Reference Department
Reference Department
The West Caldwell Public Library Reference & Adult Services Department offers high quality print and electronic resources for our patrons’ informational and research needs. Reference services include but are not limited to: inter-library loan requests, computer assistance, research aid, reader’s advisory, and faxing services. If you could like to speak with a Reference Librarian, you can reach the Reference Department by phone at 973-226-5441 or via email at [email protected].
Research Resources
ALSC BOOKS
A collection of books, recordings, apps, websites, and more for children.
The titles included on this site vary widely as to their intended audience—children anywhere from birth up to 14 years of age. We encourage parents and caregivers to actively engage in the selection of media with their children, as reading skills, cognitive and maturity levels, and interests vary from child to child.
https://alsc-awards-shelf.org/
Digital Learn – Practice digital skills!
The Public Library Association‘s site, DigitalLearn.org is an online hub for digital literacy support and training. The site launched in June 2013 and builds upon and fosters the work of libraries and community organizations as they work to increase digital literacy across the nation.
Included in DigitalLearn.org is a collection of self-directed tutorials for end-users to increase their digital literacy. Feedback from public library staff directed PLA to develop courses on the most basic skills, such as using a computer, navigating a web site, and searching. Modules are video-based with narration, typically 6 to 22 minutes long, written in plain language (communication learners can understand the first time they hear or read it), and often at an elementary to middle school reading level. DigitalLearn.org provides intentional, foundational instruction to be taken at the pace of the learner. DigitalLearn.org courses can also be adapted to support other teaching methods, including instructor-led classroom instruction and just-in-time individual assistance.
SALEM ONLINE
Our Salem Online Documents can assist with history, health, or science research projects.
Click here for access inside the library. Click here for access outside the library.
Click here for access. Use this tool to create resumes, explore career options, learn technology and interviewing skills.
Jersey Clicks
Click here for access. This resource offers a variety of reference materials covering health, science, legal issues, business resources, and continuing education.
GALE VIRTUAL REFERENCE LIBRARY
Click here for access. Gale Virtual Reference Library is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for research. These reference materials can be accessed with a West Caldwell Public Library Card.
Consumer Reports
Click here to get started. From this point, click on Publications in the menu bar and search for “Consumer Reports.
Rosetta Stone
Click here to get started and use your library card number to login. Get help using the Rosetta Stone app for free here.
Websites
Click here to see our list of librarian approved websites.
Click here for access. This collection provides access to a wide selection of full-text scholarly, reference, and professional eBooks that cover topics including the social sciences, humanities, science, and more.
You must have a BCCLS Library Card to use this catalog outside of the Library.
Services
ESL (English-As-A-Second Language) – The West Caldwell Public Library offers weekly ESL Language Program from September – May. Classes are held on Monday evenings from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM in the Community Meeting Room. Classes are free and open to the public. To inquire or to register, please contact the Reference Department at 973-226-5441. Walk-ins are also welcome!
For immediate ESL assistance, please click to see our online language learning programs and apps.
Tech Thursday- The West Caldwell Public Library offers one-on-one technology instruction every other Thursday. Get help with tablets, phones, downloading e-Books, and more. To inquire or to register, please contact the Reference Department at 973-226-5441.
Proctoring – Due to time restraints, we can only offer proctoring services to West Caldwell residents. To see if we have an available librarian, please email [email protected]
Faxing Services – The West Caldwell Public Library Reference staff will provide faxing service upon patron request. Faxing service fees are as follows:
- Within N.J. 1-3 pages $2.00 4-6 pages $4.00
- Outside N.J. 1-3 pages $3.00 4-6 pages $6.00
- Toll free numbers flat rate of $2.00
- We do not accept incoming faxes
There is a limit of six pages per fax number. The Library will not receive incoming faxes for patrons. Unfortunately, the Library is unable to send international faxes at this time.
Local History Room
- Can accommodate up to two people
- Its primary purpose is for local history research and must be made available immediately if a librarian, staff member, or local history researcher requests access.
- Food and drink, including water, are prohibited
- Please limit the use of a room to two (2) hours, once a day, per group. West Caldwell cardholders who are more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their reservations unless they call the Library.
- Please vacate group study rooms ten (10) minutes before the building closes.
- Children who are West Caldwell cardholders in grade 5 and up may use the Study Room as outlined above. Children in grades four and under must be accompanied by an adult who is the “responsible party.”
Users must adhere to all Library policies which include but are not limited to:
- Maintaining an appropriate noise level
- Acting in a reasonable manner
- Failure to adhere to Library Policies when using the Local History Room will result in a termination of its use.