S-1197 - 06/12/2007 - LIBRARY - Ordinances ExhibitsEXHIBIT A
OAK BROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY REFERENCE POLICY
The Reference staff of the Oak Brook Public Library responds to the information needs of their
users, providing clear and accurate answers to all patron inquiries, regardless of age, gender,
sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity of the questioner, or purpose of the question. Reference
Service is provided by professionally trained individuals.
This policy statement serves as a foundation for developing procedures and for providing
clarification to patrons and staff concerning reference services.
Services
• Reference services are available during all hours the library is open.
• Users have a right to expect consistent service from all members of the staff.
• Inquiries received in- person, by phone, fax, mail or email are answered as expeditiously
as possible, with priority given to patrons on site.
• Library staff may make judgments about the time available to answer lengthy questions,
or those requiring expertise or materials outside the Oak Brook Public Library. In such
cases, the staff will give a thoughtful referral to other resources or institutions.
• Librarians will not research questions which are known to be school work, a contest or
game; but will suggest possible research techniques.
• Interlibrary Loan is available to Oak Brook residents only.
• Reference staff uses many sources of information to answer questions. These include,
but are not limited to books, periodicals, electronic sources, databases, government
agencies, associations and individual authorities.
• The professional staff reserves the right to determine which sources are most appropriate
for each query.
Ethical statement
• The Oak Brook Public Library subscribes to the American Library Association's Library
Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics.
• The department maintains strict confidentiality and privacy regarding all patron inquiries
and research interests within the confines of the Library General Policy and the limits of
the law.
• The quality of reference service will be evaluated periodically by Library staff
Periodical review
This policy will be reviewed, reaffirmed or revised periodically by the Library staff and the
Library Commission. This policy and all subsequent revisions are subject to approval by the
Village of Oak Brook Board of Trustees.