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MCR Reference Continuity Service Network
Project Description:
The Reference Continuity Service Network is a completely voluntary way for librarians within the MCR to offer temporary reference services to other librarians who may be temporarily unable to provide these services to their patrons due to training opportunities, illness or vacation/personal time.
The Service is based on the DOCLINE concept of resource sharing between Full Network member libraries but rather than sharing collections the project would be sharing the reference expertise of our member librarians. Full members participating in the service would either be reference service providers or members requesting reference service in times of temporary library closures. Print brochure here.
Participants must be Full Network Members. Click here to learn more about Network membership
Get Started
I. List your institution as a Reference Service Provider.
Please contact John Bramble to put your name on a list of Full Network members who are wishing to partner with another Full Network member in providing TEMPORARY reference services. Based on the type of need, John will find a match fitting those needs.
Click here for John Bramble's contact information
II. Find a Reference Service Provider
Please contact John Bramble if you are looking for a Full Network member to connect with to provide TEMPORARY Reference Services for your institution.
Based on the type of services offered, John will use this information to match Full Network members seeking temporary reference services.
Click here for John Bramble's contact information
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III. Negotiating Terms
A. For formal agreements, everything should be clearly written down and all terms be understood by each party. You may wish to create a contract or a simple Letter of Agreement. Click here for Sample Letter of Agreement Form
B. Identify what level of services your institution will need. Think about...
1. Will you need dedicated on-call services from your reference service provider and what hours will you require?
2. Will you require the individual reference service provider be a professional librarian who can provide expert searching as outlined by the Medical Library Association Policy Statement: Role of Expert Searching in Health Sciences Libraries?
Click here to learn more more about this policy!
3. Is using the services of a experienced paraprofessional sufficient for your reference services needs?
4. Will your institutions be asking urgent patient care reference questions only?
5. Will your institution be asking for rush reference services?
6. Will your institution be asking for non-rush reference services?
Advisory Group Members
The Reference Continuity Service Project was developed and is managed by an advisory group consisting of a representative from each state in the region, a resource library librarian, and the Network Membership Liaison.
- Colorado: Myoung Fry, Mercy Medical Center, Durango
- Kansas: Camillia A. Gentry, Via Christi Health System, Wichita
- Missouri: Sandy Decker, Missouri Baptist Medical Center
- Nebraska: Darrel Willoughby, VA Medical Center, Omaha
- Utah: Emily Jean Eresuma, Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City
- Wyoming: Nicole Cormia, Wyoming Medical Center, Casper
- Resource Librarian: Mary Youngkin, University of Utah Health Sciences Library, Salt Lake City
- Network Membership Liaison: John Bramble, University of Utah Health Sciences Library, Salt Lake City
