[NB: This entire document needs to be revised, primarily to reflect the reduction in shelving assigned to Consulting Reference, which will ultimately cease to be a location, with all books there transferred to Open Reference or more often to Main. See DRAFT revision posted 18 February 2005.]
In July 1999, the Main Library Reference Desk service point moved to 1-East. Reference materials formerly housed at IRC (main floor), Science (2-West) and Gov Docs/SSHR (Basement-West ) were divided as follows:
Librarians with a stake in our reference collections helped divide the reference books on the basis of:
Some reference book sets did not have to be weeded and were moved intact as groups: the Biography Alcove, the Statistics Alcoves, the law collection, the NUC and similar bibliographies, the print guides to microforms, and the guides to foundations & grants, colleges & scholarships, careers, and travel.
This revised version of the text reflects comments from staff during 1999, practical decisions reached during the actual division of the collection and the move, and observations based on six months work in the new reference area.
| Collection Development Statement for the Main Library Reference Collection (1-East) | Collection Development Statement for the Consulting Reference Collection (Basement-W) |
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Part I: General concepts for the two reference collections |
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| 1. Introduction
These complementary policies for the Main Library Reference (1-East) and Consulting Reference collections (Basement-West ) support several goals. They should:
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| 2. Concept of the Main Library Reference collection
The concept of a Main Library Reference area on 1-East implies high visibility and traffic levels for reference services. In order to handle increased traffic, the content and design of the collection should promote autonomous use of the print and digital tools by as many library users as possible, so that Desk staff have more time for situations in which the application of their skills is critical to success by library users. Content: Design of the area: Note that these design concepts argue against "alcove" groupings unless there is a high payoff in convenience, and limits on the number of oversize books, to avoid the need for a separate oversize area. |
2. Concept of the Consulting Reference collection
The concept of a "Consulting" reference collection provides the benefits of a "reserve room" that assembles specialized reference books in a non-circulating collection, which is conveniently compact for researchers and bibliographers. These books do not require high visibility, because they are more likely to be used for advanced researchers than for casual or introductory study. The area should support "self-service" by knowledgeable users, along with in-depth assistance by means of appointments with subject specialists. Content: Design of the area: |
| 3. General guidelines for materials in Main Library Reference
Materials in this area consist of reference books (and PCs with access to digital tools) that support ready reference, introductory research, exploration of topics, and the daily work of librarians performing reference tasks. Representative types of books [with examples of titles in brackets] include:
Works in English are preferred: exceptions include works in other languages in common use in the curriculum [Nouveau Larousse universel]. |
3. General guidelines for materials in Consulting Reference
Materials in this area consist of reference books that, for various reasons, are not appropriately shelved in Main Library Reference. Representative types of books [with examples of titles in brackets] include:
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| 4. History of the MSU Libraries Reference Collections
A reference library has existed for the MSU Libraries since its inception. In 1968, when the East wing was opened, the various subject divisions in the building (which included reference material) were consolidated in the Research Library (for the social sciences and humanities), the Science Library, and the Undergraduate Library. There was also a reference collection, and incorporation of reference materials from several subject divisions considerably enlarged this 'Reference Library' at this time. While it was intended that undergraduate users should be served by the Undergraduate Library and its reference materials, the 'Reference Library' ended up serving users at all levels because it was located in a central spot on the main floor near both entrances. The Undergraduate Library book collection was integrated into the Research and Science Libraries' collections in 1983. Undergraduate Library reference service was terminated at this time. The Public Services Study of 1983-84 revealed the need for further reorganization, and it was decided to enhance services specifically aimed at the undergraduate and new user. Information/Reference was created in the location of the former Reference Library to serve basic reference needs in all subjects. The self-study indicated that in-depth reference services were needed as well, and SSHR was set up on the Ground floor to serve these needs. SSHR contained social sciences and humanities reference materials formerly shelved in the 'Reference Library' that had not been chosen for use by Information/Reference. Science Reference remained with the Science Library as a separate entity. The Libraries' reorganization of 1993-94 further abbreviated the services of the Information/Reference unit in the interests of efficiency and economy. Information/Reference became the Information and Referral Center (IRC) and virtually all reference resources supporting the social sciences and humanities went to SSHR. The Information/Reference collections were adjusted to meet the needs of the campus community for some "public library" functions such as travel, careers and college guides, and telephone directories. Science Reference continued to function as a separate reference unit. The Fine Arts Library was created in the newly renovated fourth floor of the west wing, combined the Art and Music collections, and took over all reference functions related to those subjects. In the early 1990's, Africana assumed separate reference responsibilities as well, with its own book collection. In the reorganization of 1999, a reference presence on the Main Library's first floor again was again seen as the most desirable way to serve users, especially those dealing with rapidly evolving library technology. As electronic resources became more widely available via web interfaces and local servers, they replaced many print tools, but users still required possible assistance by library staff acquainted with the content and coverage of available databases, and with the various interfaces. At the same time, end-user access to a proliferation of computer-based sources on the Web broke down some former distinctions between introductory and advanced research practices. The new plan reflected a belief that more users of all kinds could get appropriate levels of expertise if the reference units were combined and placed ina more prominent place in the Main Library. IRC was discontinued, and Science Reference and SSHR were combined into a new Main Library Reference unit (which continued to share a service point with the Government Documents reference service). Within Main Library Reference, the print set was divided, with a collection of often-used reference books near a new combined Reference Desk on 1-East adjacent to PCs offering computer-based tools, and a second collection of less frequently used, specialized books and print indexes superseded by electronic formats, organized as a Consulting Collection for "in-depth" or comprehensive research by advanced users on their own, or in collaboration with subject specialists. |
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Part II: Policies and procedures for the two reference collections |
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| 5. Circulation policy for Main Library Reference
Materials in this location are non-circulating, with infrequent exceptions at the discretion of appropriate staff. Titles on 'closed reference' status should circulate from behind the Desk for two-hour periods, and be secured when the Desk is closed. Some special materials [CD-ROMs on federal deposit] are circulated from the Desk as special charges. This does not imply similar circulation of other reference materials. |
5. Circulation policy for Consulting Reference
Materials in this location are non-circulating, with infrequent exceptions at the discretion of appropriate subject specialists. |
| 6. Staffing in Main Library Reference
The area has a "desk" with staff on duty on a scheduled basis, during hours in which it is reasonable to expect substantial use of the collection. At certain times, high levels of traffic in this area may limit the length of time that can be devoted to any one library user (at the discretion of staff). All staff should have a basic level of mastery in all disciplines, but advanced expertise in any one area cannot be guaranteed at all times. Referrals and appointments with subject specialists and bibliographic instruction sessions are appropriate aspects of desk service. |
6. Staffing in Consulting Reference
This area has no desk and no scheduled staff presence, because it would be inefficient or impossible to cover two full-time service points with available staff. Users are free to use the collection on their own, or to seek assistance from library staff and subject specialist by appointment. "Walk-in" assistance is not guaranteed by this arrangement; in-depth assistance by appointment is preferred. Because many librarian offices will be close to the collection, librarians will remain close to familiar tools (clustered together rather than being scattered in the Main stacks), for use in the performance of their day to day activities and for consultation with library users. |
| 7. Oversize materials in Main Library Reference
Because reference books are often large, shelves in this area are spaced to hold books as tall as 35cm. There is limited shelving for "super-oversize" books [Rand McNally commercial atlas] in an atlas case, and behind the desk in Closed Reference. |
7. Oversize materials in Consulting Reference
The area should accomodate most oversize and "super-oversize" reference books [such as the G. K. Hall catalog sets]. Some extremely large Consulting Reference books might require aa separate sublocation . |
| 8. Fund accounts for Main Library Reference
The division of reference materials has no immediate impact on the fund accounts used to pay for those materials ('refmo/refbl' and 'scrmo/scrbl'). However, there is some effect on where some titles will be shelved. Most new reference books will go to 1-East (in some cases, replacing superceded volumes). This collection needs to retain its focus and remain constant in size. Some books will routinely end up on 1-East [travel, careers, college guides, and funding sets; law tools with K call numbers; new volumes of existing annuals]. The location of other titles will be designated during selection or processing by the Head of Main Library Reference or some designated person(s): 1-East, Closed Reference, various alcoves (biography, statistics), or Consulting. |
8. Fund accounts for Consulting Reference
The division of reference materials has no immediate impact on the fund accounts used to pay for those materials ('refmo/refbl' and 'scrmo/scrbl'). However, there is some effect on where some titles will be shelved. Some newly purchased reference books will be appropriate for the Consulting Reference collection, despite being very recent: depth of coverage is more important. Space limits and the cost of shifting require that this collection remain fairly constant in size. Selectors should talk with the Head of Main Library Reference if they would like to shelve multi-volume sets in Consulting Reference.
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| 9. Weeding in Main Library Reference
Space limits and collection focus require ongoing weeding of 1-East, and may make it impossible to shelve some large sets or groups of titles there. When newer editions of reference titles arrive, superceded editions usually will be transferred to the Main Stacks, but some older titles and sets that retain specialized value are candidates for transfer to Consulting. |
9. Weeding in Consulting Reference
Relatively few books will be weeded out of Consulting: most books that need weeding should not be assigned here in the first place. As a rule, older editions of 1-East titles should go to Main rather than to Consulting. Exceptions are possible such as fairly current "next most recent" editions. The value of most older sets found in Consulting [Encyclopaedia Britannica 11th]will not significantly change as they get older. |
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Part III: Specific kinds of tools in the two collections |
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| 10. Introduction to Main Library Reference tools
The Main Library Reference collection on 1-East is one of two places in which faculty, students and other researchers will find a large concentration of reference materials. Reference materials are selected on the basis of accuracy, authority, and relevance to the mission of the MSU Libraries. Materials selected for 1-East are characterized by:
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10. Introduction to Consulting Reference tools
The Consulting Reference collection in Basement-West is one of two places in which faculty, students and other researchers will find a large concentration of reference materials. Reference materials are selected on the basis of accuracy, authority and relevance to the mission of the MSU Libraries. Materials selected for Consulting are characterized by:
Consulting Reference is not a separate unit, but a set of tools brought together as a non-circulating collection, which prevents individual titles or volumes from being scattered across the Main stacks by call number, and concentrates them in a single location. |
| 11. Strengths of the Main Library Reference collection on 1-East
The strength of the Main Library Reference collection on 1-East revolves around access to current, accurate sources providing balanced introductory coverage for a wide range of disciplines and topics, in paper and digital formats, including the Web. The following kinds of tools are particularly well represented:
The following fields of study are particularly well represented:
A major strength of MSU Libraries reference service is end-user access to computer-based reference tools from all points on the campus: 1-East is a location adding value through assistance by library staff. |
11. Strengths of the Consulting Reference collection
The strength of the Consulting Reference collection revolves around its extensive collection of print indexes and abstracts, subject dictionaries and encyclopedias, guides to other libraries and collections, guides to reference sources, and miscellaneous bibliographic finding aids. The collection provides convenient access to research tools that are unusual, specialized or esoteric but also important for the MSU curriculum. Access to digital tools is not a feature of the Consulting Reference. |
| 12. Indexes and Abstracts in Main Library Reference
The most frequently used indexing and abstracting tools used in Main Library Reference are online tools, due to their speed, flexibility, remote access properties, and popularity. There are some index and abstract titles in paper on 1-East. These include index titles that are used frequently and not available online [Reader's Guide for periods before online indexing], or for which the print tool remains convenient [New York Times Index], or for which MSU does not provide online access [Religion index]. Library users are expected to learn to perform their own online searches in index and abstract tools; public services staff are expected to instruct library users about choosing amongs and searching techniques for specific interfaces. |
12. Indexes and Abstracts in Consulting Reference
The Consulting Reference Collection houses backfiles of printed periodical indexes and abstracting tools that have been superseded by electronic versions [Index Medicus], and older or specialized paper indexing tools not yet (perhaps never to be) superseded by electronic resources [British archaeological abstracts]. On a case by case basis, indexes, abstracts, and serial bibliographies that may have ceased publication or are of very narrow interest but remain valuable for research may be housed here. When a print index is supplemented by online access, cancellation of print and retention of backfiles in paper will be decided on a case by case basis. |
| 13. Electronic Formats in Main Library Reference
Main Library Reference is the preferred service point for library users who are conducting research using the library's collection of online tools. These are primarily indexes to serials or full text versions of periodicals. 1-East is not the only service point supporting digital tools. The Digital Services Center is the main service point for electronic text activity. Some CD-ROM titles are located in Software. The Map Library offers assistance with GIS. |
13. Electronic Formats in Consulting Reference
The Consulting Reference collection does not include electronic tools, whether indexes or other data sets. While advanced research using online databases may require an appointment with the appropriate subject bibliographer, this is an aspect of departmental liaison by Collections Management, and not Reference. |
| 14. General Encyclopedia Sets in Main Library Reference
Main Library Reference on 1-East collects current editions of major encyclopedias in English [Encyclopedia Americana] and in major world languages used in the curriculum [Brockhaus]. |
14. General Encyclopedia Sets in Consulting Reference
The Consulting Reference collection houses significant English and foreign language general encyclopedia sets that are not being kept current [Espasa], are in languages less likely to be used regularly at MSU [Turk ansiklopedisi], are less likely to be needed regularly in the curriculum [Great Soviet in English and Russian], or are considered reference "classics" despite their age [the Encyclopaedia Britannica 11th]. |
| 15. Subject encyclopedia sets in Main Library Reference
Main Library Reference collects single- or multi-volume subject encyclopedias in English that are recent or retain value as sources for exploratory research on major themes and topics [Grzimeks]. Similar works are collected in foreign languages to suport foreign language study [Dictionnaire des écrivains français]. |
15. Subject encyclopedia sets in Consulting Reference
The Consulting Reference Collection houses important single- or multi-volume subject encyclopedias in English or major world languages that are older than those on 1-East [Hastings' Encyclopædia of religion and ethics], deal with less frequently needed topics [Oxford companion to Australian folklore], or are in foreign languages, but are not centered on foreign language instruction [Enciclopedia dello spettacolo]. |
| 16. Bibliographies in Main Library Reference
Very few bibliographies are housed on 1-East because end-users prefer to create their own resource lists from online tools, and are able to include very current citations when they do so. Bibliographies that are selective, up-to-date, and annotated or evaluative may be considered for 1-East if they support introductory study of a broad range of topics [World bibliographical series]. |
16. Bibliographies in Consulting Reference
Selected significant but older bibliographies that retain their value for advanced research are located in Consulting Reference. Comprehensive bibliographies covering a single author belong in the Main stacks, and are not collected for either 1-East or the Consulting Reference collection. Any bibliography with a very narrow focus or highly unlikely to be used by more than a few readers (for example, due to language) may be considered for Main instead. In many cases, end-user access to online databases has made list-like bibliographies obsolete (especially those without annotations). In exceptional cases, well-known sets of this kind may be appropriate for Consulting Reference to meet user expectations, for security, or to keep sets intact [MLA international bibliography]. |
| 17. Directories in Main Library Reference
Most directories will be located in Main Library Reference, if they meet the tests for that collection:
When these directories are weeded from 1-East, they should go to Main or be withdrawn, not go to Consulting. Directories with substantial biographical content should be handled as biographical tools. |
17. Directories in Consulting Reference
Directories are not collected in the Consulting Reference collection: when current they belong in 1-East, and when older in Main (if kept at all) . Directories without biographical severely drop in value when no longer current. Guides to archives combine features of directories with other content of high value for advanced researchers. These guides belong in Consulting Reference [Archives and manuscript repositories in the USSR, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Belorussia], even when they are no longer recent. |
| 18. Language Dictionaries in Main Library Reference
Main Library Reference on 1-East collects current, significant dictionaries for English, and for foreign languages in frequent use on the MSU campus, in the curriculum or by students. This includes descriptive and etymological dictionaries [the OED], and bi-lingual dictionaries for translation between English and most world languages [English-Albanian dictionary]. As dictated by demand, some of these dictionaries may be available in multiple copies. Related works such as style manuals [English usage] and thesauri [Random House thesaurus] are also collected. |
18. Language Dictionaries in Consulting Reference
The Consulting Reference collection includes dictionaries which have not been assigned to 1-East. English-to-foreign language or foreign language-to-English titles in Consulting should cover less frequently used languages [Dictionary of the Norman or old French language], or be highly specialized [Middle English dictionary]. Older editions of important dictionaries, duplicate copies, and less prominent publications also may be assigned to Consulting [Century dictionary]. |
| 19. Handbooks, Manuals Almanacs, Compendia of Useful Facts,
and Guides in Main Library Reference
Materials of this kind may be collected for reference. They should provide quick access to facts [World almanac], or an introduction to themes and research for a library user unfamiliar with a topic [Animal behavior desk reference]. Current content, scope, design, and publication in English (in some cases in other major world languages) are factors in deciding whether to place such a book on 1-East. Michigan state government manuals are collected and the latest edition kept on 1-East. Annual reviews of the literature of the social sciences [Annual review of sociology] are shelved in 1-East, at the recommendation of the appropriate selectors. |
19. Handbooks, Manuals Almanacs, Compendia of Useful Facts,
and Guides in Consulting Reference
Materials of this kind may be part of the reference collection even if they are dated, not in English, or focused on topics of limited interest. However, handbooks that are not in English or are not current [Historia de la literatura espanola], or deal with narrow topics [London stage] should be located in Consulting. Except for Michigan, manuals for state governments [Maryland manual] are shelved in Consulting: access over the Web should be taken into account before putting major resources into keeping these completely current, or covering all 50 states. Annual reviews of the literature of the humanities [Year's work in English studies] are shelved in Consulting and annual reviews of the literature of the sciences [Annual review of cell biology] are shelved in Main, at the recommendation of the appropriate selectors. |
| 20. Concordances and books of quotations in Main Library Reference
Substantial collections of quotations are collected, for English [Oxford dictionary of quotations] and major world languages [Grand dictionnaire des citations francaises], and reflecting a range of themes [Political quotations]. Concordances in paper are generally no longer collected for reference, due to the growing availability of self-indexing electronic full text files. Exceptions on the grounds of convenience and frequent use include recent concordances to the Bible in English [NRSV concordance] or to the works of Shakespeare [Shakespeare concordance]. These books also fulfill a role as quotation sources. They are appropriate for 1-East.
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20. Concordances and books of quotations in Consulting
Reference
Older or less significant collections of quotations are located in Consulting, for English and major world languages [Home book of quotations]. Concordances will generally no longer be purchased in paper, due to the availability of self-indexing electronic full text files. Concordances already in the reference collection will be retained [Tennyson concordance]. Most concordances for individuals are housed in Main.
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| 21. Biographical tools in Main Library Reference
Biographical dictionaries and handbooks are collected for reference . Main Library Reference. Titles on 1-East will generally be in English [Who's who in American politics] but may be in major world languages [Wer ist wer] especially when relevant to foreign languages taught in the curriculum. 1-East houses both current editions [Who's who in America] and substantial historical compilations [Dictionary of scientific biography]. For convenience, many biographical directories are gathered into a distinct Biography Tools alcove. Biographical tools are distinguished from directories [Directory of history departments], which tend to lack personal information. Membership rosters are not collected; single author biographies or titles that cover only a few individuals go to Main. Fictional or mythical "biography" [Dictionary of Celtic mythology] is not considered biography for the purposes of the Biography Alcove, but belongs with other reference titles about literature or mythology. |
21. Biographical tools in Consulting Reference
Consulting Reference houses biography materials that are less likely to be used, including specialized foreign language materials with biographical value [Allgemeine deutsche Biographie] and older classics in English [Appleton and Allibone] which are best held in a non-circulating collection. |
| 22. Summaries of literary works and studies
Works that summarize works of literature [Masterplots] are collected and shelved in 1-East. So are anthologies of literary criticism [Contemporary literary criticism]. Related titles with significant biographical contents [Contemporary authors] belong in the Biography tools alcove. |
22. Summaries of literary works and studies
Some related volumes of these sets [Dictionary of literary biography yearbook] may be shelved in Consulting due to low frequency of use. |
| 23. Law
The MSU Libraries collects introductory and advanced reference tools dealing with the law [Michigan administrative code] and research about the field of law [Encyclopedia of the American constitution], as well as law reporters [Atlantic reporter] and associated digests for federal and Michigan cases [Callaghan's Michigan digest]. These print publications supplement access to full text databases including Lexis-Nexis Universe, and referral services to the Detroit College of Law library at MSU. For convenience, all legal reference publications with K call numbers are shelved together in a non-circulating collection on 1-East, at a short distance from the reference desk and reference collection. No K call numbers are shelved in Consulting. The DCL/MSU library has primary responsibility to assist its own faculty and students. While able to provide some reference assistance in special situations, the MSU Libraries should purchase law tools to support anticipated reference needs. |
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24a. Directories Alcove [Draft pending revision of this whole page: Criteria for adding books to Directories (ssia): Volumes in the Directories alcove should consist almost completely of information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers and perhaps some table-of-organization content. Because these volumes are likely to be discarded when replaced, publications that also include important biographical or statistical or descriptive information should NOT be shelved as Directories. Volumes in the Directories alcove should be recent enough to be accurate. When a new edition arrives, the older edition should be transferred or (preferably) withdrawn. If a new edition is not received after (hmmm how long) years, we should still consider removing the older edition.] |
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| 24b. Statistics Alcove
Reference (in cooperation with Government Documents) collects important statistical compendia for the United States, Michigan, regions and nations of the world ,and major international bodies. It is desirable to keep these publications together in a non-circulating collection: because these books span a range of call number systems, it is suitable to assemble them in a distinct Statistics Alcove on 1-East, close to the reference desk and the government documents reference collection. Older statistical publications may be located in Government Documents, Consulting, or Main. A separate and lengthy collection development statement for the statistics alcove provides additional detail and examples. |
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| 25. Government Documents
While the Government Documents unit is distinct from Reference, staffing efficiencies and the overlap in relevant sources for many questions make it practical for the two units to share a single public service area on 1-East. A separate collection of reference tools for working with publications of the United States, the census, the state of Michigan, Canada, the United Nations and other prominent IGOs is located adjacent to the 1-East reference desk, along with several computer work-stations. The government documents stacks is housed in the basement. |
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| 26. National bibliographies
Consulting Reference includes a collection of national bibliographies in paper [the NUC and the British Museum catalogue] -- however, it is convenient at this time to shelve these sets near the CyberCafe on the main floor as a non-circulating collection, available for browsing by library users and use as reference sources. |
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| 27. Microform guides in Main Library Reference
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27. Microform guides in Consulting Reference
Because much of the value of these guides comes from making them available in one place, they should remain together as a non-circulating collection. |
| 28. Oversize materials
The reference set includes a number of oversize volumes, some of which require special shelving arrangements. On 1-East, it is possible to space shelves to hold some of these books; others can be placed in the atlas case or in Closed Reference. Others will be stored in Consulting, especially where out of date or less often used. |
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| 29. Career guides
The Reference department collects publications about careers, resumes and job-seeking. It is desirable to keep these publications together as a collection, suitable for browsing by library users; these books also circulate for a three-day period. They are shelved as a group on 1-East. Older guides may be withdrawn or sent to Main. For more detail, see the separate collection development statement for the career guides. |
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| 30. Travel guides
The Reference department collects travel guides for Michigan, the United States, and the nations of the world. It is desirable to keep these publications together in a non-circulating collection, suitable for browsing by library users. Some of these tools are also useful as reference sources. They are shelved as a group on 1-East. Older guides may be withdrawn or sent to Main. For more detail see the separate collection development statement for the travel materials. |
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| 31. College and scholarship guides
The Reference department collects recent guides to selecting and attending colleges and universities for the United States and major world universities. Some scholarship publications may also be found in the Funding Center. It is desirable to keep these publications together in a non-circulating collection, suitable for browsing by library users. Some of these tools are also useful as reference sources. They are shelved as a group on 1-East. Older guides may be withdrawn or sent to Main. For more detail see the separate collection development statement for the college guides. |
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| 32. Funding Center
The Reference department collects publications about scholarships and internships, grants and the grant-seeking process, and foundations, and provides access to CD-ROM and WWW resources. A special effort is made to track grant-making sources in Michigan and the Lansing area. It is desirable to keep these publications together in a non-circulating collection, suitable for browsing by library users. Some of these tools are also useful as general reference sources. They are shelved as a group on 1-East. Older guides may be withdrawn or sent to Main. For more detail see the separate collection development statement for the Funding Center. |
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Part IV: The Relationship of Main Library Reference and the Consulting Collection, with other library units and public service points |
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| 33. Collection Management
Subject bibliographers select most reference titles for Main Library Reference (in consultation with staff throughout the MSU Libraries' system to determine the most appropriate location for reference sources). The Head of Main Library Reference selects to round out the collection, add significant titles retrospetively, or fill holes due to loss or the identification of new needs. Special care should be taken when a title covers over-lapping subject areas to avoid duplication and place the materials in the most appropriate location whether in Main Library Reference or a branch. Except for widely used reference titles owned in multiple copies, Main Library Reference should not purchase materials that compete with the collections available in other units. Most selection decisions about databases take place by committee and consensus. |
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| 34. Library Distance Learning Services ("Outreach")
Outreach provides assistance over the telephone to remote library users. In the area of reference, Outreach will answer simple ready reference questions if the answers can be found in a short list of a dozen general reference tools or from reliable Web sites: when this is not possible, Outreach will refer callers to the Reference Desk or to a subject specialist, depending on the length, complexity and nature of the question stated. |
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| 35. Information Commons
The Information Commons provides computer workstations for library users to reach library materials, with staff assistance during limited hours and confined to teaching techniques of how to use Magic and a small number of heavily-used databases. Users trying to decide which database to use, or how to construct search commands beyond basic techniques, should be referred to the Reference Desk. |
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| 36. Circulation "Information" Desk
The reference role of the "Information" Desk at Circulation is limited to answering directional questions, and refering library users to appropriate units for help, including the Reference Desk. |
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| 37. Map Library
The Map Library in Main has staff and a reference collection of its own. Referral to this locations is appropriate for researchers in need of resources and materials beyond the basic atlases, road atlases, gazetteers and historical atlases provided by Main Library Reference. |
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| 38. Fine Arts/Music
The Fine Arts and Music library in the Main Library has staff and a reference collection of its own. Referrals to this location are appropriate for researchers in need of resources and materials beyond general tools like encyclopedias provided by Main Library Reference. |
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| 39. Africana
The Africana area within the Main Library has its own staff and reference collection. Referrals to this location are appropriate for researchers in need of resources and materials beyond general and introductory tools located in Main Library Reference. |
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| 40. Labor and Industrial Relations
LIR has its own staff, collects a number of law- and labor-related publications, and is the location for some United States government publications. Referrals to this location are appropriate for researchers in need of resources and materials beyond what is provided on 1-East. |
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| 41. Special Collections
Special Collections has its own staff and reference materials, reflecting its areas of collecting. Referrals to Special Collections are appropriate for researchers in need of the special resources and materials located there. Main Library Reference may not be able to identtify all such materials using MAGIC. |
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| 42. External branch libraries
The fourteen branch libraries in the MSU Libraries system have staff and reference collections of their own. Except for general reference tools owned in multiple copies, Main Library Reference should avoid purchasing materials that overlap with resources available in these units. At the same time, superceded materials from the branches should be transferred to Main, not to Reference. Referrals to the branches are appropriate responses to some information inquiries on 1-East: library users with needs that require depth beyond the content of current encyclopedias and Web-based tools should not expect to find duplicate reference collections in these disciplines on 1-East. |
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Based on earlier SSHR texts prepared by Linda Driscoll in September 1998 (on the Web at http://www.lib.msu.edu/sowards/colldev/sshrcolldev.html) and a draft Consulting text prepared by a committee led by Jane Arnold in March 1999. Additional changes by Steve Sowards in May and July 1999 while planning the move, and again in March 2000 reflecting practices since the move.
URL=http://www.lib.msu.edu/sowards/services/colldev/refcds.html
Page editor: Steven Sowards
Created 10 March 2000; last modified 8 January 2007
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