All library patrons will be treated with equal courtesy and consideration, regardless of age or subject interest. Staff responsibilities include providing factual information and assisting patrons in utilizing the library's resources, but do not extend to performing extensive research. The degree of assistance given will depend on staff and time availability. 

Specific areas of inquiry are addressed below.

**Contests, puzzles, school assignments, etc.**  

Patrons requesting such information are treated the same as any other patron, as assistance is not given based on the type of question or the patron's perceived need. Staff will assist students in locating material to complete assignments but not in completing the assignment itself.

**Genealogical Questions**  

Staff will guide patrons in using the library's resources but cannot undertake to do genealogical research. Brief informational inquiries received by mail or telephone will be answered as quickly as time allows.

**Legal or Medical Questions**  

Only spelling, brief dictionary definitions, and factual information are provided. No opinion, interpretation, or advice will be given. Any legal or medical question will be met with the advice that the patron should seek out an attorney or a doctor.

**Library Instruction**  

Staff will, on an informal basis as needed, explain the use of the catalog and other library materials. Formal instruction in the use of the library and library materials is available to groups and should be scheduled through the Director.

**Telephone Service**  

Reference service will be provided for inquiries received by telephone just as if the patron was present in the library, but telephone requests will not take precedence over those of patrons present in the library. If locating the requested information is expected to take more than a minute, staff will take a name and number and return the call as soon as possible.  

Exception: City Directory and cross-reference inquiries will not be handled by telephone. The patron may come into the library to check this source.  

Telephone service does not extend to providing information about who is or is not in the building; staff will not page patrons or relay messages except in an emergency.  

(Amended: 10/10)