Reference Desk

Librarians staff the Reference Desk in the middle of the Main Floor. Reference Librarians assist students, faculty, and other library patrons with locating the information they seek. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Visit the desk in person or call 774-1509. Librarians can help you to locate quality information efficiently.

We live in a time when the amount of information available to us is multiplying rapidly and information is available in a variety of formats, including electronically. Learning how to choose an appropriate resource for the topic, to utilize a variety of resources to retrieve information, and to evaluate the information found are necessary life skills in the "information age".

Librarians work with students individually and in groups to improve their research skills. They teach effective search strategies for the catalog, research databases, and the Internet. They assist library users with choosing or narrowing a topic, locating background information, and citing their sources. They teach students to evaluate information critically and competently. They work with faculty to create assignments that will assist students with acquiring important searching skills.

Interlibrary Loan

This free service for obtaining materials which the library does not own is offered to students, faculty, and staff.

Any library catalog, index, or bibliography can be used as a resource for locating relevant information on a topic. With this service, the Deerfield Academy community is not limited only to the materials owned by this library.

After all possible sources for the book or article, including the library's catalog and research databases, have been consulted to verify that the it is not available in the Boyden Library, an Interlibrary Loan request form can be completed. These forms are available at the Reference Desk and online. Take completed forms to the Reference Desk where a librarian will approve the request.

Patrons should allow up to two weeks for receipt of materials. The loan period is determined by the lending library. Recently published materials are often unavailable.