive technology computer station is equipped with a 17 inch monitor, a flatbed scanner, and a range of assistive software.

Screen/Text Reader Software Jaws reads aloud text on the computer screen, allowing blind and visually impaired users to access the web, and work with computer programs. Kurzweil 1000 uses Optical Character Recognition and Text to Speech technology to convert printed word into speech. Patrons can scan in material on the library's flatbed scanner.

Screen Magnification Software Magic screen magnification software allows images and text on a computer screen to be magnified. The entire screen can be magnified, or a magnification lens can moved across the screen using the mouse.

Helpful Web Sites

Hundreds of Internet sites divided into subject categories for use in your research.

Subject Guides and Book Lists

A listing of books and websites on various topics of interest which are recommended by our staff.

Reference After Hours

When the library is closed, 24-hour reference assistance is available from through various online sources.

Computer Workshops

Burlington Public Library offers a variety of workshops to help our patrons become more comfortable with using computers to access information online.

E-Mail Us with your reference question.

We will respond within 48 hours.