Burlington Public Library
210 Court Street · Burlington, IA 52601 · 319-753-1647
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Burlington Public Library
Reference Services Policy

Reference supports the mission of the Burlington Public Library by anticipating and providing for the community's informational, educational and personal goals. Reference service will provide users with factual information on a wide variety of topics as well as interlibrary loan. Information and reader’s advisory services are available all hours the Library is open. Electronic access to selected resources is also available twenty-four hours a day.

Reference and reader’s advisory service is available to all persons without discrimination. The needs of each person are taken seriously and treated with respect and confidentiality. Service to the public receives priority over any other duties. In general, information and readers advisory assistance will be given in the following priority:

• In person
• By telephone
• In writing (e-mail, fax, letter, etc.)

To give the most accurate and authoritative answers possible, staff members should rely upon information based on accurate printed or online sources or obtained from a reliable authority. The opinion of staff members, even when requested, should not be given as fact. The source of an answer should always be cited. Reference staff does not give medical, legal, copyright, financial, or tax advice. Staff never refers library users to individual practitioners such as physicians or lawyers. Staff does not provide appraisals of books, arts, antiques, coins, stamps, or other collectibles. General assistance is provided in genealogical research. Homework assignments and in-depth research are the responsibility of the student/researcher.

Teaching customers how to find information is an integral part of library service and staff will provide basic instruction ranging from how to use the computer catalog or reference tools to formal tours and classes in computer resources. Staff members will assist patrons with the use of the catalog and other electronic resources as time permits. Formal instruction for individuals and groups may be arranged by request or at times designated by the library staff.

Revised and re-adopted: July 20, 2011
August 20, 2008
July 22, 1998
Re-adopted: April 17, 1996
Revised: April 1990