Reference and Information Services
Service Policy: Reference and Information Services
The Fargo Public Library provides reference services to patrons in person and through a variety of telecommunication channels. The library staff strives to answer all requests for information in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner; however, patrons who are being served or waiting in person will take precedence over other requests. Requests received through other channels will be answered as soon as time permits. Reference services may be limited at the library’s branches; patrons will be redirected to the Adult Services or Children’s staff at the Main Library when appropriate.
Reference Requests Received by Mail, Email, Letter or Phone: The reference librarian receiving the request will determine its complexity. Given the complexity of some inquiries, no definitive time limits per inquiry can be set; rather the amount of time per inquiry is best left to the judgment of the librarian. If the response cannot be completed within a reasonable amount of staff time, the patron will be referred to other sources, such as their state library, interlibrary loan, national lending programs, etc. Print material such as Forum articles will be scanned and sent by email. Every effort will be made to fulfill requests within two business days.
Specific Practices:
• Library staff may only guide patrons to available materials and resources relating to medical, legal, tax, and personal finance information. Staff will neither evaluate or interpret the information provided, nor offer opinions on the best course of action. They will also not offer investment advice, answer tax questions, or assist in tax form preparation, or act as a surrogate for a professional in the above-mentioned fields.
• Library staff will, to the best of their ability and while taking staff time into account, assist patrons in the use of library technology and digital resources. Staff are not permitted to type or enter personal information for patrons, except as may be required to comply with reasonable accommodations as specified by the ADA. Patrons needing extended technology assistance will be directed to more appropriate programs and services.
• Library staff will assist patrons requesting information to complete school assignments. Assistance will focus on instruction in using the library’s materials and resources, rather than only supplying answers. Library staff will not interpret the instructor’s questions or description of the assignment.
• Library staff will answer grammar and usage questions, but will not proofread, edit, or critique documents. Library staff will provide translations of specific words or phrases found in standard language resources, but will not translate full-text documents.
• Library staff will not provide information and/or assistance with activities they know to be or may be illegal. Library staff may also refuse to provide assistance when the patron’s behavior or request violates the FPL Rules of Conduct.
Microform Reader/Printers: Patrons may use the microform equipment as long as they need to unless other users are waiting. If so, there is a limit of 30 minutes. Patrons may bring their own microforms and use library equipment. The printing charge is fifteen cents per copy.
Printers and Photocopiers: Library staff may assist patrons in scanning or copying materials at the copier/scanners. Copyright responsibility belongs to the patron making the copies. Staff may refuse to assist with copier functions which they believe to be in violation of copyright laws. The copying charge is fifteen cents per standard size black & white copy and 50 cents per standard size color copy.
#0014-2001
Approved 01-15-2002
Revised 04-26-2005
Revised 06-17-2014
Reviewed 06-19-2018
Revised 11-19-2019
Reviewed 04-18-2023
Revised 04-21-2026