MCR Reference Continuity Service Network
The Reference Continuity Service Network is a completely voluntary way for librarians within the MCR to offer temporary reference services to other librarians who may be temporarily unable to provide these services to their patrons due to training opportunities, illness or vacation/personal time.
The Service is based on the DOCLINE concept of resource sharing between Full Network member libraries but rather than sharing collections the project would be sharing the reference expertise of our member librarians. Full members participating in the service would either be reference service providers or members requesting reference service in times of temporary library closures.
Participants must be Full Network Members. Click here to learn more about Network membership
Get Started
I. Consider Resource Libraries
Resources Libraries located in the MidContinental Region provide reference services for Network members that need to temporarily close their library but need to continue to provide reference services to their patrons. Click here to learn more about about who to contact, hours of service, fees, and more.
II. List your institution as a Reference Service Provider.
Please contact John Bramble to your institution listed as a Reference Service Provider in this program.
III. Find a Reference Service Provider
The Resources Libraries located in the MidContinental Region provide temporary reference services for Network members that need to close their library but need to continue to provide reference services to their patrons. Below is a list of Resource Libraries and a brief outline of some of the temporary reference services they provide to NN/LM MCR Network members. Click here to learn more.
If your library is also interested in becoming a Reference Service Provider in this program, please contact John Bramble.
(Return to top)IV. Negotiating Terms
A. For formal agreements, everything should be clearly written down and all terms be understood by each party. You may wish to create a contract or a simple Letter of Agreement.
B. Identify what level of services your institution will need. Think about...
1. Will you need dedicated on-call services from your reference service provider and what hours will you require?
2. Will you require the individual reference service provider be a professional librarian who can provide expert searching as outlined by the Medical Library Association Policy Statement: Role of Expert Searching in Health Sciences Libraries?
Click here to learn more more about this policy!
3. Is using the services of a experienced paraprofessional sufficient for your reference services needs?
4. Will your institutions be asking urgent patient care reference questions only?
5. Will your institution be asking for rush reference services?
6. Will your institution be asking for non-rush reference services?
C. Days and hours needed. What days and hours will your institution require?
D. Billing - Can your institution...
1. Pay for services?
2. Submit and pay by invoice
3. Use EFTS (Electronic Funds Transfer Service)*
*EFTS has agreed that their billing services may be used for the Reference Continuity Service Network Project
Project Advisory Group Members
The Reference Continuity Service Network Project was developed by an advisory group consisting of a representative from each state in the region, a resource library librarian, and the Network Membership Liaison.
- Colorado: Myoung Fry, Mercy Medical Center, Durango
- Kansas: Camillia A. Gentry, Via Christi Health System, Wichita
- Missouri: Sandy Decker, Missouri Baptist Medical Center
- Nebraska: Darrel Willoughby, VA Medical Center, Omaha
- Utah: Emily Jean Eresuma, Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City
- Wyoming: Nicole Cormia, Wyoming Medical Center, Casper
- Resource Librarian: Mary Youngkin, University of Utah Health Sciences Library, Salt Lake City
- Network Membership Liaison: John Bramble, University of Utah Health Sciences Library, Salt Lake City
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MCR Reference Continuity Service Network
The Reference Continuity Service Network is a completely voluntary way for librarians within the MCR to offer temporary reference services to other librarians who may be temporarily unable to provide these services to their patrons due to training opportunities, illness or vacation/personal time.
The Service is based on the DOCLINE concept of resource sharing between Full Network member libraries but rather than sharing collections the project would be sharing the reference expertise of our member librarians. Full members participating in the service would either be reference service providers or members requesting reference service in times of temporary library closures.
Participants must be Full Network Members. Click here to learn more about Network membership
Get Started
I. Consider Resource Libraries
Resources Libraries located in the MidContinental Region provide reference services for Network members that need to temporarily close their library but need to continue to provide reference services to their patrons. Click here to learn more about about who to contact, hours of service, fees, and more.
II. List your institution as a Reference Service Provider.
Please contact John Bramble to your institution listed as a Reference Service Provider in this program.
III. Find a Reference Service Provider
The Resources Libraries located in the MidContinental Region provide temporary reference services for Network members that need to close their library but need to continue to provide reference services to their patrons. Below is a list of Resource Libraries and a brief outline of some of the temporary reference services they provide to NN/LM MCR Network members. Click here to learn more.
If your library is also interested in becoming a Reference Service Provider in this program, please contact John Bramble.
(Return to top)IV. Negotiating Terms
A. For formal agreements, everything should be clearly written down and all terms be understood by each party. You may wish to create a contract or a simple Letter of Agreement.
B. Identify what level of services your institution will need. Think about...
1. Will you need dedicated on-call services from your reference service provider and what hours will you require?
2. Will you require the individual reference service provider be a professional librarian who can provide expert searching as outlined by the Medical Library Association Policy Statement: Role of Expert Searching in Health Sciences Libraries?
Click here to learn more more about this policy!
3. Is using the services of a experienced paraprofessional sufficient for your reference services needs?
4. Will your institutions be asking urgent patient care reference questions only?
5. Will your institution be asking for rush reference services?
6. Will your institution be asking for non-rush reference services?
C. Days and hours needed. What days and hours will your institution require?
D. Billing - Can your institution...
1. Pay for services?
2. Submit and pay by invoice
3. Use EFTS (Electronic Funds Transfer Service)*
*EFTS has agreed that their billing services may be used for the Reference Continuity Service Network Project
Project Advisory Group Members
The Reference Continuity Service Network Project was developed by an advisory group consisting of a representative from each state in the region, a resource library librarian, and the Network Membership Liaison.
- Colorado: Myoung Fry, Mercy Medical Center, Durango
- Kansas: Camillia A. Gentry, Via Christi Health System, Wichita
- Missouri: Sandy Decker, Missouri Baptist Medical Center
- Nebraska: Darrel Willoughby, VA Medical Center, Omaha
- Utah: Emily Jean Eresuma, Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City
- Wyoming: Nicole Cormia, Wyoming Medical Center, Casper
- Resource Librarian: Mary Youngkin, University of Utah Health Sciences Library, Salt Lake City
- Network Membership Liaison: John Bramble, University of Utah Health Sciences Library, Salt Lake City
