Library Policies

Ask-a-Librarian Policy

The Evelyn S. Field Library offers electronic reference services to its students, faculty and staff, and to residents of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. In order to utilize these services, patrons must have either a Raritan Valley Community College ID card or a Public Patron Library Card from the Evelyn S. Field Library.

• Electronic reference questions may be submitted via the Ask-a-Librarian Form.
• The electronic reference mailbox will be checked  by librarians at regular intervals on weekdays.
• Questions submitted electronically should be brief, factual, focused and specific.
• Questions about use of library systems (catalogs, indexes, databases) may also be submitted.
• Questions that are too broad will be returned to the patron with an invitation to visit the library and to work with a librarian.
• Patrons will receive an immediate electronic confirmation that their question has been received.
• Patrons will be contacted by email if clarification of the question is needed.
• Response to the question should be received by the patron within 24-48 hours excluding weekends or holidays.
• Response will be by e-mail.
• Response by librarian will state the source of the information being sent.
• Response will NOT include copies of books or articles.
• The confidentiality of the patron will be respected.
• Users may wish to search the library FAQ to see if their question has already been asked.