Research Services Mission

The Samuel C. Williams Library Department of Research Services promotes and supports the research needs of the Stevens community by providing innovative information and media literacy instruction, in-depth research assistance, and guidance regarding best practices in global scholarly communication.

Policy

The Samuel C. Williams Library Research Services librarians will:

• Adhere to the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics.
• Treat all patrons with respect and courtesy and all requests with confidentiality.
• Provide accurate, timely, and efficient research assistance, whether in class, one-on-one, or other means.
• Provide tools in appropriate formats (print or online guides, tutorials, etc.) to help the Stevens community conduct research relevant to their interests and needs.
• Teach students, faculty, and staff how to access, use and evaluate information.
• Provide research help in-person, by phone, chat and email and by appointment for in-depth research consultations. Every effort will be made to answer phone (voicemail) and email questions within one business day.
• Refer patrons to other collections or librarians when necessary.

The Samuel C. Williams Library Research Services librarians will not:

• Supply answers to students' homework.
• Edit or proofread students’ assignments, resumes, or other documents (for assistance, see the Writing and Communication Center).
• Offer advice (e.g. medical or legal) or interpret information.