S-1313 - 06/14/2011 - 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. 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.
• Professional staff will instruct in the use of new technology, assist in electronic downloads and
inform users of databases and other available reference tools.
Resources
• 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.