Overview: This policy is intended to promote a uniform standard of service of the highest possible quality. It is intended for both Library staff and patrons.
Contents:
A. Definitions
B. Policy Statement
C. Process/Procedure
D. Contact Information
A. Definitions1
Reference Transactions are information consultations in which library staff recommend, interpret, evaluate, and/or use information resources to help others to meet particular information needs. Reference transactions do not include formal instruction or exchanges that provide assistance with locations, schedules, equipment, supplies, or policy statements.
Reference Work: includes reference transactions and other activities that involve the creation, management, and assessment of information or research resources, tools, and services.
B. Policy
B-1. Introduction:
Regent University Library provides reference services to meet the informational and instructional needs of Library patrons within the limits of time, staffing, resources, and the professional judgment of the reference librarians. The general service goal of the Department is to meet the information/research needs of Library patrons (faculty, students, staff, and other patrons) accurately, efficiently, and pleasantly. An additional goal is to provide instruction so that patrons may become more independent in their use of Library resources.
B-2. Types of services provided may include:
B-3. Limits to service. The Library staff will not:
C. Process/Procedure.
Inquiries are handled as staffing and time allow. Answers are provided to quick, factual reference questions. We encourage patrons to schedule a virtual or on-campus appointment with a librarian for inquiries requiring extensive instruction, time, and/or use of Library resources.
Questions are answered during normal reference hours. Reference questions received over the weekend are answered as soon as possible.
D. Contact Information.
You can request reference assistance by email, instant message, phone, text message, or in-person. Please see http://libanswers.regent.edu/ for more information.
This policy was reviewed and approved by the university librarians on May 3, 2013.
1. All definitions (Section A of this policy) taken from:
Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), “Measuring and Assessing Reference Services and Resources: A Guide.” Last modified January 14, 2008. Accessed May 2, 2013. http://www.ala.org/rusa/sections/rss/rsssection/rsscomm/evaluationofref/measrefguide