Information Service (Reference) Guidelines
Philosophy of Service:
Reference Service guidelines
Our primary clientele are UT Arlington students, faculty, and staff, but we do not differentiate among types of service at the Service Desk based on a user's affiliation or status. However, due to licensing contracts, not all databases, indexes, and reference sources, including Internet access, are available to all users. Also, a copy of the Library's Internet Access Policy is on file.
- Ready reference assistance for specific factual information needs
- Assistance and instruction identifying appropriate sources for research
- Assistance with information collection and navigating the library system to find identified sources
- Assistance and instruction using print and electronic resources
- In-depth one-on-one research consultations with the Subject Librarians
- For some reference questions, we may suggest that you ask a licensed professional
- Appropriate referrals to library, campus, or community services
- Tours of the facilities
Service Priorities:
Information Services staff adhere to the Reference and User Services Division's "Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Services Professionals"
In-Person Services:
- In-person inquiries are on a first-come, first-served basis
- During peak times, the Information Services staff will try our best to give assistance to each individual in order to accommodate all users
- Reference Desk hours differ from the Libraries' hours
Telephone Services:
- Telephone reference service is available during service desk hours
- Priority is given to in-person inquiries
- The Information Services staff may not be able to conduct in-depth research for phone callers. An in-person visit is suggested for more in-depth assistance
- Sometimes Information Services may not be able to answer the telephone but voice mail is available, and staff will respond to voice mail as quickly as possible
E-Mail Services:
- E-mail services are intended to answer factual inquiries; we will try our best to offer research assistance via e-mail
- Information Services staff will respond to e-mail requests as soon as possible during regular Reference Desk hours
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