Library

Public Services

Ask the Librarian
Web based service designed to answer brief concise questions within two business days.

Public Services
The desk is the key service point for users to initiate inquiries. The staff will identify, recommend resources and provide instructions on their use. The staff are trained individuals: knowledgeable of library reference sources, open, approachable and effective communicators.

Priorities
Service to the public versus other duties
Patrons in the Library versus telephone, fax or electronic requests

Ethical, Legal and Medical Requests
Staff will not give or interpret ethical, legal or medical advise from reference sources. Referrals will be made when appropriate.

Reference/Call Backs
Requests will be recorded to ensure accuracy and the staff will cite sources when reading information over the telephone.
Call backs may be arranged for convenience.

Contest Questions
Staff will not knowingly provide answers.

Types of Inquires

Ready Reference: Requests require concise information
Extended Search: Requires moderate to in-depth interaction with the user may require detailed research
Formal Instruction: May include tours or Bibliographic Instruction
Referrals: Recommendation to an alternative agency or organization
Telephone Reference: Follows same techniques as in-library requests. Option of holding while information is located or arranging a call back using a Reference Request form. Users are encouraged to visit for extensive research

User-Aids: Bibliographies, research guides, and book marks are designed to assist patrons

Professional Ethics
The Library endorse and will adhere to the American Library Association's
Code of Ethics.

Rules of Conduct
Patrons are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner by following these simple rules of conduct:
1. Monitoring noise levels,
2. Do not bring in food or beverages
3. Do not misuse library property
4. Placing beepers on vibrate and conducting cellular calls outside.