Research Services Policy

What are the objectives of Research Service?

• To provide courteous service to all library users
• To answer questions efficiently and non-judgmentally
• To equip users with the skills to make the best use of possible information resources
• To enable users to become information literate
• To select, acquire and maintain a reference collection that supports the research of our users and to organize the collection for maximum ease of use

What types of Research Service are available?

• Traditional Research Services (In person, by telephone, and by mail)

Provision of quality research service has always been a high priority of the Boreham Library. At least one professional librarian is available to assist patrons at all time that the library is open.

• Virtual Research Services

Virtual research service is available to students and employees of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Virtual research questions can be sent by email at any time from a Virtual Reference Link on the library web page. Responses to virtual research questions are generally made within 24 hours.

What Research Services are typically provided?

Research services may include but are not limited to the following types of assistance:

• Finding information on a research topic
• Advice in choosing appropriate databases and indexes
• Developing search strategies
• Help in searching catalogs, databases, and the web
• Locating facts and statistics
• Help in determining appropriateness of internet sites

Regarding legal, medical, investment, or tax questions, library staff may guide the patron to material available but they may not evaluate or interpret the information, define the meaning of terms, or in any way act serve as a surrogate for a professional in any of the fields listed above.

Virtual Research services emphasize questions requiring short, specific answers such as verification of bibliographic information, biographical information, statistics, and assistance in accessing library databases off campus.

There is no charge for reference services except for expenses that might be incurred in searching for fee electronic databases.

What resources exist for Research Service?

• Professional Library Staff

The Library retains several degreed professionals and paraprofessionals on the staff to assist all patrons.

• Print Reference Collection

The Boreham Library has a print Reference Collection located on the second floor. Materials in the Reference Collection are updated regularly, and outdated or obsolete materials are withdrawn. Materials in the reference collection do not circulate.

• AudioVisual Media

Non-print materials include visual materials such as DVD's, videocassettes, and filmstrips, and sound materials such as compact discs and audio cassette tapes.

• Electronic Resources

Electronic resources includes both materials accessible online, and CD-ROM or diskette data and software.

• Databases

The library maintains subscriptions to over 50 databases that are accessible both on an off campus to authorized users.

• Internet Access

Access to the Internet is provided inside the building, and access to many items is available from off-campus via the Internet. Additionally, selected web sites and other electronic resources are linked through the online catalog.