Information Service Policy

1. Policy

1.01 The Fort Erie Public Library will provide information in the form of answers to specific questions and guidance in locating material for patrons who appear in person, call on the telephone, or request information through correspondence, including email.

1.02 The Fort Erie Public Library will assist patrons in the use of the Library and teach basic research methodology.

1.03 The Fort Erie Public Library will provide bibliographic verification of items both in the Library and not owned by the Library and will assist patrons in obtaining materials through interlibrary loan, when appropriate.

1.04 The Fort Erie Public Library may refer Library users to other agencies and libraries in pursuit of needed information.

1.05 The Fort Erie Public Library may use not only the Library’s resources in printed form, but consult appropriate digital resources as well as other libraries and agencies by telephone in pursuit of “ready reference” information.

2. Information Service Goal Statements

2.01 The Fort Erie Public Library will provide quality materials, collections and services, which fulfill the educational, informational, cultural and recreational needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful and businesslike.

2.02 The general information service goals of the Fort Erie Public Library shall be:

2.02.1 To serve all residents of the community, the surrounding region and visitors to Fort Erie.

2.02.2 To acquire and make available to all Library users such books, periodicals, pamphlets, and other resources and services as will address their needs to:

• Become well informed
• Locate answers to important questions
• Cultivate the imagination and creative expression
• Develop skills for career and vocational advancement
• Enjoy leisure by means of reading and other media services.

2.02.3 To acquire the means to provide the most frequently requested material locally and upon demand.

2.02.4 To maintain a program of service which locates information, guides reading, organizes and interprets material for people of various backgrounds and stimulates thinking and intellectual development in individuals of any age.

2.02.5 To strive consistently to discover new methods and improvements for better service for the Library’s customers.

2.02.6 To review regularly these goals of the Fort Erie Public Library and, if necessary, revise them in the light of new developments.