Library Services

Reference and Information Services

The staff at the Austin County Libraries endeavors to provide accurate information and materials in response to requests from library users in an efficient, courteous, and timely manner. Questions are generally answered in the order received, with priority given to questions asked by patrons who are in the library.

Services available through the reference desk include:

• information services (answers to specific questions, call number and ownership of a specific book, recommendations on subject materials);
• instruction on the use of the library and library materials; bibliographic verification of items requested (title, author, publisher, ISBN, price);
• reader’s advisory (suggestions on books to read, videos and DVDs to view);
• referral to community services; and assistance in locating materials.

When answering specific information questions, staff will always cite the source of the answer. Staff will accompany the patron to the location of the desired materials in the library and confirm that the information meets the patron’s need.

Additional care and caution will be exercised when providing legal, medical, or consumer information. To avoid misunderstandings, it is preferred that patrons visit the library to review this type of information, rather than receiving the information over the telephone. Reference staff will provide definitions, quote material verbatim, and direct patrons to information sources.  Staff will not offer advice or opinions, condense or abstract information, or suggest a course of action or diagnosis. Staff will provide the source and copyright date for legal and medical information.

Photocopying Services

The Austin County Library System libraries provide a photocopier service primarily to facilitate patron use of non-circulating materials such as reference books, magazines, newspapers, and local history materials. When providing services with the photocopier, staff will not knowingly violate copyright law. Patrons using the photocopier services must adhere to the U.S. Copyright Law. All copies for Governmental Organizations are free of charge.

Photocopy Fees

Fax Services

Fax service is provided by the Austin County Library System when the information requested is brief and readily available in printed form. Staff cannot conduct extensive research, compile information, or gather data from a variety of sources to be faxed. Fax service is provided as part of the reference services of the library and community service.

Staff will adhere to copyright restrictions when faxing materials.

Fax Service Fees: