Library Policies

Virtual Reference Services Policy 

The Evelyn S. Field Library offers virtual reference services by librarians via live chat, text, email and online FAQs. Virtual reference services can be used by members of the RVCC community and the public for assistance with any questions. However, patrons with in-depth research questions may be referred to an in-person or videoconferencing consultation or may be asked to give the librarian time to research the issue independently and get back to the patron at a later time. 

• Virtual reference services can be accessed from the library website by initiating a live chat or submitting an email through the website form 

• Hours for Live Chat are listed on the library website 

• Patrons may also email their questions directly to reference@libanswers.raritanval.edu or use SMS text messaging to a dedicated phone number. Questions submitted in this manner will be answered in within 24-48 hours in the same format in which they were submitted  

• A searchable FAQ knowledgebase is available on the library website with answers to numerous common questions 

• Screensharing and/or video conferencing may be offered to patrons to demonstrate search strategies when needed; these modalities are completely optional for the patron 

• Any personal information submitted during live chat is not retained beyond the chat session. 

• Chats may be terminated and the user banned for using inappropriate or rude language, harassment of any kind, or repeated off-topic comments.