Referral > misinformation
It’s better to refer for a complete and accurate answer than it is to give a quick, inaccurate answer. Refer and learn until you are comfortable and confident with the answer.
Error? Paywall?
Try to find the item as best you can. If you keep running in to the same issue, try emailing our internal systems and resources team.
librarytech@davidson.edu
In library land, we throw around the word research and reference like confetti. Research can be both a noun and a verb. For example, research the noun often means the product like an article, paper, or project. Research the verb alludes to the process we go through to create this research product.
As Research Consultants you are part of this process and will interact with these products!
Reference is the library land word for the support we provide for folks engaged in the research process. Think of when you refer to a library database or a dictionary to help someone get the answer they need. You're referring to something (or someone!) to support this individual doing research.
We have some guidelines in place. This line between sharing information about the library or resources is fuzzy. Think of the effort, skill, knowledge, and training required to answer the question.
You can also rely on the organization systems present to find materials. Browsing a call number range may appeal to folks who want to explore our collections more informally or encounter what they need with a touch of serendipity. I like to offer a call number range if a student is getting started. Sometimes the right book is waiting for you!
Davidson College Library Research Guides are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Mailing Address: Davidson College - E.H. Little Library, 209 Ridge Road, Box 5000, Davidson, NC 28035