Reference and Information Services, providing access to the largest and most comprehensive reference collection on campus, is a major information center within the University of Texas Libraries. The reference collection of print and electronic sources includes general reference tools and materials in many cognate and interdisciplinary fields. Also included are in-depth reference materials in the humanities and social sciences and such professional fields as business and education. Documents reference materials for U.S. government and U.N. publications are part of the reference collection. The Reference and Information Services Department is located in the Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), at the corner of 21st and Speedway Streets on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Our telephone number is (512) 495-4250.

RIS Units, Collections, and Services

• PCL Reference Collection Finding Aids
• Documents Collection
• Electronic Information Center
• Reference Staff Directory
• Map Collection
• Additional PCL Reference Services (tours, workshops, etc.)
• Useful Reference Sites

Service Desk

Information and Research Help Desk (PCL Lobby):

Staff at the Perry-Castañeda Library Information and Research Help desk offer general information and research help in any subject or field - after determining users' specific needs staff either help users on-site or refer inquiries to other locations as appropriate. Staff answer questions about UT Libraries locations and services, location of materials and services within the PCL, use of the Library Catalog and other resources available through the University of Texas Libraries site. UT Library Online, the central access point for electronic information available through the UT Libraries. A selection of printed handouts plus electronic information about the UT Libraries is available at the Information and Research Help desk. Users can also ask for assistance using PCL computers - desk staff can assist patrons who wish to use ethernet ports to connect their laptop computers, wireless access and will also assist patrons who need help with the network print system and the copy/print card vending station in the PCL Lobby.

The desk is regularly staffed on weekdays, evenings, and weekends for in-peron and telephone assistance.

Regular hours the desk is staffed during long semesters are: