The basic objective of the reference section is to assist the clientele  to use resources of the library in an effective manner leading to their optimum utilization. Reference service is the most intensive kind of personal service which attempts to bring together the user and information in a personal way.  There are two types of reference services, direct and indirect.  Under direct reference services, personal assistance is provided, directly to the user.  It may take the form of library instruction and information service.  Indirect reference service consist of information provided through development of catalogues, bibliography, and other reference aids.  

        The current era has acquired the name of "Information Era".  Libraries and computers can contribute towards efficiency in disseminating of information.  Keeping in track with the changing scenario, the library has started disseminating information on the internet and e-mail services.  Very shortly services providing ONLINE access to various database shall be started. 

        Keeping in mind the local literary potential, the library has now devoted a separate sub section of books written by authors based in Chandigarh,  Mohali and Panchkula.  The books on Chandigarh, rare books and manuscripts form a part of this section.    

FREE INTERNET ACCESS To make the library services more attractive & to prove library competency with the changing scenarion,the library has started giving free internet access to its members. The library has five work stations in the Reference Section for the use of internet. Members can use the internet for half an hour daily. He/she can continue for longer hour if there is no 'Q' .The time slot booking can be done through telephone. One station has been provided for word processing. This facility has been provided for those users who do not have an access to the computer.   The American Corner at the T.S.Central State Library provides a window on  life and culture in the United States and is the first place to visit for accurate and up-to-date information about political, economic, cultural, educational and social trends in the United States. The American Corner in Chandigarh is a partnership between the American Information Resource Centre , U. S. Embassy, New Delhi and the T.S.Central State Library in Chandigarh. The American Corner has books, Magazines, CD-ROMs with current full text articles. vidoes, DVD's and internet access.