Reference Service

Reference & Information Technology

Reference Services

Your library membership provides you with access to a large range of reference collections in both print and on line materials.

Items in the reference collections are usually current, up to date information and are not for loan. All collections can be searched through the catalogue. To access the library catalogue using the Internet, visit www.darwin.nt.gov.au click on “Libraries” then select catalogue.

Print Materials

Each library has an extensive collection of reference books on most subjects. The collections include, but are not limited to encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, atlases, travel guides, and statistical information.

Library staff are pleased to assist you in accessing the reference collections.

Online Resources

Darwin City Council Libraries currently subscribe to a number of online resources including :

• Health and Wellness Resource Centre
• World Book Encyclopedia
• ANZ Reference Centre
• Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Britannica Encyclopedia
• Your Tutor
• What do I Read Next?

These can be accessed either at the library or can be viewed by library members via the Internet.

To access the on line databases via the Internet you need to enter your library card number and your password. If you do not have a password, please contact your library.

Reader Requests

If you require a book which is not available at our libraries, we can either purchase a copy or borrow a copy from another public library.Please fill out and sign a reader request form.

There are restrictions on what can be requested from other libraries and in some cases charges may apply.  Unfortunately, we cannot purchase all materials requested and due to the high volume of requests received we are not able to notify you when items are not selected for purchase.

Internet

Internet access is available free of charge to permanent and temporary library customers.

Visitors can use the Internet at a cost of $3.00 for 30 minutes - bookings are essential.

Staff are able to assist you in using the Internet - please ask when booking. Your library from time to time offers specific training sessions in how to use the Internet. Please ask staff when the next training is available.

Word Processing

PCs are available for hire.

Costs $3.00 (minimum charge) for a max of 2 hours per day – bookings essential.

Printing is charged at 20 cents per sheet.

Newspapers

The libraries subscribe to local, interstate and overseas newspapers that can be read in the library. Generally back issues are not available in print, but can be accessed through our on line databases.

Motor Manual Collection

A motor manual collection is available for use at Casuarina library. The collection contains approximately 1500 manuals for cars, boats, motorcycles, trucks, lawn mowers and general material on small engine maintenance.