REFERENCE AND SPECIAL SERVICES


REFERENCE BOOKS are to be consulted or referred to for specific kinds of information and are not usually read from cover-to-cover.

SOME EXAMPLES OF REFERENCE BOOKS ARE:

DICTIONARIES - contain definitions of words, spelling and pronunciations.

ENCYCLOPEDIAS - contain articles on specific subjects.

BIBLIOGRAPHIES - provide lists of books and other sources.

BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES - answers questions about people.

GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS - contain information about municipal, county, state or
federal governments and their officials.

INDEXES - used as a key to a variety of information found in periodicals.

PERIODICALS - contain articles, stories, etc published at regular, short intervals.

VERTICAL FILES - contain pamphlets and clippings on a variety of topics.

YEARBOOKS - answers questions on current trends and events.



LOCATING REFERENCE MATERIALS

For efficiency in locating reference materials, familiarize yourself with the layout and placement of resources on the first floor. It is important to remember that All Reference materials are housed on the 1st Floor. Requests for the use of magazine and newspaper back issues should be made at the Reference Desk.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN (ILL)

The procedure for borrowing books, periodicals, etc from other libraries is referred to as an Interlibrary Loan. ILLs are extremely helpful in obtaining information that is not available in our collection. Be prepared to provide specific details about the information you are seeking, e.g. authors, titles, dates, etc


PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING AN INTERLIBRARY LOAN


1. See the Reference Librarian to request an Interlibrary Loan.
2. Cost of interlibrary loan is based on the lending institution. Patrons will be expected to pay for their borrowed materials.
3. Requests should be made at least three (3) weeks prior to assignment due date.
4. Books should be used as soon as they arrive. The usual loan period is two weeks however, if more time is needed, a request should be made one week before the materials are due to be returned.



COLLABORATIVE LIBRARY AGREEMENTS


There are established agreements between the Wright-Potts Library and other academic libraries throughout the state, to support the extenuating research needs of Voorhees students and faculty. All of the state’s four-year colleges and universities are participants in the South Carolina Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement which allows for the use of numerous academic libraries throughout the state. This service is of significant importance to the OM students at the distant sites. Collaborative agreements also exist between Aiken and Denmark Tech. as well as Paine College. A complete listing of these institutions is included at the end of this handbook.


BIBLIOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION


To promote the efficient and effective use of the library and its resources, instructional assistance is available to all users. Bibliographic instruction will be provided to individuals or groups, upon request. PLEASE