The Visual Resources Center provides image reference services by appointment or during open hours. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm, image reference services are conducted in the Environmental Design Library at the reference desk.

Image reference is intended to provide the service of helping users find images of the built environment, for study, teaching, or publication. Other reference services on offer is to help users in the use and management of images once they are found. This includes limited help with digital asset management, image formatting and resizing, and use of images in print and digital contexts. Further services include advice on copyright in regards to image use and referrals to other appropriate repositories for visual materials.