S-1132 - 08/09/2005 - 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.
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• 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 Libray staff and the
Library Commission. This policy and all subsequent revisions are subject to approval by
the Village of Oak Brook Board of Trustees.
CADocuments and Settings \charty\Local Settings \Temporary Internet Files \OLK7\reference 07- 2005.doc