Library Policies: Reference

Reference Service Philosophy

The library’s Mission Statement declares that “Milne Library serves as an intellectual center for the campus community and contributes to the overall mission of the college by providing resources and services to meet the research needs of students, faculty, and staff. Our primary focus is to support the college’s instructional program. The library extends many of its services to those outside the college community.”

The Reference Department contributes to and participates in the mission by: 1) providing “quality reference service…”, 2) providing “instruction that prepares students to identify information needs and to access, use, and evaluate information effectively for their college studies as well as for lifelong learning,” and 3) acquiring and maintaining a relevant, readily accessible collection of reference sources (electronic and paper) that meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff.

The reference librarians are approachable and service-oriented, interested in the problems that face library patrons, and strive to meet the information needs of patrons accurately, efficiently and pleasantly. Reference librarians keep reference transactions confidential. Individual assistance is the primary responsibility of the staff at the Reference Desk. Patrons waiting at the desk receive priority of service over those who call on the telephone or email a question to Ask a Librarian. Members of the College community are the library’s primary patrons.

The reference librarians strive to offer patrons (regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual preference or language proficiency): 1) assistance in finding answers to specific questions; 2) instruction in the location, use and evaluation of resources (electronic and print), and 3) instruction in the development of research strategies for class assignments and other information needs.

Quotes are from the Milne Library Mission Statement and Strategic Directions.