reference desk

[/ˈrɛf.ər.əns dɛsk/]
nounpl: reference desks
balcão de referência
1. A service desk in a library where librarians provide assistance with research, answer questions, and help patrons locate information and resources
I asked the librarian at the reference desk for help finding academic journals on climate change.
Pedi ajuda ao bibliotecário no balcão de referência para encontrar revistas acadêmicas sobre mudanças climáticas.
2. The physical location or counter in a library dedicated to providing reference services and research assistance
The reference desk is located near the back of the library next to the computers.
O balcão de referência fica perto do fundo da biblioteca, ao lado dos computadores.
In the USA, the reference desk represents a cornerstone of public library service, symbolizing free access to information and professional research assistance. In Brazil, while the concept exists in academic and public libraries, it may be less formally structured than in the US. The role of librarians at reference desks has evolved significantly with digital resources, now often providing assistance with both physical materials and online databases.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
information deskresearch desklibrarian's deskhelp desk

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
balcão de referência
Most common and standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese libraries
São Paulo
balcão de referência / desk de referência
May sometimes use English term directly in modern contexts
Portugal
balcão de referência / serviço de referência
European Portuguese may use 'serviço de referência' (reference service) more frequently
Rio de Janeiro
balcão de referência
Standard usage, same as general Brazilian

Related Words

librarianlibraryresearchinformation literacybibliographydatabasecirculation desk

Related Idioms & Phrases

ask at the reference desk
approach the reference desk
staff the reference desk
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