Welcome to the Reference Division

Our location:


Contact Us:

| (212) 650-7611
| (212) 650-7612
| reference@ccny.cuny.edu

The Reference Division of Cohen Library has the primary responsibility for serving the entire college community in the Social Sciences, Humanities and Education. The Division serves undergraduate, graduate and faculty needs for finding, accessing and evaluating information. The Reference Division supports the College's efforts at promoting scholarly communication by providing a high quality of service in research assistance.

The Cohen Library Reference Collection is a collection of highly used general and specialized sources of information, including print and online resources. The Reference Librarians keep abreast of specific curriculum needs, program developments and research activities through liaison activities and regular communication channels with faculty in the departments.

In addition, the Reference Division has the responsibility for coordinating the information literacy program for the Library. Information Literacy is defined as the “ability to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information” (American Library Association, 1989). These skills contribute to the ability to think critically and they are vital life-skills for all individuals in our society.