The Research and Information Services department at the John C. Hitt Library is dedicated to providing research assistance to the UCF community and area residents. One of the main points of contact for these services is the Research and Information Desk. To provide the best service possible, three tiers of service have been identified:
- Tier One questions are basic and directional questions that should take less than five minutes and are handled at the Research & Information Desk.
- Tier Two questions are mid-level questions that require a basic understanding of the UCF Libraries website, services, holdings, and databases. These questions should take no more than twenty minutes and should be handled at the Research & Information Desk. The librarian serving at this desk should introduce the individual to the library and its services.
- Tier Three questions are in-depth research inquiries. These questions should be directed to a librarian for a Research Consultation. The Research & Information Desk librarian may also introduce the individual to appropriate research guides and databases if time allows.
- In addition, services that cannot be provided at the Research & Information Services Desk include: software training, analysis of data using SPSS and other statistical or interpretive software, interpreting legal statutes, proofreading students’ essays, signing-off on student assignments, performing repairs, virus scans, software installations, or modifications of patrons’ laptops, and leaving the desk to help patrons find books when we’re only at single staff coverage.
For policies on research assistance via telephone, email, chat, and text, see our Ask Us policies.