Reference Department Policy


Mission Philosophy

Albright College Reference Librarians seek to provide excellent service for our students, faculty and staff. Our librarians will offer courteous, timely assistance, whether in person, by phone or via electronic access. We are always ready to welcome our students, faculty and staff and guide them to appropriate online and print resources.

We will employ the reference interview, informal bibliographic instruction and efficient referrals to help students and staff find accurate information. Our librarians will help students evaluate the usefulness and biases of materials found online and in books and journals. We will always ask "Did you find what you need?" We will abide by the Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers that were created by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA/ALA).

Objectives

  1. To welcome and guide patrons in learning how to use the library
  2. To teach the skills and highlight the resources that will enhance our students' lifelong learning experiences
  3. To train students in conducting college level research.
  4. To assist patrons in finding accurate and appropriate information.
  5. To assist patrons in critically evaluating the information they find.
  6. To assist patrons in citing the information they find.

Service Priorities

  1. Helping students, faculty and staff requesting in-person attention is our primary responsibility
  2. Helping students, faculty and staff requesting remote (telephone, email or chat) attention is our secondary responsibility
  3. Helping alumni and community patrons requesting attention is our third responsibility.

Accompanying Documents & Procedures

Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers created by RUSA/ALA.

Effective Date: August 20, 2005
Last Revised: October 3, 2005


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Last updated on February 12, 2008