| 17. | Online subscription services, Internet sites, and/or CD-ROMs are available in all HCL libraries and will be searched as a regular part of the information search process. |
| Guidelines |
| 17.1 | The use of FirstSearch, IAC, the Internet, CD-ROMs, or other information resources which are accessed electronically will be searched within established time and fact checking limitations. See section 22. |
| 17.2 | Proficient use of these resources is dependent on self-directed interest and learning, staff training, participation in the Electronic Resources Users Group (E-RUG), and practice. |
| 17.3 | Staff will not hesitate to seek suggestions and guidance from colleagues throughout HCL in order to build skills and successfully answer information requests. |
| 17.4 | Staff will assist library users in the use of electronic resources. |
| 17.5 | Staff will explain that electronic resources are in high demand and use may be limited. See section 22.3. |
| 18. | Other library catalogs available through the gateway menu will be checked when it is necessary to make an appropriate referral. |
| Guidelines |
| 18.1 | Information services staff will provide in-person library users with basic instruction on the use of gateway library catalogs. Library users will be referred to the host library for detailed catalog instruction. | |
| 18.2 | Staff will not place reserves in other library systems' catalogs. Staff will encourage users to call libraries directly to determine the actual status of the requested item. As an alternative, staff may offer to initiate an interlibrary loan request. | |
| 18.3 | In-person library users may be shown how to place gateway reserves if the host library permits it. Library users will be reminded that the pickup point is determined by the host library. | |
| 18.4 | Up to five titles will be checked in one or two gateway catalogs of the library user's choosing. The number of gateway catalogs that will be searched depends on the level of activity at the information desk. Staff will exercise their best judgment in the amount of time spent. | |
| 18.5 | Staff will not interpret circulation policies of other library systems but will refer users to the appropriate library. |
| 19. | Online databases accessed via Dialog, DataTimes, or Dow Jones (known as "MARS" searches) are searched by trained information services staff at the area libraries. These databases are accessed as a regular part of the information search process. |
| Guidelines |
| 19.1 | Information services staff will be familiar with the MARS program. | |
| 19.2 | The decision to proceed with a MARS search is made by area library information services staff. | |
| 19.3 | MARS searchers follow MELSA guidelines and spend approximately eight minutes of online time or provide up to fifteen citations, whichever comes first. | |
| 19.4 | One or two fulltext articles may be printed for the user when HCL does not subscribe to the periodical. | |
| 19.5 | Users requiring more comprehensive database searching may be referred to one of the area fee-based services. | |
| 19.6 | Staff will assist users in understanding the database printout and in locating the articles cited. |
| 20. | Dial-in and Internet access to the Hennepin County Library Catalog is available to library users. Access to other online subscription services will be available to dial-in and Internet users within technical, budgetary, and licensing constraints. |
| Guidelines |
| 20.1 | Instructional bookmarks such as "How to Connect to the Catalog" and "How to Search Magazine Indexes" will be made available to users. | |
| 20.2 | Information services staff will be familiar with the instructional bookmarks provided to the public. Staff will refer users to the HCL Help Desk number if they have technical questions. Users will be instructed to leave their name, telephone number, and question. Help Desk staff will return their call. |