L. Douglas Wilder Library
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Welcome to L. Douglas Wilder Library's Email Reference Service.  

Service available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Contact Wilder Library E-Reference at :  Reference@vuu.edu

 

What is Email reference?

Email reference or E-Ref is a new service the library is offering library users.  Email reference can be used at home, in the library, or at work.  All that is needed to use the service is a valid e-mail account so that we can send you a reply.

What Can it be Used for?

Email reference is ideal for brief factual questions or questions about the library's services and facilities or any other questions that can be answered quickly via email.  Here are some examples of the types of questions you might ask: 
Quick lookups of facts, addresses, statistics, definitions of terms
Get suggestions on how to begin research on a topic or finding the best resource to use for a project
Specific ready reference questions; i.e., Who is the fifth president of the United States?  Do we have a specific journal, magazine title or book?
Get information on the library's resources, services and facilities

Who Can Use E-Ref?

This service is available to members of the VUU community (faculty, staff and students) and the general public.  The only requirement is that you must have a valid e-mail account in order to use the service.  

Turn-Around Time

E-Ref strives for a 24 hour turn- around period.  This means if we receive your e-mail at 4 pm on Monday, you should receive a response by no later than 4 pm Tuesday.  Questions received on Friday will be answered no later than the following Monday by 5 pm.  Questions will be handled in a "first in, first out" fashion as much as is possible.

The Fine Print  

What E-Ref Can Not Accommodate
 
 
 
 
   

E-mail attachments.  Due to the threat that many attachments carry viruses, E-Ref will not accept any attachments sent by users of the service.  Such e-mails will be deleted immediately.
In-depth reference questions.  E-ref is designed to handle quick questions that do not require more than 10-15 minutes of active research.  Library users needing more assistance should visit the library in person or schedule an appointment with a librarian.  
Pull or hold books or other materials for patrons.  This service handles requests solely by e-mail.  
Make photocopies, faxes or phone calls.  
Provide comprehensive or lengthy bibliographies or lists.