Procedures for Submitting Subject Requests to the Reference and Loan Library by Email

Types of Requests & Forms

Any type of reference request may be sent via e-mail to the Reference and Loan Library. A request form is located on the Reference & Loan Library's home page under Reference Services at http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/lib_form.asp. R&L staff prefer that requests be submitted using the form so that information needed by both sender and receiver will be included. Free-form e-mails may be sent to dpirllref@dpi.wi.gov

Submitting Requests

The form should be filled out as completely as possible. It can be very helpful to R&L staff to know what sources have been consulted; what subject terms have been used; and which search engines have been used.

Requests will go to a shared mailbox accessed by all R&L reference staff.

Response Procedures

A copy of the request that includes the patron's name and/or a request number will be included with all items sent. Either patron's name or a request number must be included on all requests so that the original requesting library can be sure to get materials to the right customers.

Materials loaned from the Reference and Loan Library's collection and photocopies will be sent to the original requesting library.

Material from the Internet or brief information that can be e-mailed can be sent via e-mail directly to the patron if so requested.

Up to 10 pages of information can be faxed directly to the patron if so requested and if the fax number is included with the request.

Items requested via interlibrary loan from other libraries will be sent to the originating library. The patron's name or request number will identify the original requestor.

R&L staff will notify the referring librarian of action taken on the request via e-mail. This may be a copy of e-mails sent directly to patrons or a copy of the Response Form sent to the patron with materials. Interim reports may be sent when requests are referred to outside sources.