42 · SPEC Kit 296
in a specific collection relating to the request. All patrons receive one-on-one attention until their request is
satisfied.”
“Users are requested to complete an identification form, indicate nature of topic, and staff (whichever
category is available at the time), post follow-up questions to narrow in on topic of inquiry. Librarians never
become involved. We do not employ librarians, but we hire archivists.”
“We have three staff members (all have been here for at least 10–15 years each), one librarian who sits
regularly at the reading room desk. If the researcher is new, the staff at the desk will ask them briefly about
their research topic, register, and orient them to the reading room policies and procedures. Once these steps
are complete, staff will provide more in-depth information regarding the collection(s) the researcher is here
to view. Many researchers have been in contact with the librarian prior to their arrival. In these cases, the
librarian will be called out after the registration process to welcome them and discuss their research further,
if needed. The librarian, if not at the desk already, will also become involved with the reference interview if
the researcher is beginning an extensive research project and/or whose project will result in publication. The
librarian and curators will become involved when a faculty member/student will be using materials for a class
project.”
“With the exception of one professional and one staff dedicated to public service, all staff take shifts on the
reference desk. Once the registration form is filled out, all staff work with researchers of all levels to assist
them in finding what they need.”
Other Reference Approaches
“Interact w/faculty at all stages. Graduate students page materials &ready reference collections.”
“Meet initially with senior reference librarian or archivist. The senior reference librarian and/or archivists are
available for consultations as needed. Assistance varies, but generally reference and archives staff provide a
high level of service.”
“Patron interacts with the Head of Special Collections librarian for all of the above.”
“Patrons first interact with librarians and archivists, although sometimes we do employ students. So, the initial
reference interview is conducted by a professional. The level of assistance is high, because we also point
patrons to additional sources within our special collections and to other collections in the area.”
“Patrons interact with an archivist/librarian when they first enter Special Collections. Their initial questions
are discussed with an archivist/librarian. Archivist/librarians are always involved in the reference interview.
Basic identification of resources and checking of information is provided to patrons. Extensive research is not
provided to patrons.”
“Referral/intro to librarian/archivist”
“Typically, a researcher comes into the reading room and is greeted by an archivist or the librarian. The
reference interview can be short or quite involved, depending on what is required by the researcher. Finding
aids, reference tools, online catalogs, Web sites, etc. may be suggested as forms of assistance.”
“We do not have a special collections area. Patrons rely on regular reference librarians, graduate student
assistants, and subject specialists to discuss research questions.”
in a specific collection relating to the request. All patrons receive one-on-one attention until their request is
satisfied.”
“Users are requested to complete an identification form, indicate nature of topic, and staff (whichever
category is available at the time), post follow-up questions to narrow in on topic of inquiry. Librarians never
become involved. We do not employ librarians, but we hire archivists.”
“We have three staff members (all have been here for at least 10–15 years each), one librarian who sits
regularly at the reading room desk. If the researcher is new, the staff at the desk will ask them briefly about
their research topic, register, and orient them to the reading room policies and procedures. Once these steps
are complete, staff will provide more in-depth information regarding the collection(s) the researcher is here
to view. Many researchers have been in contact with the librarian prior to their arrival. In these cases, the
librarian will be called out after the registration process to welcome them and discuss their research further,
if needed. The librarian, if not at the desk already, will also become involved with the reference interview if
the researcher is beginning an extensive research project and/or whose project will result in publication. The
librarian and curators will become involved when a faculty member/student will be using materials for a class
project.”
“With the exception of one professional and one staff dedicated to public service, all staff take shifts on the
reference desk. Once the registration form is filled out, all staff work with researchers of all levels to assist
them in finding what they need.”
Other Reference Approaches
“Interact w/faculty at all stages. Graduate students page materials &ready reference collections.”
“Meet initially with senior reference librarian or archivist. The senior reference librarian and/or archivists are
available for consultations as needed. Assistance varies, but generally reference and archives staff provide a
high level of service.”
“Patron interacts with the Head of Special Collections librarian for all of the above.”
“Patrons first interact with librarians and archivists, although sometimes we do employ students. So, the initial
reference interview is conducted by a professional. The level of assistance is high, because we also point
patrons to additional sources within our special collections and to other collections in the area.”
“Patrons interact with an archivist/librarian when they first enter Special Collections. Their initial questions
are discussed with an archivist/librarian. Archivist/librarians are always involved in the reference interview.
Basic identification of resources and checking of information is provided to patrons. Extensive research is not
provided to patrons.”
“Referral/intro to librarian/archivist”
“Typically, a researcher comes into the reading room and is greeted by an archivist or the librarian. The
reference interview can be short or quite involved, depending on what is required by the researcher. Finding
aids, reference tools, online catalogs, Web sites, etc. may be suggested as forms of assistance.”
“We do not have a special collections area. Patrons rely on regular reference librarians, graduate student
assistants, and subject specialists to discuss research questions.”
