WLAC e-Reference Policy

E-Mail Reference service is provided by reference librarians and staff of West Los Angeles College Library and is currently available to students, faculty, administrators, and staff of WLAC. Questions from outside the WLAC community are answered as time and resources permit.

Service Guidelines:

• If you have a complicated question or need detailed research assistance, please come to the reference desk of the Library during our hours of operation.
• E-mail reference advises on starting points for research and suggests search strategies for using print or electronic resources.
• Users will be referred when possible to print, electronic, or other resources of WLAC Library  that may provide them with needed information.

Types of E-Mail Questions Answered:

• Queries on where to begin research on a topic.
• Requests for suggestions for further resources on a topic, after initial research
• Inquiries seeking clarification of information found on our Library home page.
• Questions about Library facilities and services

Some Types of Questions the Library Does Not Answer:

• Interpretation of assignments
• Medical or legal advice
• Request requring more than ready or quick reference responses.

Response Time for E-Mail Reference:

• The Library tries to respond to e-mail requests within forty-eight working hours, though this may be exceeded depending on the nature of the query and the availability of resources.
• Questions received during the weekend, holidays, and library closures will be treated as if received on the first weekday that the Library reopens for service.
• The Library responds to e-mail queries only when the Library is operational.
  
  For additional information or clarification about WLAC Library's E-Mail Reference Service, please contact the e-Reference Librarian at (310) 287-4401. Thank you.