The Regional Reference Center at Memorial Hall Library provides reference support for all NMRLS member libraries. We are happy to brainstorm questions with you, or use our well-developed reference collection to help answer difficult questions. You can contact us by phone at 978-623-8401 Ext. 31, or by email at rdesk@mhl.org.

New Reference Additions

Encyclopedia of the Library of Congress: For Congress, the Nation & the World provides insights into the historical development of the Library's principle collections and major functions.

The 2005 edition of Worst Pills, Best Pills: A Consumer's Guide to Avoiding Drug-Induced Death or Illness analyzes 538 drugs citing possible harmful effects. In addition, this edition includes a new section on dietary supplements.

Interesting Web Sites

Summer is vacation time!

Massachusetts - Make it Yours
www.mass-vacation.com/jsp/index.jsp
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism maintains this site listing popular vacations in Massachusetts.

National Geographic Expeditions
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngexpeditions/
Check out this EPA site for interesting travel activities and destinations.

Stumper for May

Can you find a list of cities in Massachusetts with a population of fewer than 1000 people?

Answer: Citydata.com profiles U.S. cities listing population and other demographic figures.
Source: www.city-data.com/city/Massachusetts3.html

Stumper for June

I have heard that there is a Massachusetts law that prohibits housing a mule on the second floor of a building. Where can I find a list of outdated laws such as this one?

Until next month,
Eleanor Sathan
Regional Reference Librarian
esathan@mhl.org