Reference Services

The Interior Library provides a full range of professional reference and research services to U.S. Department of the Interior employees, throughout the nation, who rely upon the Library to maintain and locate materials in print, microform, and electronic media to support their research.

Librarians can assist Interior Department employees with research strategies on our online catalog, on our subscription databases, and on the Internet. Librarians can also direct Library users to the judicial, regulatory, and legislative materials in our Law collection and help locate materials in the general collection and periodical collection.

Librarians will make referrals to the appropriate agencies, organizations, and libraries that can provide requested information. Organizations and Federal agencies are welcome to request library tours.

DOI employees may contact the Reference Desk with questions or requests via telephone, mail, fax, or send e-mail. Field employees are welcome to submit research requests by using the Library's contact form, or to call with their research queries. Please let us know about what you've already uncovered, so that a Reference Librarian can assist in the best possible way.

 

Access to Databases and the Internet

Several on-site computers with Internet connections are available to all patrons. These computers may be used to access online databases that otherwise are available only to Departmental employees. Patrons may also use CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs available in the Library's collections. On-site access is provided to CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs on a wide range of subjects including geology, geography, mining, wildlife and oil and gas.

DOI employees may contact a reference librarian to request searches of Westlaw and Lexis databases.

Photocopying

The Library provides photocopiers and microfilm and microfiche reader-printers. No fees are collected for copies made on the premises. The general public is asked to contribute paper to replace copies made and should consult a reference librarian before making copies. Copyright restrictions apply to all photocopies.
 

Updated October 2022

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