The MCLS Reference Center helps local librarians by expanding the reference service you provide for your patrons. Our reference services include:

• ANSWERING REFERENCE QUESTIONS: We answer questions that cannot be answered at the local level due to lack of resources, time, or staff expertise. We usually respond within 5 working days.

• BIBLIOGRAPHIC VERIFICATION: We take vague citations/references and try to identify the right book, literary work, periodical, journal article, document, musical score, etc., that the patron seeks.

• FILE CHECKS: We maintain extensive subject files of previously answered questions, so call us for a file check. These files also contain the best of the SCAN files (1969-1995).

• CONSULTATIONS:We can advise you on search strategy, especially for Internet searching. If we have worked on a similar question, then we may already know where to look for the answer.

Any MCLS, Santiago Library System or South State Cooperative Library System librarian can submit questions. Other libraries that may submit questions include associate members and any other California system that has contracted with us for second level reference service.

• PHONE: If you need reference help immediately, call us and we will try to find the answer in one hour or less. This speedy service is available only Monday – Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. Call us at (213) 228-7575. Also, if your request has deadline of one week or less, a phone call is the best way to meet that deadline.

• FAX: You may fax in a question using the correct paper form. Our fax number is (213) 228-7579.

• MCLS website: Your library has been assigned a username and password that allows access to the “ask a question” form. If you don’t remember your username and password, contact the Reference Center staff at 213-228-7575.

• EMAIL: You may email your questions to questions@mcls.org. Please give as much information as possible to help us answer the question.

• MCLS delivery: Send completed question forms to us by using the MCLS system delivery. Although this is the slowest way to get a question to us, it’s a good way to send us photographs/images if the patron seeks identification/information on physical objects (tools, pins/jewelry, sculptures, awards, etc.) or paper-based items such as symbols, trademarks, logos, graphic designs, etc.

To best meet your needs, here are some tips:

• A good reference interview. Ask the patron probing questions to find the true information need. When you think you understand the question, verify it with the patron. Remember, we do not have the patron in front of us and depend on you to do the reference interview for us.

• A reasonable search of your local sources. By reasonable, we mean standard reference sources such as encyclopedias, circulating books, periodical indexes, and a general Internet search.

• Fill out the appropriate MCLS request paper worksheet. You may use one of the following 4 forms, depending on the question. Each question must be submitted on a separate form. The four forms are Reference (used for the majority of our requests), Quotation, Song and Title Verification.

We cannot provide medical advice or interpretation. We can provide information from various medical sources.

We cannot provide legal advice or interpretation. We can provide copies of specific laws, regulations and decisions, as well as contacts for appropriate government agencies.

We cannot provide interpretations of literary works. We can provide citations to published literary interpretations.

We cannot provide appraisal or evaluation of antique furniture, objects, or specific works of art. We can provide historical and/or descriptive information, as well as biographical information on specific artists.

We cannot do market research. We will suggest sources for further research.

We cannot compile complete or exhaustive bibliographies. We will provide printed bibliographies. We can also compile selective bibliographies, depending on available staff time.

We cannot do lengthy genealogy searches, such as compiling family trees. We will provide specific genealogical information.

We cannot do lengthy and/or exhaustive patent, trademark, or copyright searches. We will provide information on specific patents, trademarks, or copyrights.

We send answers back to you by fax, email, phone, or system delivery. We often send photocopies from books, periodicals, and websites, as well as a list of sources checked, organizations contacted, etc. If needed, we also give ideas for locating additional information such as books, organizations, government agencies, etc.

We will attempt to answer your questions within 5 working days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receipt of the question.

Remember that, if needed, you can also specify alternative deadline dates, such as same day, one day, or whatever your patron requires. We will do our best to meet your deadline. However, because of staffing limitations, we may not be able to meet a particular deadline.

Reference Center Supervisor: Mike Germroth mgermroth@mcls.org

Reference Librarian: Shari Haber shaber@mcls.org

Administrative Assistant: Christina Carlisle ccarlisle@mcls.org