UP College of Media and Communication Library

Reference Correspondence Policy
(Draft – March 2026)

The College of Media and Communication Library provides reference and information services primarily to the students, faculty, and staff of the college. In line with our role as an academic unit library, we also accommodate academic inquiries from other UP Diliman constituents, partner institutions, government agencies, and independent researchers, subject to review and approval.

Scope of Reference Services

Reference librarians respond to:

• General information inquiries about the library’s collections, services, and facilities.

• Simple searches of books, theses, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources.

• Guidance on access and utilization of licensed databases, streaming platforms, and digital archives.

• Basic orientation on citation tools, media literacy, and ethical use of information.

Specialized or in-depth research inquiries (e.g., media content analysis, communication theory, cultural studies, or journalism-specific data) are referred to subject specialists or faculty researchers within the college.

Limitations

Reference librarians shall decline requests that are

• Vague, ambiguous, or requiring extensive compilation of materials across multiple libraries and outside information institutions.

• Intended to fulfill graded coursework, contests, or competitions.

• Related to personal genealogy, family history, or heraldry.

• Requests for translations, authorship verification, or locating missing persons.

• Extensive duplication or reproduction projects beyond fair use and copyright allowances.

Operating Hours

Reference requests are accepted during library service hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

• Operating hours may change without prior notice. Requests are answered in the order received, with a typical response time of 3 to 5 working days. Only one active request per client is allowed at a time.

Privacy and Confidentiality

• All reference inquiries are treated as private and confidential, in accordance with the UP Diliman Privacy Policy.

• Reference transcripts are not shared outside the organization unless required by law or with proper notification to the client.

• Electronic resources provided are covered by intellectual property rights and must be used strictly for academic purposes, with proper citation.

Request Requirements

All requests must include:

1. Requestor Information: Full name, affiliation, and valid email address.

2. Inquiry Details: Clear description of the query, scope of inquiry, and any relevant context.