Who is eligible to use
this service?
When can I expect to receive
a response to my question?
I submitted a question to
the E-Mail Reference Service over a week ago but never received a response.
Why did this occur?
Are there restrictions as to
when I can use this service?
What kinds of questions are
ideal for this service?
Do you provide answers to "factual"
question?
Why is it necessary that I
complete a form rather than simply submit my question?
Why do I have to provide personal
information?
What is your policy on privacy?
Who is eligible to use
this service?
Students, faculty, staff and alumni of Baruch College. Service will be extended
to those outside the college community who have questions about special collections
of the Newman Library.
When can I expect to receive
a response to my question?
Reference librarians will respond within 24 hours of your initial submission,
except on weekends, holidays, and those Fridays when the library is closed.
If you require an immediate response to your question, you should consider
using the online chat service or coming to the library to speak with a reference
librarian. Please consult the Ask a Librarian
page to learn more about these services and the times they are available.
I submitted a question
to the E-Mail Reference Service over a week ago but never received a response.
Why did this occur?
One of the most common reasons for not receiving a response is mistyping your
e-mail address. It is very important that you review your e-mail address before
clicking the "Submit" button. If you haven't received a response
within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), you should resubmit your
question and ensure that your e-mail address is correct.
Are there restrictions
as to when I can use this service?
Not at all. One of the benefits of this service is that it is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. You can conveniently get started on your research
even before coming to the library.
What kinds of questions
are ideal for this service?
E-mail reference service can be used in asking librarians to:
suggest how to get started on your research
recommend databases for researching a topic
offer tips about how to search databases, CUNYplus or the Web
explain how to find a particular book, periodical or other items in
the library
advise you on how to find information on a subject
assist you with evaluating a book, article or web site
clarify library services and policies
Do you provide answers
to "factual" question?
This service is not intended for providing answers to "factual"
questions (e.g., "What is the G.D.P. of China?"). We may instead
suggest the resource(s) to help you answer your question.
Why is it necessary that
I complete a form rather than simply submit my question?
The information requested in the form is intended to assist librarians in
adequately understanding your question and, it even helps to clarify your
information needs. In fact, research has shown that e-mail reference forms
promote thoughtfulness by enabling the user to fully articulate their information
needs.
Why do I have to provide
personal information?
Personal information is required for the purpose of verifying your Baruch
status. Other personal information found in the form and survey of the service
(i.e. gender and age) are obtained on a voluntary basis in order to assess
the service and for the department’s ongoing research in digital reference.
What is your policy on
privacy?
This information will be kept in confidence and not be given, shared, sold
or transferred to a third party.
