S-1313 - 06/14/2011 - LIBRARY - Ordinances Supporting DocumentsITEM (1.17.2)
AGENDA ITEM
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting
of
June 14, 2011
SUBJECT: Reference Policy
FROM: Sue Madorin, Library Director, and the Library Commission
BUDGET SOURCEIBUDGET IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDED MOTION: I move for passage of Ordiance 2011- LY -EXI -S -1313, An
Ordinance Readopting and Amending the Reference Policy for the Oak Brook Public
Library.
Backeround/History:
The Library Commission and Library Director perceive that revision is needed to the purpose of
and services that the Reference staff provide to patrons since the last time this policy was
adopted. The Commission and Director would recommend that some wording be dropped in the
purpose of the policy and would like the additional service of assistance with new technology to
be added.
Recommendation:
The Oak Brook Public Library Commission and Library Director recommend revisions to the
purpose of the Reference Policy and the expected services be adopted.
A Al
ORDINANCE 2011- LY -EXI -S -1313
AN ORDINANCE READOPTING AND AMENDING THE REFERENCE POLICY
FOR THE OAK BROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY
WHEREAS, the Library Director has prepared and recommended the attached revised Reference
Policy for the Village of Oak Brook Public Library (the "Library"); and
WHEREAS, the Village of Oak Brook Library Commission has reviewed this Reference Policy
and recommended that the Village Board approve the Reference Policy for the Library; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK, DU PAGE AND COOK COUNTIES, ILLINOIS as follows:
Section 1: That the Reference Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein
as Exhibit A, is hereby approved and adopted in its entirety superseding all prior editions of the Village of
Oak Brook Reference Policy and Youth Services Policy, adopted in 1995, last revised in 2007.
Section 2: That all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be
and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict.
Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval
and publication as required by law.
APPROVED THIS 14th day of June, 2011.
PASSED THIS 14th day of June, 2011.
Ayes:
Nays:
Absent:
Gopol Lamalani
Village President
ATTEST:
Charlotte K. Pruss
Village Clerk
EXHIBIT 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.