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SCF Libraries Policies

Policies regarding library services and resources for SCF Libraries in all three campuses.

Reference

Reference Policies

 

Definition 

Reference services consist of answering general information questions and providing assistance with access to information sources, both in physical form and through online databases, proper use of information for college level assignments, and appropriate formatting and documentation of sources (citations) in scholarly formats. 

 

Types of services 

  • Professional librarians are available for reference at all locations during all operating hours.  

  • Assistance with access and navigation of catalog, databases, etc., including search strategies. 

  • Assistance with the research process such as refining thesis statement and outlines. 

  • Assistance and instruction on how to properly cite and document sources in different formats (APA, MLA, etc.) and avoidance of plagiarism. Librarians will review documentation (Works Cited or References pages) with the student present (in person or virtually), indicating corrections to be completed by the student. The librarians do not grade or correct mistakes for the students. 

  • Assistance with writing skills such as essay writing, grammar, spelling, and other language skills is provided by the SCF Tutoring & Academic Success Center (TASC) and the Librarians will refer students to that service as needed. 

 

Modalities 

1. In Person: 
  • Front Desk Librarians: A professional SCF librarian is always available at each Library’s Front Desk during all operating hours. The librarian will answer questions on a walk-in basis or by appointment, if requested. 
  • Point-of-service: The professional librarian staffing the Front Desk will assist patrons at their desk, computer, or room within the Library building, if requested. 
 
2. Online Chat: 

  • The SCF Librarians provide reference services remotely by means of the “Ask a Librarian” chat service. Patrons can use a widget placed on every page of the SCF Libraries website or go to https://askalibrarian.org/SCF, and open a chat window. Options include chat, SMS, or text. 

  • During the SCF Libraries’ open hours, SCF Librarians take turns answering questions on this service. There are no guarantees that a specific librarian will be available at any specific time. 

  • During hours when the SCF Libraries are closed, or if the SCF Librarians are not available, other librarians from the regional Tampa Bay Library Consortium answer the service. Specific hours and holidays can be found at: https://askalibrarian.org  

 
3. Phone: 
  • SCF Librarians provide reference consultations over the phone. If a question requires extensive instruction or demonstration, the Librarian might suggest expanding the call with a virtual meeting (via Microsoft Teams) or in person as needed. Calls can be placed to (941) 752-5305 (BR) - (941) 408-1435 (VE) - (941) 363-7250 (LWR). 

 

4. Email: 

 

5. Virtual & in-person Appointments: 
  • Librarians will schedule appointments to meet with a student virtually through the SCF Teams account or in-person at the Librarians Consultation offices on campus. Requests for appointments can be made by phone, email or in person as stated above. 
  • Although the SCF Librarians will try to accommodate requests, we cannot guarantee that a specific librarian will be available at a specific time. Another librarian can substitute for appointments if needed.