The Starr Main Reference Room (also referred to as the Main Reading Room, or simply Reference) and its adjoining Annex contain the general reference collections for the Yale University Library. The collection includes general and specialized encyclopedias, English and foreign language dictionaries, concordances, newspaper and periodical indexes, directories, style manuals, union catalogs, biographical sources, numerous current and retrospective bibliographies, and atlases.

Classification follows the Library of Congress system; the arrangement begins to one's immediate left upon entering the room. Materials are designated "SML, Starr Main Reference Rm" in Orbis. The collection does not circulate.

Requests for the purchase of reference materials or general comments may be directed to Suzanne Lorimer, the Coordinator of the Reference Collection.