Services and General Philosophy
The Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library offers Reference Services to Library patrons utilizing the skills of professional Librarians who hold master degrees in Library Science. Reference Librarians offer research, instruction and reference services during most of the hours the Library is open. Reference service is offered in the following ways:
A. Reference service in the reference area.
Instruction on accessing and using printed and electronic resources.
Reference staff may perform additional Library assigned work during slow times at the desk. However providing assistance to patrons is the priority.
Assistance is provided on a first-come first-served basis.
When asked legal, medical or business reference questions, reference staff should clarify their role as information providers, but not as interpreters of that information.
Reference materials and periodicals do not circulate; however, a reference librarian may sign out an item to faculty of staff for professional use for a limited time using the special permission form.
Copyright compliance will be adhered to in all reference transactions.
B. Reference service via telephone
Priority is given to on-site inquiries over telephone inquiries.
A maximum of three titles will be checked per call.
Only ready reference questions are accepted.
Voice mail calls will be answered promptly.
C. Reference service via electronic mail
Priority is given to on-site inquiries over electronic mail inquiries.
Electronic mailboxes will be checked daily and inquiries answered promptly.
D. Reference service by appointment
Barry University students, faculty, and staff may schedule an appointment to meet with a reference staff member if they have a special need that cannot be met via an inquiry in the reference area.
Meetings will be scheduled with a reference staff member during a time when that person is not scheduled for reference desk duty.
E. On-site Internet service
Reference staff will not provide assistance with chatting.
Patrons will be provided with a brief introduction to Internet searching but not extensive instruction.
Printer paper is not provided.