Policies & Guidelines

User Experience

Library staff strive to serve our users in an efficient and positive manner, with the goal of creating satisfied users (whether they are students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, or members of the public).

Interaction

To ensure the best user experience, library staff should act as follows:

• Acknowledge patrons in a friendly and professional manner, whether in person, online, phone, chat or email;
• Show interest in meeting the user’s information need, regardless of the level of question, and acknowledge user expectations;
• Ensure the physical space is conducive to learning.

Efficiencies

To ensure effective service, library staff should:

• Know how to perform library procedures efficiently;
• Notify appropriate staff of any issues needing resolution;
• Communicate user needs and feedback for the library team to address.

Ownership

Library staff will:

• Respectfully enforce library policies;
• Refer questions to another staff member if they do not know the answer, or plan to follow up with the patron;
• Be informed of services and events both at the Library and University.

Research Services Experience

These guidelines are to establish and enhance behaviors, practices, librarian accountability, and the delivery of efficient and effective research services to our users. To best answer patron questions, librarians should use the reference interview, based on the RUSA Reference/Information Service Standards. In conducting the reference interview, librarians will:

Be Engaging

• Engage with users;
• Help at point-of-need;
• Demonstrate a high degree of interest.

Listen and Inquire

• Effectively identify and meet patron information needs;
• Communicate in a receptive, cordial, and encouraging manner;
• Use an appropriate vocal and written tone;  
• Allow the patron to fully state their information need before responding; 
• Facilitate patron explanation of their information needs;
• Identify the goals or objectives of the user’s research;
• Rephrase the query to help develop a search strategy;
• Seek to clarify confusing terminology and avoid excessive jargon;
• Use closed and/or clarifying questions to refine the search query;
• Use open-ended questioning techniques;
• Verify and validate results with user input;
• Maintain objectivity and not interject value judgments.

Information Literacy

The library encourages and supports the access to information across the university, striving to enhance the ability of students, faculty, and staff to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.

Finding Information

• The library creates tools (such as library research guides and short video tutorials) to teach research skills to all members of the university community regardless of their schedule, location, or time zone.
• The library provides brief, general orientations to the library's resources and services, as well as tailored orientations based on specific courses and assignments.
• The library offers individualized research coaching appointments to students, faculty, and staff, as well as research project services (faculty and staff only).  

Evaluating Information

The library rejects an either-or approach to “scholarly resources” and favors a more realistic continuum approach which involves recognizing there is a range of “credible resources” based on specific information needs. This approach requires library staff to clarify and communicate criteria for evaluating information sources.

Using Information

• The library helps ensure academic integrity throughout the university by helping to address plagiarism and providing access to research citation tools (APA style guide, RefWorks).
• The library is committed to developing and adopting sound copyright policies and practices and educating the university community on the proper application of copyright law.

University Engagement

The library contributes to the strengthening of programs and learning by actively participating in university discussions related to information literacy, research, and academic rigor and integrity. The library staff nurtures existing relationships with university leadership and works to demonstrate our willingness to support the academic and programmatic goals of our faculty.

Liaison Relationships

• Library staff should remain familiar with the interests and information needs of university faculty and use this knowledge to share information and resources;
• Library staff collaborates with lead faculty to develop and maintain relevant research guides to address the academic and research needs of their instructors and students.
• Library staff consults with eLearning Specialists, instructional designers, and lead faculty to help ensure the quality of course assignments that involve research or other library services and resources.
• Library staff consuls with faculty to explore research questions related to the university’s program offerings and other matters related to existing course-related instruction and resources.

University Committee Representation

Librarians represent our services and mission by actively serving on relevant committees, advisory groups, and task forces.

• Meeting rooms can be used by Franklin University students, faculty, staff and alumni.
• Reservations are strongly encouraged. Available rooms are treated as first come, first serve. Please check in at the circulation desk.
• Reserved rooms will be held for 15 minutes after the reservation time, after 15 minutes they may be released to someone else. 
• Food and drink are permitted in meeting rooms.
• All meeting rooms must be vacated 5 minutes prior to closing time.

The Learning Commons welcomes questions or comments. Include your name and email address if you would like us to respond to you personally.

The Franklin University Library provides technology and access to electronic resources to support the research, teaching and learning needs of the University Community. The purpose of the technology and electronic access the library provides is: 1) to permit library patrons to identify, locate and use high-quality scholarly resources; and 2) to promote life-long learning, information literacy, and intellectual freedom.

Library patrons have a responsibility to use these resources in an ethical and legal manner. All users must comply with the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and the Library Acceptable Use Standard (AUS). Where applicable, users must comply with the Student Code of Conduct and/or the Franklin University Employee Handbook.

The rules and obligations described in this document apply to all users (students and alumni), wherever they may be located. The Franklin University Library Acceptable Use Standards (AUS) applies to anyone who uses any component of the Franklin University Library computing and networking facility. By using any Library system(s), users agree to comply with the above-mentioned policies, handbooks, codes of conduct or Acceptable Use Standards (AUS). 

Standards for Acceptable Use

A. Library resources are intended to support and promote academic purposes, including research, resource discovery that fulfills class assignments, enhancement of career development, support of instruction, and the promotion of Franklin University related goals and objectives.

B. The Library provides access to information in keeping with the statements of intellectual freedom of the American Library Association.

C. Printing & copying is only permitted for the purposes of Franklin University instruction, advancement, administration, research and study. Responsible computing requires users to be sensitive to the over-all use of Franklin University resources by limiting printing/copying to 50 pages per day at the Learning Commons. We reserve the right to make discretionary assessments as to when acceptable use has been exceeded or abused. Alumni and members of the public not affiliated with Franklin University are not permitted to print.

D. The following are some of the activities which are not permitted within the Franklin University “Standards of Information Technology Conduct”. This list is not exclusive and other items may be added or changed as needed. If you are in doubt of the appropriateness of an activity, contact the Franklin University Help Desk at helpdesk@franklin.edu for guidance. Activities which are not permitted include:

• Modification of system files;
• Downloading of any software application onto Library systems;
• Storing numerous or large files beyond the scope required for current coursework;
• Changing one’s username without permission or to hide one's identity;
• Use of an account not owned by the assigned user;
• Unauthorized use of computing resources/facilities;
• Use of inappropriate or unlawful material;
• Waste of computer resources (which includes printing/copying above 50 pages per day);
• Unauthorized dissemination of course material and or software;
• Personal usage;
• Attempting to access unauthorized systems;
• Unauthorized deliberate action which damages or disrupts a computing system, alters its normal performance or causes it to malfunction;
• Sending obscene, racist, sexist, or harassing (political or ethnical) emails utilizing threatening language or actions that are inconsistent with Franklin's policies and procedures on discrimination and equity;
• Unauthorized or unsolicited mass mailings (i.e. spam);
• Viewing pornography;
• Scams and pyramid schemes;
• Propagating email viruses;
• Theft of any University property, intellectual or otherwise.

Disciplinary Actions

Disciplinary procedures are listed in the Student Code of Conduct and in the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Employees of Franklin University may be subject to disciplinary action related to their employment. Further disciplinary actions may be taken as deemed necessary. 

Purpose 

The mission of Franklin University’s Archives & Special Collections (Archive) is to chronicle Franklin University’s past and present by preserving, documenting, and creating access to innovative services and materials while promoting the pursuit of knowledge to a diverse community of scholars. This mission supports the Franklin University Learning Commons’ mission and vision by chronicling Franklin University's more than century-old tradition of providing learners access to educational opportunities.  

Collection Policy 

Overview 

The Archive collects physical and digital materials documenting the history of the University and the University community. Materials collected and held by the Archive are records of value and significance produced for or by Franklin University or the Franklin University community. This includes materials created by current and past University departments, faculty, staff, and students during their time at the University. Vital materials should only be transferred to the Archive at the end of their life cycle and, where applicable, should be identified as the only copy of the material. The archives will not accept materials containing restricted or confidential information. As with any historic collection, the materials held in the Archives do not necessarily represent the current views or standards of the University. The Archive maintains a policy based on the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights on Diverse Collections.

Materials Accepted for the Collection 

Materials documenting the history and operations of the University will be accepted into the Archive on a case-by-basis according to the Archive’s policies and available space. The Archive accepts a variety of formats including photographs, maps, video recordings, and artifacts. The following list, which is not exhaustive, provides examples of items the Archive is interested in collecting and housing either physically or digitally:  

• Marketing materials created by the University such as photographs, newsletters, posters, or booklets; 

• Materials created by student clubs and organizations; 

• Alumni publications and materials documenting alumni events; 

• Annual reports from the Board of Trustees and operational other boards; 

• University self-studies and accreditation; 

• Materials documenting special events on campus such as groundbreakings, fundraisers, and commencement ceremonies.

Donations  

Donations that fall within the Archive’s scope are accepted from the University community and alumni. Those donating materials to Archives & Special Collections are required to fill out a Deed of Gift form. A library staff member will complete an accession form for materials provided by other University departments. 

Access and Reference 

Access to physical copies of archival materials is available to the Franklin University community and researchers by appointment with a librarian in the Franklin University Library. Materials can only be viewed within a designated space in the Learning Commons and no materials can be removed or loaned.  

Selected digital copies of materials will be freely available to the University community and public via Franklin University’s online institutional repository, FUSE (Franklin University Scholarly Exchange). Prioritization of digitizing and publishing materials is determined by library staff. A digital scan of materials may be requested by researchers, including faculty and staff. Requests for digital scans will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.  

Copyright and Reproduction 

Franklin University respects the copyright rights of creators. Any reproduction of materials from the archives, whether physical or digital, must be done in conformance with the provisions of the United States copyright law, 17 U.S.C. 101, et seq. 

Purpose and Goals of Collection Development

The Franklin University Library supports the University’s academic mission by acquiring the resources needed by the University’s students, faculty, and staff. It is the library’s goal to maintain the most cost-effective collection of print and electronic materials and provide access to resources that best support the University’s students, faculty, and staff.

The goal of Franklin University Library's collection development efforts is to build a collection that supports the needs of the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs at the University.

To support the research needs of the University community, the library participates in cooperative collection development and resource-sharing agreements with other libraries through OhioLINK and OCLC’s WorldCat Resource Sharing. The library will work with these consortia to provide access to information resources available through cooperative collection development.

The library’s collection development philosophy reflects the mission of Franklin University and the Franklin University Library. These guidelines communicate the guiding principles for the collection to faculty, students, staff, and other interested persons, while providing guidance to those responsible for developing the collection.

The library uses these collection development guidelines to select, acquire, evaluate, and maintain information resources in all formats. These collection development guidelines apply to the library’s general collections development, but do not apply to the library’s special collections which will be governed by the library’s “Special Collections Development Guidelines.”

Library Standards and Principles

The Franklin University Library supports the principles and performance indicators outlined in the American Library Association’s Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ALA-ACRL) “Standards for Libraries in Higher Education”. The Franklin University Library also supports the principles outlined in the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights” and “Code of Ethics.”  

The Franklin University Library complies with the provisions of the United States Copyright Law, and any applicable licenses which govern the use of library material. 

Responsibility for Library Collection Development

Librarians serve as liaisons to each academic department and are responsible for developing the library collection in their assigned areas. Using qualitative and quantitative assessment measures, librarians are responsible for determining the strengths and weaknesses of their assigned areas and developing the collection to support the programs in their liaison area. 

Library liaisons work with faculty members to identify resources for the library’s collection that directly support existing, new, or re-designed curricula, or have a lasting value for faculty scholarly development. However, the library retains final responsibility and approval for selecting materials for acquisition.

Library Materials Funds

The library has an acquisition budget used to acquire materials for the collection. The library's ability to obtain or add requested materials is subject to the constraints of the library’s budget. 

The library’s acquisitions budget may be supplemented by funds from gifts and donations to the library. Donations to the library must support the library’s mission and be consistent with these collection development guidelines.

Subject to availability, the library will allocate funds to support new programs or courses. Liaisons will work with faculty to acquire appropriate one-time purchase materials in support of new courses or programs and ongoing purchases (journals, databases) may be considered where appropriate and supported by the library's budget.

General Selection Process and Guidelines

Selection of material is a continuous process affected by changing curriculum, availability of new material, changes in access to content from existing electronic resources, changes in consortium driven resources, usage of existing resources, and other factors (including budget). The three primary criteria for selection are how the material: 

1. supports the curriculum and/or the needs of the University community;
2. improves the overall library collection;
3. enhances access to information.

Where electronic access to materials is available, the electronic format will be preferred over print, although materials available in both print and electronic formats may be obtained in both formats if doing so will benefit the University community.

The general guidelines for selection of library materials include, but are not limited to:

1. Relevance to the curriculum;
2. Support for the University community;
3. Lasting value of content and format;
4. Style, clarity, quality; 
5. Strength or weakness of existing collection in the same area;
6. Usage level of similar materials;
7. Price;
8. Currency;
9. Language;
10. Availability from other libraries through consortia.

The Library also collects books authored or edited by the University's faculty members.

The library will not include in the collection, or pay for:

1. Items limited by an overly restrictive accompanying license; 
2. Materials required for faculty, staff or students' personal use or research; or
3. Memberships/registrations/online access fees for websites or organizations.

The library will attempt to obtain access to electronic databases critical to curriculum support where such resources are within the library’s budget and support the general research / learning objects of our students. The library will not obtain databases or resources which should be provided by a department for use in classwork, unless the University specifically provides funds for the library to do so.

In obtaining electronic resources, the goal is to provide access to all members of the University community. However, a resource may be obtained for a limited group (such as only doctoral students) where a resource is needed for only a limited subsection of the University’s population, there is a significant cost savings from obtaining the resource with limited access, and the library’s technology permits limiting access to that group. 

Textbooks

The library will obtain etextbooks in support of the University’s classes where such etextbooks can be obtained with an unlimited access license. The library only purchases etextbooks which are required for use in a course, can be purchased within the library's etextbook budget, and which do not have an excessive cost. If the price of a textbook is determined to be excessive, the library will work with faculty and/or course designers to identify an affordable alternative. 

Because of the need for textbooks to be accessible to remote students, the library does not obtain physical copies of course textbooks, nor can physical copies be made available through the library to be the textbook for a course.

Collection Maintenance Process 

De-selection (weeding) of the library collection is an ongoing process conducted by library staff. Outdated and inaccurate materials, or materials damaged beyond reasonable repair, will be removed from the collection regularly. The library may also remove material from the collection when it is determined to no longer meet the library's guidelines for material selection.

When possible, damaged material will be repaired and returned to the collection. The library will attempt to purchase updated copies of material weeded due to currency or damage where such copies are available and meet the library’s guidelines for collection development.

Electronic resources are evaluated based on usage and cost. Subscriptions to electronic resources may be discontinued if the resource, or the cost per use for the resource, becomes too expensive. If an electronic resource necessary to support a specific program becomes cost-prohibitive, the library will collaborate with faculty to evaluate alternate resources.

Challenges to Library Material

The resources acquired for the Franklin University Library are selected according to the collection development guidelines, general criteria, discipline-specific needs, and budget. Appearance of any resource does not mean that the library advocates or endorses the ideas found in that resource. Because the Franklin University Library strives to provide collections that represent a diversity of viewpoints, library users may occasionally find materials owned by the library to be controversial or objectionable.

Library resources may be challenged by the University’s students, faculty, and staff. However, a challenge to a resource must be based on the failure of that resource to fall within the library's collection development guidelines, including the commitment to intellectual freedom. To proceed, patrons may email a complaint to the Director of the Learning Commons, indicating their concerns with the material and how it fails to meet the guidelines. The complaint should also include full contact information for the patron concerned. The complaint will be reviewed by the Director and library staff in consultation with higher administrators as needed, and the complainant will receive a response indicating the final decision.

Collection Development Guidelines Review Process

The Franklin University Library will review the Collection Development Guidelines annually and any substantive changes will be communicated to the Franklin University community through established methods. Ultimate responsibility for the Collection Development Guidelines rests on the Director of the Learning Commons at Franklin University.

Last updated April, 2024

General Information

The Franklin University Library is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff navigate the many resources and tools available through the Learning Commons and develop information literacy and research skills. Librarians can teach University Faculty, staff and students how to use library resources and tools, find subject-specific sources, employ research strategies and more through research assistance and research coaching appointments. Research assistance is available: 

• Online (via chat and email)
• By phone

Research coaching appointments are one-on-one appointments with a librarian for more in-depth consultation. Appointments can be held:

• Online (via Zoom)

What are Research Services

Research Services are meant to help students become independent learners, so librarians aim to teach students skills and recommend resources that will help them throughout their coursework, while also addressing the immediate needs of their current assignment and/or question. Librarians can: 

• Assist students, faculty, and staff with research by recommending research databases and other resources, discussing useful keywords/search terms, suggesting relevant search strategies and tools, providing guidance on selecting sources, and other support as needed. Librarians can help students find sources for their assignment; however, librarians will not do a student's research for them or select sources on their behalf.
• Help students, faculty, and staff get access to specific sources by locating the source in the library databases, an outside resource, or by requesting the source through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services. Please note the library cannot always get access to every source, and it may be necessary to select an alternative source when it is unavailable through the library, ILL, or outside resources. 
• Troubleshoot library technology issues like database login issues. For non-library technology issues, please contact the Franklin University Technology HelpDesk for assistance.
• Provide guidance on APA rules and formatting. However, librarians do not check APA citation or formatting for students.
• Answer library etextbook questions. Students should contact the Franklin University Bookstore for help with course embedded etextbooks. 
• Suggest open datasets and statistics, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Please note that the library provides limited data sets and statistical resources.  

What Research Services are not

• A source collection service – librarians will not collect sources like articles or ebooks for you or do any other aspect of coursework for you. Instead, they will help you navigate.
• A review or editing service – librarians will not check/review paper formatting or grammar for you. For writing review and assistance, please use the Online Writing Review and Tutoring services. 
• A substitute for meeting with your instructor – librarians cannot answer specific assignment and classroom questions but can work with you on the research aspects of your coursework.

General Policies and Guidelines

• Follow all university and library policies. Students are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct laid out in the Community Standards and Student Code of Conduct and all Learning Commons policies and guidelines. 
• Prepare for research help. Students are expected to prepare for research help by reading all course instructions and assigned materials pertinent to completing their research assignment. 

Research Coaching Policies and Guidelines

• Be on time. The librarian will wait no more than 10-15 minutes for an appointment; thereafter, your appointment will be lapsed and considered a “no show.” Time will also not be added to your appointment if you are late.
• Appointment Limitations. Students are limited to 2 research coaching appointments per week with a librarian.
• Same Day Appointments. Students who do not have an appointment are welcome to request a same day appointment. However, same day appointments will not always be possible, and the student may need to schedule an appointment for a different day.
• Cancelling Appointment. Students may cancel an appointment by contacting the library or librarian they are scheduled with or by using the cancellation option in the appointment confirmation email. To respect the time of our staff, we encourage students to cancel appointments rather than failing to show.
• Missed appointments. Students who fail to attend scheduled appointments and do not cancel appointments beforehand will be considered a “No Show”. At the discretion of library administration, students may be permitted to re-schedule another appointment in the same week to make up a missed appointment. 
• Appointment Duration. Check your confirmation email for appointment duration which can vary depending on the appointment and needs of the student. For appointments that last over an hour, students may need to schedule a second appointment if the librarian is not able to stay past the one hour. 

Before the appointment, students can expect to receive an appointment confirmation email within 24 hours of request. During the appointment, the librarian will provide the student with relevant information and resources and verify and validate that the appointment satisfied student requirements. 

Questions? If you have any questions regarding these policies, contact the library at (614) 947-6550, toll-free at 1-866-341-6252 or via email: library@franklin.edu.

General Information:

Franklin University faculty and staff may request research assistance from the library for University projects.  Examples of research projects the library will conduct are literature searches on course topics, finding library textbooks or OER for use in a course, researching academic best practices, or finding informational reports on occupations, program competition, etc. to support university programs and initiatives.

To request a research project, fill out the Research Project form: https://www.franklin.edu/library/research-project-request

Project Scope & Limitations:

The library will only conduct research projects related to the development/enrichment of Franklin courses, programs, or initiatives, such as grant applications, course materials, programs proposals, university projects, etc. (Please note, we do not have access to program proposals for other universities.)

Personal research projects will not be accepted.

Librarians will research resources and provide brief summaries/abstracts, but will not provide synthesis of research, writing of reports, proposals, or course design.

Librarian Expectations:

• Respond to requests within 2-3 business days.
• Set up an initial consultation via email, phone, or in-person, if necessary.
• May send an initial report or some resources to ensure research fits the needs of the request.
• Adjust scope and deliverables as needed.
• Maintain contact and provide progress updates.
• Send final document with research resources, brief summaries or notes, and/or any other pertinent information to requester and copy the director.
• Add completed research project to the research project folder on Sharepoint. 

Requester Expectations:

• Provide expectations, deliverables, and timelines in request and/or consultation before librarian starts research project (Please note, it is best to submit the request at least one week before the due date). The project may not be completed at the requested date with less than a week’s notice.  
• Serve as the subject-matter expert and provide feedback on the initial and final research to ensure that it meets request needs.
• Work with the librarian to adjust scope, deliverables, or timeline as needed.
• If more information is needed beyond the initial scope of the project, submit a new research project request as librarians rotate research projects to ensure workload balance. 

When deliverables have been provided, assess how well the library completed its work by completing the assessment at https://franklin.libwizard.com/f/researchproject.

Updated 4/23/24

Purpose of Learning Commons Video Tutorials

The Learning Commons is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff navigate the many resources and tools available through the Learning Commons. In order to accomplish this goal, the Learning Commons offers a variety of resources, including Learning Commons Video Tutorials. The primary goal of Learning Commons videos are to help students at all levels, faculty, and staff at Franklin University use Learning Commons resources, services, and tools, as well as to address topics related to research and APA.

These video tutorials aim to help students become independent learners and show them skills and tools to help them throughout their coursework and tackle common research and APA issues. 

Video Tutorials Scope and Limitations:

All videos are created by the Public Services Librarian with support by other Learning Commons and University staff and faculty. All videos are expected to relate to topics, services, and tools considered under the Learning Commons purview.

Faculty and staff can make suggestions or requests for videos by contacting the Public Services Librarian (Chris Casey), but any requests must align with Learning Commons’ goals and the purpose of the Learning Commons Video Tutorials. Additionally, videos must:

• Relate to Learning Commons resources, services, and tools,
• Appeal to a broad audience of stakeholders,
• And have applicability and longevity beyond immediate event or issue.

Suggestions and requests are also subject to staff time and workload.

Video Tutorial Maintenance:

The Learning Commons will regularly update videos to keep the information current and relevant to students, faculty, and staff. Any videos on topics, services, or tools that are no longer supported by the Learning Commons will be removed from website, and videos on new topics, services, and tools will be created on an as needed basis given staff time and workload and community need. 

Access to Kanopy films is only provided to support curriculum and research needs of the University community. The library provides access to Kanopy videos which are included in University courses. The library will also provide access to videos when requested by

1. lead faculty or course designers for use in a course;
2. faculty in support of their research; or
3. doctoral students in support of their dissertation research.

Students requesting access must provide information supporting why they need access including the course and reason for needing access. The library will not provide access to Kanopy films that do not support the curriculum or approved research. The number of Kanopy videos the library provides may be limited based on budget.

Faculty who know ahead of time that they will need access to Kanopy videos for a course should request access in advance. The library will attempt to make approved videos available as soon as possible, but it may take up to 3 business days for approved access to be granted.