Reference collections are available at all libraries with the main collection being located at Ryde Library. The reference collection is NOT available for loan, and must be used in the library. Friendly and helpful staff at our five libraries can assist you with your reading and information needs.

Ryde Library, as part of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Library Extension Programme, holds a core collection of statistical publications, in either print or electronic form, including the 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006 census results. The majority of the publications provide statistical information relating to New South Wales or Australia.

Ryde Library is a Public Library LIAC providing access to legal information. LIAC is the Legal Information Access Centre, an initiative of the State Library of NSW and the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW. LIAC provides information, not advice, and services are free and confidential. Visit the Ryde LIAC and ask for the Legal Tool Kit, a collection of plain language books which answer many everyday legal questions. You'll also find LIAC's Hot Topics series which will keep you up-to-date with recent changes and current debates in the law.

Ryde Library is a participant in the Drug Info @ Your Local Library project. A Joint initiative of the State Library of New South Wales and NSW Health, 'Drug Info @ Your Library' has been established to help libraries in New South Wales provide quality illicit drug information and resources.

A HSC Reference Collection has been developed at the Ryde Library. This collection includes subject and study guides for each of the HSC subjects, including 'Excel', 'Get Smart', 'Wizard', 'Leading Edge', 'Spark Notes', 'York Notes', 'Insight' and 'Macquarie' guides. The Library Catalogue includes a full list of the titles in the HSC collection at Ryde Library.

AskNow! is a collaborative service offered by over 100 librarians from National and State Libraries of Australasia, providing information and research help. Ask Now! is a virtual reference service staffed by librarians in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. It aims to provide high quality information to users, with the convenience of immediate, online communication. By completing a web form users can submit a question and chat to a librarian who will help find high quality information. During a session, the librarian can “push” websites and other information directly to the user’s computer while chatting. Librarians can also initiate a co-browse session with a user, which allows both parties to see the same screen.

Trained and knowledgeable staff can assist you with all your information needs. Enquiries relating to the reference collection should be directed to the Information Services Librarians on 9952 8352.