Online  Library Policy

LEARNING CONTINUITY PLAN

(New Normal Library Services)

AICS VIRTUAL REFERENCE SERVICE

             AICS Library has created online channels for students and faculty members to access much needed reference materials. AICS library launches a Virtual Reference Service through social media platform. Virtual Reference is reference service initiated using social media, where library clientele employs computers, cellphones, or another Internet technology to communicate with the librarian, without being physically present.

AICS Library utilizes the Virtual Reference Service (VRS) as another method to help library clientele to find and use library resources via Facebook, messenger, or email.

Purpose of the Virtual Reference Service

The purpose of the Virtual Reference Service (VRS) is to provide reference materials that help our patrons at the point of need.

Goals of the Virtual Reference Service

1.       To provide consistent assistance seeking information, materials, reader’s advisory service, or guidance in the use of the library.

2.       Acquire resources appropriate to the clientele’s needs to satisfy most requests, using materials available in the library.

3.       To continue library service.

4.       To assist with locating the best sources of information.

5.       To provide resources and research techniques to help them become information literate.

Availability of Virtual Reference Service

 Library hours from 8am to 5pm -Monday to Friday

LIBRARY SERVICES

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS ON HOW TO ACCESS THE LIBRARY

·         For the safety of everyone, students are required to fill-out the Daily Assessment Health Declaration form at the security department or it can be answered online. Upon entering the library facility, students are required to log at the circulation counter and must observe the rules regarding social distancing, wearing face masks for necessary precautions. For the use of Library and its resources, students are advised to follow the health protocols.

·         Ask first the librarian/library personnel via AICS FB group/FB page, messenger, email if printed books needed are available before visiting the library. For the borrowing of printed materials, students are asked what resources he/she will be needed.

·         Set an appointment schedule. Contact the librarian for the respective schedule. Patrons may call or message the librarian to discuss the available option.

·         Walk-in is allowed unless only few students are scheduled to use the library on that day.

·         For verification, students may bring their enrollment form or any other proof of current enrollment.

Circulation Services

·           Reading of books inside the library. Set limits on the number of students who can use the library at any given time.

·           Photocopying and scanning of the printed library collections are subject to the rules on copyright and fair use. Photocopying of the entire book or any other library materials is strictly prohibited.

Online Reference and Information services

·           Conducting online library assistance- this service provides virtual assistance to library users to help them in their information needs. This includes answering ready reference questions, providing requests, responding to students’ concerns, and bibliographic verifications.

·           Facilitating online reservations of books.

·           Updating links to online resources using the open access e-Books and e-Journals.

·           To access the list of the printed collections, visit the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) of the library.  http://www.aicsacad.net/ils/opac/index.php

·           After choosing the physical library materials, message the librarian/ library personnel through the Facebook page or chat widget.  https://sites.google.com/view/aics-library/home  for the reservation.

·            To access the open-source materials such as  e-books and e-journals/periodicals and other free online references visit the link https://sites.google.com/view/aics-library/home. This site provides online reference materials that help students and teachers of AICS at the point of need during remote learning.

How to return book materials:

·           Place the books for return in the designated drop box or bin. Returned books should be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before shelving or can be allowed to use or borrow. Borrowers are advised to drop the book/s at the designated box or bin near the counter desk of the library.

·            Sign in the logbook for returned books. Please make sure to bring their own pen.

·           The librarian will acknowledge if the book is returned/received.

PROCEDURES ON HOW TO ACCESS VIRTUAL REFERENCE SERVICE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Introducing the Virtual Reference Service - an online library assistance facility for current students of AICS.

1.       Join the FB group (AICS Virtual Reference Service)

2.       In finding student’s needed resources, student submits a query, just sends the following details.

Query/Concern:

Subjects/Topics:

Name:

Student Number:

Program/Course:

Email address/Facebook Messenger Account:

3.       Expect a response within the day.

VIRTUAL REFERENCE SERVICE POLICY

This policy identifies the levels of service which the library provides, based on the resources available.  This policy defines the primary clientele for the Virtual Reference Services as the whole AICS currently enrolled students.

1.       Only currently enrolled can use the Virtual Reference Service of the library.

2.       Students can communicate/chat with the librarian via Facebook Messenger from Virtual Reference Service page. Contact and ask the Librarian for your queries.

3.       Virtual Reference Service facility is used only for online library assistance.

4.       If queries require extensive time and effort on the part of the librarian to answer, do not demand the librarian to immediately answer you back. Schedule an appointment with the students when to send her/him the needed resources.

5.       The Librarian will work to get the resource needed and when find it, will simply email, or send to the requester ‘s Facebook messenger account. The librarian strives to come back with a response in 24 hours.

6.       The chat service is not available during the break.

7.       The librarian will help to find the needed information based only on the current subjects enrolled.

8.       Librarians have the option to refuse service to students who use inappropriate language and behavior.

GUIDELINES FOR AICS FACULTY ON HOW TO ACCESS LIBRARY MATERIALS

·         For the safety of everyone, Faculty are required to fill-out the Daily Assessment Health Declaration form at the security department or it can be answered online. Upon entering the library facility, employees are required to log in at the circulation counter and must observe the rules regarding social distancing, wearing face masks for necessary precautions. For borrowing printed materials, faculty may ask for assistance, or they can openly browse and retrieve the collection itself. For the use of Library and its resources, faculty are advised to follow the health protocols.