Reference Correspondence Policy

The Information Services and Instruction Section of the UP Diliman University Library caters primarily to the reference and information needs of the university’s students, faculty, and staff. Given that we are an academic library of a state university, we also accept academic inquiries from other libraries, government institutions, and private researchers upon review and approval.

Reference librarians generally respond to general information inquiries; simple search and research of materials in the library’s collection; and inquiries on access and utilization of electronic resources. Specific questions and research are often referred to subject specialist librarians in other college or unit libraries within the campus.

Reference librarians shall decline requests that are vague, ambiguous, and/or may require extensive research (requires compilation of various materials, searching a broad range of time, and/or accessing other libraries). Similarly, reference librarians are prohibited from responding to queries that may be utilized to answer questions and win contests, participate in competitions, complete school or work assignments, and/or research family history, lineage, and heraldry. Moreover, requests on translations, determination of parentage, location of missing persons, and extensive photocopying projects are also highly discouraged.

Reference requests are addressed from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; and on Saturdays, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Operating hours may vary without prior notice. Requests are answered in the order they are received. Only one request per client at any given time shall be accepted. Clients should wait for a reply before submitting another request. A response will typically be sent within 3 to 5 days.

Reference transcripts are not shared with anyone outside the organization unless otherwise required and with proper notification to the concerned requester/client.

All requests should include the following information about the requestor: (1) full name, (2) affiliation, (3) valid email address; AND the following information about the inquiry: (1) precise details of query (2) scope of the inquiry (3) additional relevant details.

All inquiries are deemed private and in accordance with the UP Diliman Privacy Policy

All electronic resources sent to the user’s email are covered by intellectual property rights. Thus, recipients of electronic resources should use them for academic purposes only and are expected to cite the source(s) of information properly.

April 2021