Using the Library during COVID-19
Many of our services are now being offered in new ways. To find the latest information on course reserves, book returns, 24/7 online help, and more, visit our Library services and resources during COVID-19 page. The information on that page supersedes all other information on the Library website at this time.
Goals for Public Service
Content section:
Originally drafted by the Reference Services Committee; adopted by the Library in January 1981
Any personal assistance provided to users in pursuit of information can be considered a public service. The main goals for public service personnel are:
- to facilitate access to information contained in the Library's collections and in other collections potentially accessible to users, and
- to provide -- to the extent that limited resources and other constraints make possible -- service to all users on the basis of need.
Elements of library service that are of critical importance in achieving these goals are:
- Staffing public service points with personnel committed to excellence in quality of service and who are qualified to provide guidance to library users;
- Promotion of facilities and services available to library users;
- Provision of formal and informal library instruction and wide distribution of library orientation materials to aid users in fully utilizing library resources;
- Consistent application of circulation policies designed to optimize access to the collections while insuring their security;
- Staff awareness of resources beyond those at UC Berkeley which can be made available to users through resource-sharing programs.