Reference Service Policy
Revised 2012
The Shepherdstown Public Library:
- Will provide information in the form of short answers to specific questions and
guidance in locating material for patrons who appear in person, call on the
telephone, or request information through correspondence; - Will assist patrons in the use of the Library and teach basic research
methodology, when appropriate (this includes providing help in developing a
research strategy and advice on whether a trip to the Library would be
worthwhile for individuals who telephone); - Will provide bibliographic verification of items both in the Library and not owned
by the Library and will assist patrons in obtaining materials through interlibrary
loan, when appropriate; - May refer library users to other agencies and libraries in pursuit of needed
information; - May use not only the Library’s resources in printed form, but consult appropriate
digital resources as well as the regional resource library and other agencies by
telephone in pursuit of “ready reference” information.