2.5 General reference collection
All 45 public libraries in the Libraries Tasmania network hold a reference collection. The purpose of a public library reference collection is to provide core information that is always available on shelf for all library visitors. Items in the collections are therefore not available for loan.
The size, range and breadth of individual library collections vary according to the size and needs of the community.
All titles in the public library reference collection are also held in the State Reference Collection or in the Tasmanian Heritage Collection. Inter and intra library loan requests for titles are filled from the State Reference Collection.
All libraries, with the exception of Hobart, have a Tasmanian reference collection comprising material of direct relevance to their local or immediate geographic region. Some libraries, in addition to a Tasmanian reference collection, house an existing collection of manuscripts and other original materials relating to the history of Tasmania.
Original materials such as manuscripts, photographs or artworks are not held in libraries, with the exception of Launceston. One-off copies of original materials are not placed in individual libraries; but digital copies are made universally accessible through the Libraries Tasmania website.
In addition to books, the reference collection includes the following formats:
- Electronic resources
- Formats unsuitable for the lending collection such as spiral bound, pamphlets and elephant size
- Newspapers and serials.
Additionally, larger libraries may also include:
- Maps
- Government publications
- Microfilm / microfiche.