The reference collection is a non-circulating collection. It includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, directories, almanacs, annuals and yearbooks, biographies, geographical sources, handbooks, manuals and guides, indexes and abstracts in print and/or electronic format. Located in the reading rooms, it consists of about 9,000 volumes in Beirut and more than 13,800 volumes in Byblos.
The LAU Libraries provide access to several online databases and Internet access to the wealth of information available from sites around the world; in addition to other databases which are only accessible through the Reference Desk.
It is the mission of the Reference Department to effectively meet the educational and research need of its users by bringing the library’s resources and potential users together through a variety of services, such as person to person service offered at the Reference Desk and email inquiries (Ask A Librarian) whereby responses are sent within two business days.
In addition Reference services are complemented by workshops and tutorials which provide orientation tours, training sessions on specific tools as well as course-related sessions.