Reference By Appointment Policy

Statement of Policy & Text

King Reference Unit’s (KRU) Reference-By-Appointment service offers in-depth research consultations with a librarian with appropriate subject expertise.

Need for the Policy

• A consistent standard of customer service must be ensured.
• The scope of the reference-by-appointment service available to library patrons needs to be defined.
• Patrons request the service.

Requirements & Guidelines

Scope

• The SJSU academic community often requires in-depth consultation with a subject specialist to satisfactorily meet the demands of their research.
• The SJPL community requires in-depth consultation with a subject specialist to satisfactorily meet the demands of their research.
• In-depth instruction on databases or Internet use is referred to the appropriate librarian subject specialist for a reference-by-appointment.

Service Parameters

Referrals to a subject specialist are made when:

• The librarian on either the Reference Desk or Telephone Reference determines the patron has an in-depth research question and would greatly benefit from an appointment with a subject specialist
• A Faculty member, student or community member requests a consultation with a subject specialist
  All Librarians are expected to:
  • Provide appropriate specialized instruction, if possible
  • Perform these consultations at times other than assigned Reference desk and telephone assignments.

Applicable Personnel/Departments

King Reference Unit

Distributions

BOTH

Approval(s)

Reviewed and approved by:Signature/NameDate of Approval

Head, SJSU Academic Services
Sandra Belanger
1/25/06

Manager, SJPL Reference & Web Services
Joan Bowlby
1/25/06

KMT

Ruth Kifer, John Wenzler, Mary Nino, Luann Budd, Anne Cain, Neil Rufino, Sandra Stewart, Katie DuPraw

2/21/2013

History & Dates

Category of Policy: User Services
Author(s):
Authorized by: Sandra Belanger & Joan Bowlby
Date Written: 11/15/05
Date Effective: 11/15/05
Date(s) of Revision(s):1/24/06

References

A. King Library Reference Unit Services Policy