Staffing
Reference services at the DeWitt Wallace Library support the
educational mission of the college by teaching and guiding users
in the research process. We place an emphasis on instruction and
on helping people to become independent users of library resources
and information. Our primary responsibility is to the Macalester
community, however we also provide selective Reference service
to visitors to our library. Reference services are confidential,
although staff may consult with each other.
We provide the following Reference services: Reference Desk In-Person,
Telephone, Email, Online/Chat and Consultation Appointments.
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Reference Desk In-Person Service
We have a tiered staffing model at the Reference Desk. Reference
librarians staff the Desk during critical and peak usage hours,
including early evening and selected weekend hours. Staff from
other areas of the library also provide service at the Desk. A
Reference Student Aide is at the Desk most of the hours that the
library is open, including late evening and weekend hours when
no Reference staff are available. The Student Aide is expected
to answer directional questions and to refer other questions to
library staff. Student Aides also are responsible for basic computer/printing
troubleshooting. Reference questions are handled on a first-come,
first-served basis. Reference staff may make follow-up appointments
for in-depth research needs.
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Telephone Service
Quick questions will be answered through telephone service. People
with in-depth questions may be asked to come in to speak with
a staff member. Reference staff are not able to leave the Reference
area to retrieve library materials. If the telephone line is engaged,
users are asked to call back. There is no voice mail on the Reference
telephone. The Reference telephone is for library staff use only.
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Email Service
Email Reference service is mainly for the use of the Macalester
community. Non-Macalester related questions may be answered as
time permits. Questions relating to the unique collections of
Macalester College will be answered or referred to the appropriate
department. Reference staff answer or refer questions within 24
hours, except during break or holiday periods. People with in-depth
questions may be asked to come in to speak with a staff member.
Email questions are archived for library use only.
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Consultation Appointments
Appointments with a Reference Librarian are available for in-depth
research needs. Appointments may be made at the Reference Desk,
through the telephone, or through email. We attempt to match research
needs with a particular librarian's subject expertise.
