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ABOUT THE REFERENCE DEPARTMENT

Role of the Reference Librarian:

Reference Librarian work directly with patrons in identifying, locating and interpreting information. To this end they inform and instruct. Acting as intermediary between the patron and desired information, the reference librarian may provide answers, give directions, raise questions which lead to clarification, and deliver material.

Acting as teacher, the reference librarian may also instruct the patron on how to frame a question, select pertinent material, use the material effectively and efficiently, and evaluate results. The purpose of reference assistance is to enable patrons to become independent scholars and to develop sound library-use and research skills.

As part of informing and instructing patrons, reference librarians: (1) Prepare bibliographies, guides, and displays; (2) Select and maintain U.S. Government Documents and Maine Documents; (3) Assure the adequacy of the Reference Book and database subscriptions; (4) Provide classroom instruction, library tours, and related functions; (5) Identify other informational resources in the area, and provide other patron-support activities.

The Diversity of the Reference Collection:

Along with the service desk (ext. x9602), the Reference Collection is on the main floor (1st floor). The collection is diverse in contents and formats: General and subject specific encyclopedias in different media; periodical indexes in various media; directories; biographical indexes and sources; dictionaries in different formats; general and regional maps; regional and nationwide telephone directories; style manuals; and handbooks.

Resources of the Reference Collection are located throughout the Library's main floor. Some reference sources reflect regional interests, for example, the collection of Maine Documents and an index to the "Presque Isle Star Herald," retrospective to 1986. Documents and Star Herald index are located on the ground floor.

Circulation of Reference Items:

Reference materials do not circulate. However, faculty may check reference materials out for classroom use only for the period of the class involved. The material must be returned to the library as soon as the class for which the material has been borrowed has ended.