The delivery of reference and information service is central to the Champaign County Library’s mission and commitment to serving the needs of its community.
Reference service includes providing help with the catalog and library computers, reader’s advisory service, database and online assistance, bibliographic verification, interlibrary loan assistance, referral services, research assistance, school assignments, consumer information, and individual and group instruction.
Equal Access
The Champaign County Library will provide reference service to all patrons on an equal, nondiscriminatory, and nonjudgmental basis without regard to the race, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, background, appearance, or personal view of the patron making the inquiry or the subject matter being researched.
Priority of Service
The Champaign County Library responds to all requests for reference and information services whether made in person, by telephone, mail, fax, or electronic means. Individuals present in the building take first priority for service over telephone calls or other communications. Staff will, however, complete a telephone conversation in process before attending to in-person requests.
Staff will assist as they are able in helping patrons with computer applications or electronic reading/listening devices and may refer patrons to appropriate books, online tutorials, or classes for further assistance. When assisting patrons with computer resources, staff will not enter personal information for patrons.
Fees
The Champaign County Library does not charge for reference service but fees may be charged for photocopies or postage. A minimum fee of $5.00 may be charged for genealogical/local history searches if information is mailed to the patron.
Specific Reference Question Guidelines
Appraisal – Staff do not make appraisals. Staff show the printed sources the library owns and suggests that the patron contact dealers or other experts. Staff point out that printed price information may be region-dependent or out-of-date and that the value of an object depends on its condition.
Consumer Evaluations – Staff will help patrons locate objective consumer product information using magazines and online resources. Short published consumer ratings will be read over the phone; however, in depth consumer information must be read by the patron. The staff does not offer personal opinions recommending one product over another.
Genealogical/Local History Questions – General assistance with the resources of the genealogy collection is provided; however, the Library does not trace complete family histories or conduct in-depth research for patrons. Requests for genealogical assistance may be requested in person, by telephone, email, or mail.
Medical or Legal Questions – Staff may respond to medical or legal questions by reading
directly from the cited source or inviting the patron to use the Library’s printed resources in person or electronic resources online. Staff will not offer advice, interpretation, recommendation, opinion or personal experience, which is the domain of trained legal, medical, or financial professionals. Staff may suggest that the patron contact an attorney or medical practitioner, an appropriate government agency or nonprofit organization, or other specialized libraries.
Computer Questions - Staff will provide patrons with basic orientation to computer hardware and electronic products available on the Library’s computers. Library staff is available to assist users with basic machinery problems and answer simple questions regarding the electronic products.
Library staff will not provide individual in-depth computer training, technical assistance or solve compatibility problems.
School Assignments – Every effort will be made to satisfactorily answer student questions and to provide sources of information and instruction needed to use those resources.
Editing – Staff does not critique or edit patron documents, manuscripts or resumes.
Tax Forms and Questions – The Champaign County Library does not provide tax advice. Staff will provide resources but will not interpret or evaluate the information found in these resources. The patron will be referred to the state/federal Internal Revenue Services for interpretation of the information if needed. Tax forms are provided in paper or, if available, printed from the Internal Revenue Service and Ohio Department of Revenue websites.
One-on-One Library Assistance (Tech Time Sessions)
Patrons may schedule one-on-one sessions with staff to get technology assistance, including but not limited to, using Library’s research databases, training on specific electronic devices and genealogical searching. One-on-one appointments are scheduled for up to 30 minutes. Drop-in sessions are only upon staff availability.
Interlibrary Loans
Interlibrary requests must be placed at the Service Desk. Every effort will be made to provide free access to the requested information or materials. Any fees associated with borrowing materials from another library will be paid for by the patron prior to request being placed.
Photocopier, Fax & Scanning Services
A coin operated self-service photocopier is available for patron use. Copies are ten cents ($.10) per side copied for black and white copies and twenty-five cents ($.25) per side for color copies.
The library will provide an individual a free photocopy of their driver’s license, temporary driver’s permit, or state identification card upon request.
Fax service is available at the Service Desk for $.50 per page charge, excluding cover sheets. International faxes are charged $2.00 per page.
Items may be scanned to email or flash drive for free of charge.
Test Proctoring
To meet the needs of students and institutions of higher learning, Reference staff offer proctoring services based on availability of personnel, facilities, and technology.
May 2025