Reference Room


On this page:
IM | Got Questions? | Reference Newsletter | Job Searching Guides | Databases | Boston Public Library Cards | Local History | Information Guides | Internet Use | Wireless Internet

Free Resume and Computer Help!
Drop-in resume and computer help is now available upstairs in the MaiJob Searchn Library Reference Department!
Please call 508-532-5570 x4361 for details.

Drop-in Resume Help
Most Thursdays 10am-12:30pm
Drop-in Computer Help
Drop-in Computer Help
Mondays 12:00-2:00pm
Wednesdays 11:00am–2:00pm
Thursdays 9:30–11:30am
Fridays 11:00am–2:00pm 
Computer help will not be available on...
Monday, August 16
Wednesday, August 18
Friday, August 20
Monday, August 23
Wednesday, August 25
Friday, August 27
Monday, August 30

Online Job Searching: A Hands-on Introduction
Friday September 10, 10:00am-12:00pm or
Tuesday October 5, 10:00am-12:00pm or
Tuesday November 9, 10:00am-12:00pm
Main Library, Costin Room
The Internet provides a wealth of options for job seekers in this tough job market. The challenge is to locate the resources that fit your needs and get them working for you as efficiently and effectively as possible. We’ll explore a variety of job-search and social networking websites and discuss how to select and use them and how to protect your privacy. Led by Mary Wasmuth, a librarian who specializes in helping job hunters use online sources. Class is limited to 8 people.
To preregister for a workshop, please e-mail mwasmuth@minlib.net or call the reference department at 508-532-5570, ext 4361.

Local History Additions
The Reference department proudly announces two new additions to our local history collection! We have gathered a collection of more than 80 postcards depicting Framingham in an era before telephones were commonly used. If you would like to add to this collection, we would be happy to be the recipient of your old post cards. Please come take a look at the Framingham Public Library Postcard Collection (Framrm Locked Case 383.122).
We have also created a collection of many historic photographs depicting aspects of life in Framingham. The photos are stored in boxes each with subject indexes. Our long-term plan is to digitize all of these materials and make them available on the library website, but for now please visit the library and enjoy these unique collections.
View a small sampling of the historic photographs here.
Macomber FarmMacomber FarmMacomber Farm
New! Macomber Farm Photos

IM Us!

Got Questions? We've Got Answers.
Do you want help doing some research? We'll help explore topics, identify quality print and electronic sources, and provide style manuals to suit every requirement.

Do you have a book about...? Yes. We have access to recommendations for readers on a wide range of subjects-many bibliographies, book review sources, best seller lists, editors choices from professional journals and virtual book stores.

Do you have local information about...? In the Framingham Room you can find extensive local history and genealogy. In addition, the library is a depository for local government documents and current information. The reference staff will guide you.

Anything else staff can do? Need a tax form, a map of Framingham, bus schedules, your local property tax assessment, travel directions, voter registration form, precinct voting locations, the weather last January, museum passes, internet access, old newspaper microfilm, job resources, the value of your car, song lyrics, a poem? 

The Reference Staff is here to help on the third floor of the Main Library. Remember to Look Here First or ask your question online at Ask A Librarian.

Reference Newsletter
What's UPstairs?
2010
July/August 2010
May/June 2010
March/April 2010
January/February 2010
2009

November/December 2009
September/October 2009
July/August 2009
May/June 2009
March 2009
January/February 2009

Job Searching Guides
Helpful handouts from a recent Reference Department workshop.
Job Resources at the Framingham Public Library
Writing an Effective Resume
Helpful Job Searching Websites

For even more resources see our information guide Finding a Great Job.

Databases
Go to our databases page with your library card to take advantage of the Novelist guide to fiction for all ages; periodical indexes for magazines and newspapers (including the Boston Globe and The New York Times); the World Book Online; and more online databases.

In addition to our own Framingham Public Library databases, you have access to additional databases at www.mlin.org, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners website. All you need is your library card number to use all of these resources.  

Boston Public Library Cards

As a resident of Massachusetts, you are entitled to register for a library card at Boston Public Library, which allows you to access BPL's many online databases, including Auralog, an online language-learning database that offers instruction in English, French, Dutch, German, Italian and Spanish. If you don't yet have a BPL card, you can register online for an ecard at www.bpl.org/general/circulation/ecards.htm. This quick and simple process will instantly provide you with a library card number that allows you to use these databases.

Framingham Local History
The Framingham local history collection is located in the reference department of the main library. This collection has noncirculating materials in various formats, which contribute to a history of Framingham and its residents, past and present. Catalogued materials are listed in the online catalog by author, title, and subject. The reference staff is available to assist in the use of these materials during regular service hours.  See our local history guides for details about this collection.

Information Guides
Information you can use: websites, books, magazines, and other library resources selected by our librarians. See the list of Information Guides on subjects from health to home repair.

Internet Use in the Library
The Main Library and the McAuliffe Branch provide free access to the Internet to anyone who has a library card.  Internet computers are available for Minuteman library card holders to use on a first-come, first-served basis for 45 minutes  per day.  Contact the reference department for further information about the library's Internet use policy.

Wireless Internet and Printing
The Main Library and the McAuliffe Branch provide free wifi Internet access. Read our wireless handout for details. Wireless printing is now available at the Main Library, click here for details.

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Last modified on 08/23/2010 05:10 PM
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