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The Access and Reference Services, series 1961-2000 (3 linear feet) is broken down into Reference Archivist's files and Reference Reports. Files of the Reference Archivist are grouped according to the department heads. Mary Jo Pugh, Reference Archivist from 1969 to 1984, was the first Reference Archivist of the library. Her topical files include early policy, reference procedures, staff training, guides, and educational outreach activities. Nancy Bartlett was the Reference Archivist from 1985-1998. These records also emphasize reference policy, procedure, and education. The use of visual and electronic archival materials becomes more apparent. A significant number of files relate to outreach efforts within the community including a long-standing partnership with Eastern Michigan University's history program. Kathy Marquis was the third person to hold the Reference Archivist position, 1998-2002. Her records reflect student research at the library through correspondence and project files. They also contain major university issues during the time period including the affirmative action lawsuit. Reference staff development is also portrayed through the development of manuals and meeting minutes.

The second subseries in this accession is Reference Reports. The early years of reference are shown through the Work Reports. Research topics, user statistics, sample questions, reproduction requests, and annual studies were carefully documented. The Work Report format split into Monthly Reports and Annual Reports in the mid-1980s although generally contain the same type of information. The reports clearly track reference trends and use through the library's history.