ADULT SERVICES DIVISION

Commonly Asked Questions from the Reference Desk
WHAT WE DO

What does the Adult Services Division do?

Can anyone ask for help at the Reference Desk?
Yes, everyone is welcome.
Who is the Adult Services Division?
The Adult Services Division staff includes reference librarians, reference assistants, and volunteers.

Our Adult Services librarians have master's degrees in library science and/or extensive experience and training in reference work. They help you research reference questions; they manage large sections of the book, audio-visual, and magazine collections; and they oversee many special projects. Four Librarian IIs each coordinate one of the department's major functions: collection development, readers' services, electronic resources, and community outreach. Each of the other librarians manages projects such as tax forms, local documents, etc. 

Adult Services assistants provide behind-the-scenes support for a variety of division responsibilities. They handle most of the day-to-day receiving and filing of reference materials, along with supplies, photocopying, and magazine/newspaper shelving management. They also staff the library's interlibrary loan service, the process of borrowing and loaning books to and from other library systems so that library users here and elsewhere can get just the books they need.

The Adult Services volunteers work about two hours each week. Volunteer projects include helping library users with computer classes; processing telephone books and newsletters; filing microfilm; locating missing books, magazines, and other items; typing; searching the library's catalog for recommended titles and to process damaged items; and much more! 
 
 

ASKING QUESTIONS

What kinds of questions can I ask at the Reference Desk?

Ask us anything! We are here to help you find whatever you need. 
What kind of reference help can I get?
Our goal is to help you find exactly what you need. 

If the answer to your question can be found quickly, we'll do the best we can to do just that. 

If the answer will be harder to find, we will steer you to the best possible sources for you to research. For some types of questions, we will offer to do further research and call you back.
If we believe that other libraries or agencies can provide faster and better information, we will refer you.
How much help can I get?
Our libraries are very busy. The Adult Services librarians answer approximately 60,000 questions per year at the reference desk. That means that a new reference question is asked every 6 minutes, with many other types of questions asked in between.

However, most reference questions take only a few minutes to answer. And we try to answer all questions, even those that take a little longer.

People who come to the library receive priority help over those who telephone. That's because the in-person visitor can assist with the research. 

If you telephone the Reference desk with your question, we can check up to 3 quick titles or facts.

Is my reference question confidential?
Yes. The questions you ask, including the books you request, are confidential. Staff may discuss your question with a co-worker to get research assistance, but we will not identify your question to anyone outside the library except yourself unless you tell us to do so.
How do I get the best reference help?
1. Bring a copy of the article or assignment sheet that mentions the books or information you need.

2. Bring your library card.

3. Allow plenty of time. Check the library's hours to make sure there's plenty of time before we close for the day. Also, the books you need may be already checked out, and you may need to spend time looking for other materials or in taking notes from reference sources. 

4. Ask for exactly what you need. If you need a copy of John F. Kennedy's inaugural address, ask for that rather than for books about presidents or for biographies of Kennedy. 

5. Let us know how much information you need, how current, and what format. For example, do you need a certain number of books and magazine articles on your topic? Do they need to be very recent? Do you need pictures, maps, statistics, graphs?

6. Always let us know if you haven't found exactly what you want. 
 
 

FINDING BOOKS AND OTHER MATERIALS

What's the best way to find a book (or other item) that I need?

Start with our library's online catalog. 

In the catalog, you can search by title, author, or subject. You can even search by titles and subjects together (that's the GENERAL WORDS search).

Please ask at the Reference desk if the catalog does not list exactly what you need. We can often find the item or information another way.

What if this library doesn't own the item I need?
If the item you need is new and might be of interest to other library users, we might choose to buy it and reserve it for you. 

If the item is older, out-of-print, or specialized, we may be able to borrow it for you from another library. This is called an interlibrary loan. Depending on your type of library card, you may request up to 3 book titles and/or copies of magazine articles. Allow at least 3-4 weeks for processing and arrival of materials. You will be notified as soon as loans arrive. The due date, determined by the lending library, is usually very generous.  

What if I need back issues in a magazine or newspaper that is not in the library's catalog?
The library subscribes to over 400 magazines and newspapers, many of which are stored on microfiche, microfilm, or with paper back copies. It is possible to make copies from any of these formats to take home with you. Various electronic sources also allow for magazine article searching. Ask for assistance at the Reference desk.
How do I find a good book to read?
Our librarians can suggest many good books to read. We also have many lists of the best books in many genres and on many topics. Please stop by the Reference desk and ask.
THE LIBRARY'S COLLECTION

How many items are in the library's collections?

The Williamsburg Regional Library has over 300,000 books; 44,000 videos and audio recordings; and 400 magazines and newspapers. 
How do the librarians choose what new books, videos, audio recordings, magazines, and newspapers to buy for the library?
Each librarian selects new materials, based on reviews that recommend those materials, the need for our library to have more and newer information on the topics covered in those materials, and the availability of funds. For further information on how we select material, see our collection policy.

These librarians also oversee sections of the library's collection, making decisions about which items should be updated, replaced by a similar or better title, or repaired. 

Can I request that the library buy a particular item?
Yes. We would be happy to consider purchasing a particular item or items about a subject. Just stop by the reference desk and talk with a librarian, or go to our online book suggestion form.
STUDENTS

What kind of help can students receive?

The Adult Services staff encourages students of all ages to use the library to find homework help and good books to read! 

Students receive the same assistance as everyone else. Librarians will help you locate materials and information for your assignments, show you how to use reference sources, and recommend the best sources for your particular topic.

Can my class get a tour of the library?
We love to give tours of the library, especially to students. Please ask your teacher or our librarians for more information.
TEACHING

How can I learn more about how to use the library?

The Adult Services staff will be happy to help you learn more about the library. We offer Internet classes as well as brief one-on-one instruction on how to use our library's catalog and assorted electronic reference sources. We also give tours of our library buildings to show people our many collections and to discuss our policies and procedures. We can also customize tours and classes for special groups. Please contact the Adult Services department in person or by telephone for more information.
 
 
QUESTIONS & SUGGESTIONS
If you have questions or suggestions about the Adult Services Division, please talk with any of our staff at 259-7720 or 259-4050.

 

 

 

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