Adult & Information Services

Adult & Reference Services

Riverhead Free Library defines our reference service as assistance delivered in a friendly, courteous and professional manner to all our patrons, and to all potential users of information. Reference service takes a variety of forms, including direct personal assistance, directories or signs, exchange of information culled from a reference source, readers' advisory assistance, dissemination of information in anticipation of user needs or interests, and direct end-user access to an information system via telecommunication hardware and software.

The Library, because it possesses, organizes and provides access to Riverhead's single largest concentration of information resources, must develop information services appropriate to its diverse community and in keeping with the ALA's Library Bill of Rights. These services shall take into account the information-seeking behaviors, the information needs, and the service expectations of the members of the community. Provision of information in the manner most useful to its clients is the ultimate test of all a Library does for the community.

 

ILL (Inter-Library Loans)

Riverhead Free Library cardholders may access materials from other public libraries in Suffolk County and beyond. Cardholders may place their own holds via the Library catalog, or visit an Adult Services Librarian for assistance.

Riverhead Free Library patrons may request items from other Suffolk County Member Libraries in two ways:

  • Call the Reference Desk at 631-727-3228 extensions 108, 109 or 110.
  • Use the On-Line Catalog

To use the catalog to request items, use the following procedure:

  1. Connect to the catalog by using the menu navigation at the top of this webpage.
  2. Enter a search term in the box between "Search For:" or "Keyword" and "Riverhead"
  3. You can also use some more advanced techniques:
    • Advanced tip: You can change the 'scope' of your search by clicking on "Keyword" and changing the selection to "Author" or "Title".
    • Advanced tip: You can change the location of your search by clicking "Riverhead" and changing the LIbrary you wish to search, or scroll all the way up the list to "All Libraries" to search all Suffolk County Member Libraries.
  4. Click "Go"
  5. You will be presented with a listing of matching results for your query:

 Performing a Catalog Search

  1. The RED highlighted area shows you the title of the matching result. The title will be accompanied by a category if it is not a book, i.e. "videorecording" (DVD or VHS) or "sound recording" (Audiobook or Playaway). Clicking on the title will bring you to a more detailed page about the item.
  2. The YELLOW highlighted area shows you the location and call numbers of the matching results. The location area uses different location codes to indicate which library has the matching result. "RV" signifies Riverhead.
  3. The GREEN highlighted area shows availability. If no copies are available, you may click this area to get more information about that particular title, when it will be available and if it is possible to request the item.
  4. The BLUE "Request Item" button will start the loan/hold process.
  5. Once you have found the matching result you are looking for you may begin the loan/hold process by clicking on the "Request Item" button.
    • Advanced tip: You can click on the title area in the search results to get more information about a particular result. If you wish to begin the loan/hold process from here, the "Request Item" button is toward the top of the page and not on the side.
  6. Once you request an item, you will be asked to log into the catalog with your library card number and PIN number. If you do not remember your PIN or have not established one, click here to access your account information. You will also be asked where you would like to pick up your item. Click on the "(Choose a Pickup Location)" area and scroll down to "Riverhead", then click the "Go" button.
  7. You will then be presented a confirmation screen. Please review the information. If you need to make any changes, please call our Reference Desk.

 

Databases A to Z

D, E, F

Available from Anywhere:

Only Available Inside the Library:

P, Q, R

Available from Anywhere:

Only Available Inside the Library:

Ask a Reference Question