Reference Division

The Reference Division

Reference Desk Services

Reference librarians are available to assist users in the most effective use of the Library's resources and services. Service is available from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday during academic quarters. During intersessions and summers, reference service is offered from 8:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 5:00 pm on Sataurday. Hours may vary during intersession and holidays. Current hours of service are posted at the Reference Desk. Or you can submit a question using the Online Form

Classes and Tours

Reference librarians will conduct orientation tours to assist new users in becoming acquainted with the library's facilities and services. Inquire at the Reference for further information. Training sessions in effective use of the ORION online system, Melvyl® MEDLINE® Plus, and the Internet are scheduled frequently. A schedule and description of classes offered in the Biomedical Library are available. For UCLA users, reference librarians will provide class lectures for any course where instruction in library research techniques or information management skills is appropriate. Class lectures and library orientations for groups should be arranged well in advance to ensure availability of library staff, instructional equipment, and facilities. Contact the Educational Services Coordinator by e-mail at biomed-ref@library.ucla.edu or by telephone at 206-8016.

Online Search Services

Reference librarians provide computer searches of many online bibliographic and textual databases available through the National Library of Medicine and commercial database vendors. Online search service provides users with timely bibliographies of recent literature pertinent to the user's specific research, educational, or clinical needs. In many cases a current alerting service, providing regular updates on selected topics, is also available. A fact sheet describing the databases, search costs, and application procedures is available at the Reference Desk.

The Reference Division also offers courses in searching online databases such as MEDLINE. Inquire at the Reference Desk for a course roster and schedule.

Interlibrary Borrowing Service

UCLA faculty, staff, and students may request interlibrary loans for materials not owned by the UCLA Library system. Interlibrary loan requests should be made at the Reference Desk.

Biomedical Library (biomed-ref@library.ucla.edu)