Reference and Information Literacy Policies

The Harrisburg University community can submit questions to librarians at any time through the question submission form and Ask a Librarian email available on the Get Help page. Questions are usually answered within the same day, but may take up to 48 hours over weekends and holidays.

Harrisburg University Librarians are committed to equipping the community with the skills they need to conduct research effectively and independently. To accomplish that goal, librarians will: 

• Provide training on research strategies and library resources.
• Recommend resources that are most likely to help respond to a research question.
• Teach resource evaluation methods. 
• Explain the principles of citing in any style.
• Emulate and teach academic integrity and ethical use of information.
• Direct the questioner to appropriate training resources.
• Troubleshoot library technology.

Librarians cannot:

• Conduct research on behalf of students or faculty.
• Provide lists of sources/bibliographies.
• Assess proposed research topics.
• Conduct line-by-line proofreading/editing of bibliographies.
• Interpret course materials/assignments or check class work.

The library's  Get Help page is appropriate for questions that can be answered in brief and to search for the answers to frequently asked questions. Members of the community who need extended assistance or prefer a consultation for a project are encouraged to book an appointment with a librarian or request a workshop.