Reference Service | Instruction Programs, Orientations & Tours |
Reference Policy

Instruction Program, Orientation and Tours

The Haas Family Arts Library offers a comprehensive program of mandatory instruction programs; subject-based instruction sessions, orientations & tours; and individualized reference consultations for particular assignments. For specialized in-class research methods sessions on particular topics in art history or architecture please contact Holly Hatheway.

School of Architecture

• Master of Architecture (MArch) I & II Summer Orientation and Fall Instruction Program: Required orientation to architecture collections at Yale, basic and advanced research methods.
• Undergraduate Architecture Research Methods Program: Required research methods session taught in conjunction with selected course. Covers basic and advanced research methods based on selected topic.
• Master of Environmental Design (M.E.D.): Group orientation.
• Doctor of Philosophy, Architecture (Ph.D.): Individual orientation.

History of Art

• History of Art New Graduate Student Orientation: Fall tour and orientation.
• History of Art New Graduate Student Image Workshop: Orientation conducted by the Visual Resources staff each fall.
• History of Art Undergraduate Survey Research Methods session: For all HSAR 112 Sections each semester.
• History of Art Senior Essay: Individual Consultations each fall and spring semester.

Classics

• Classics Studies Senior Essay: Individual consultations.

School of Art

• School of Art MFA Orientations & Tours: conducted each fall and with basic research methods component for academic and image research.

Drama & Theater Studies
For more information about Dramaturgy, Playwriting, & Performing Arts orientation and instruction contact Tobin Nellhaus, Librarian for Performing Arts, Media & Philosophy.

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Reference Policies

The Reference Services Program of the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library makes available to all members of the Yale community and researchers in the arts. The primary purpose of the program is to guide students, faculty, staff, and researchers to resources that assist in identifying and retrieving information for research, study, or personal use.

As Arts Reference Librarians we hope to:

• discover the rich collections in our library and related departments
• identify and use electronic and print reference tools
• formulate research strategies
• locate research material worldwide
• answer specific informational questions

Services that we are unable to offer:

• Provenance research of works of art or printed materials: we will be happy to direct you to the resources that will help in your research.
• Appraisal of works of art: It is against Yale University policy to offer any assessment of value to any work of art or printed item.

Modes of Reference Service
Reference services are offered in the following way:

• In person service is offered by appointment, phone or remotely via email and chat (during designated hours).
• Websites and printed materials: For times when a reference librarian is not available, the Haas Arts Library provides Subject Guides, tutorials and links to arts related electronic resources and course specific research information on this website.

Service Standards

• All readers will be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect by library staff who are approachable and who communicate in a receptive, cordial, and encouraging manner.
• Knowledgeable and well-trained staff will provide information to readers that is accurate and comprehensive. Answers to questions will be cited from printed or electronic resources. Library staff will not offer interpretations or opinions regarding information provided. Opinions are offered only within the staff member's area of library expertise and will be identified as such when offered.
• Every effort will be made to make each reference interaction as simple, enjoyable, and positive as possible. Staff will listen attentively and will respond to each question or concern.
• Following established policies and procedures for access and service, all readers will be treated in a consistent manner.

Developing Research Skills
The librarians at The Haas Family Arts Library strive to help our patrons understand the research process. We, in consultation with faculty and other librarian subject specialists, help students both in and out of the classroom with:

• Topic definition
• Resources to support an argument
• Narrowing focus of literature review
• Evaluating resources

Feedback, monitoring, and assessment

• The library will periodically monitor the quality of reference service provided to see that it meets or exceeds established service standards.
• The library will provide opportunities for readers to offer feedback and recommendations regarding reference services and will respond to this feedback in an appropriate and timely manner.

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