Reference and Research Services
Jefferson College Library provides reference services for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Our primary mission is to assist students and faculty who have information needs related to their work at Jefferson College, but others are welcome to make inquiries about subjects covered by the materials in our library's print and online collections, government information, and other subjects with which we are trained to assist. Jefferson College Library staff are prohibited from providing professional legal, medical, or tax advice, but we can assist your with locating materials associated with these topics.
Email, chat, or phone reference assistance can help with finding research materials in print and online about a particular topic; short, authoritative information to answer a question; assistance with a journal citation; and definitions. Librarians can supply up to three articles or books about a topic and explain how to find additional materials. For information needs that require specialized knowledge or more assistance with the research process a longer consultation with a librarian is recommended. Contact us via chat, email, or phone at Ask-A-Librarian.
Reference Policy
I. Definitions
Reference transaction, consultation or interview – 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.
II. Purpose:
1. To guide library staff in their efforts to provide high quality, equitable information and knowledge services to our community of users
2. To cultivate awareness of Jefferson College Library and its available reference services
3. To increase knowledge about college-level research materials and their use for assignments
4. To increase knowledge about appropriate tools, techniques, and resources for use in answering information inquiries
5. Maintain contemporary, relevant, and timely understandings and application of professional reference philosophy and practice.
III. Responsibility Statement:
Librarians have primary responsibility for providing research assistance through reference consultations and interviews. Other library staff may be required to provide assistance because of the absence of a librarian. Staff will collaborate and follow-up with librarians regarding reference consultations. To share best practices and ensure the accuracy and completeness of information provided staff will complete reference question record keeping through statistical software or reference follow-up form.
IV. Guidelines:
Principles supporting our commitment professional delivery of reference services
1. Access – the role of librarians and other library staff is to assist the community members with expressed information needs—either in person or through remote reference services (i.e. email, text, chat, and phone). Librarians will use RUSA’s Guidelines for Professional and User Services Librarians when providing reference and research assistance.
2. Authority- Librarians will assist individuals with locating, evaluating, and accessing authoritative sources from a variety of perspectives. Librarians will present highly recommended sources based upon current standards for college-level research.
3. Impartiality and Professionalism- Librarians and other staff will avoid endorsing a particular agenda or viewpoint (political, religious, social, or otherwise).
4. Accuracy –Librarians and other staff will provide information and information sources that are accurate to the best of their knowledge. Information will come from a reliable source and not the staff member’s personal knowledge, even when such knowledge is quite correct.
5. Consultation—Librarians, and other staff, will consult with colleagues to ensure that appropriate and accurate information sources are used, especially in areas with which one is less familiar with sources.
6. Judgement – Professional judgement will be used by librarians and other staff to provide the best information and research materials to the community.
7. Enrichment- Provide content that challenges assumptions, creates the opportunity for learning, play, and personal growth. Create access to varied leisure, academic, and cultural materials and resources.
V. Procedures:
To help to ensure the Library staff’s adherence to the aforementioned guidelines, and reference service principles, librarians and other staff providing reference services will follow the five principles of good reference professional behavior:
1. Visibility/Approachability
2. Interest
3. Listening/Inquiring
4. Searching
5. Follow-Up