Reference 

Regional member libraries and their patrons have direct access to information beyond the boundaries of their buildings through regional reference services and resources. The Regional Library Systems carry this out through designated Regional Reference and Research Centers located within their respective regions.

The General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 78: Section 19C(2) mandates that the Board designate Regional Reference Centers in each region to provide services under a contractual relationship with the Board and their respective regional headquarters. The Code of Massachusetts Regulations, 605 CMR 7.00 Section 7.02 "Regional Reference and Research Centers; Standards," provides details regarding the number and designation of Regional Reference Centers for the Regional Library Systems. In addition, Chapter 78: Section 19C(2) mandates that the Board develop "minimum standards for reference and research centers...in consultation with the regional library systems." See summary page on reference standards for important documents regarding the development of revised regional reference standards.

The Regional Reference and Research Centers also provide Massachusetts residents with direct access to reference librarians through MassAnswers, a 24/7 web-based reference service coordinated through the Boston Public Library and initially funded with an LSTA grant from the Board.

Each Regional Library System also provides access to regionally licensed magazine and neswpaper databases, as well as hands on training for these databases in their computer labs. For detailed information regarding specific regional reference services, use the following links listed below: