Reference Section

Bhavan's Library has a Reference Section that houses various sources that provide quick and accessible information on particular topics and are meant to aid research. There are generic sources, subject specific sources and some of Bhavan’s publications are also available in digital format.

Bhavan’s Library has reference sources that are generic – covering a variety of topics to those that provide foundational knowledge in specific subjects. These include dictionaries, encyclopaedias, bibliographies, directories, atlases, etc. The sources at the Library include general and standard works like Oxford, Webster, Britannica and others. It includes specific sources in science, medicine and literature. There are detailed works on Indian culture, philosophies and history. There are also various ‘Kosha’ in Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi and Sanskrit covering words, literature, general topics, mythology, etc. These are used by students, academicians, researchers and general readers alike for their day-to-day information needs to specific research purposes.

The Library also has bound volumes of some old journals, archival and other books meant for reference or research. In addition, there are Bhavan’s publications like Bhavan’s Journal and Indian History that are available in digital format which can be accessed only within the library. Bound volumes of other Bhavan’s publications are also available.