A reference book is a book that cannot be borrowed. Reference books have to be read inside the Library: for popular books, we will generally have multiple loanable copies and at least one reference copy, so that at least one copy is available at the Library at any time. You can check if a copy of a book is loanable or reference in the Library Catalogue.
You can read more about borrowing, renewing, returning, and reserving items on our guide to using the library.
In other context, "reference book" can also mean a book meant to be consulted for information rather than read cover to cover.
