Reference Services

Reference is a dynamic process involving interaction among the patron, the librarian, and the Library’s resources in order to satisfy the researcher’s information needs.

To achieve this goal the following reference services are available to students, faculty, and other library patrons.

Answering Questions

Available in person, by telephone, or via e-mail. If you are unsure about how to begin a research project, the Reference and Information Services desk, located on the main floor of the Library, is the place to start.

Personal Instruction

For assistance in locating and using library materials, guidance in the use of information resources, and instruction in the use of electronic resources, “drop-in” at the Reference Desk.

In-depth Research Guidance

Consultation and assistance in comprehensive literature searches is available at the Reference Desk, and by appointment with Reference Librarians with subject expertise.

Referrals

Assistance in identifying other sources or information centers for materials which are not available at William Paterson University. Information is available on various document delivery options including interlibrary loan and use of other libraries.

Electronic Reference Service

Access (via local network or remote databases via the Internet) to citations, abstracts, and full-text of selected documents such as journal articles, dissertations and research reports.

Library Internet Services

Access to selected Library and Internet resources via the Library Web Page http://www.wpunj.edu/library. The Library offers workshops designed to improve your online information-seeking skills.

Library Publications

Brochures, instructional guides and bibliographies are provided to increase awareness and maximize effective use of the Library. Some are available online at http://www.wpunj.edu/library/refpubs.htm

The Reference Collection

Reference materials are defined as:

Works designed by their arrangement and treatment to be consulted for specific items of information, or which serve as keys to larger bodies of information. Examples of reference works are: encyclopedias, statistical compilations, atlases, dictionaries and biographical sources, indexes to periodical literature, abstracting services, union lists of serials, bibliographic guides, etc.

This 11,000 title, non-circulating collection also includes specialized cources such as legal materials, business and financial resources, census data, college catalogs, New Jersey documents, and a rich variety of CD-ROM and online resources.

When is Reference Assistance Available?

Service is available at the Reference Desk 8 am-10 pm Monday through Thursday, 8 am-10 pm Friday, 8 am-8 pm Saturday, and 12 noon-10 pm Sunday.

What if I have further questions?

A Librarian will be glad to assist you with your information needs. If you require special assistance, or wish to make an appointment for User Education (class or individual), please call the Reference Department at 720-2663 or the Reference Desk at 720-2116. You can also e-mail the Reference Librarians at refdesk@wpunj.edu and a member of the reference staff will respond as soon as possible.