Pasquotank- Camden Library: Information Services/Reference

The Information Services Department offers a variety of information expertise and instruction. This is accomplished through a number of sources, such as, books, periodicals, microfilm, electronic (online) databases, and the Internet. The Information Services staff will assist with research projects, finding answers to questions, using the computer, internet and other informational needs. This department also offers the following services to our patrons:

Computer and Internet Access
The computer lab has eighteen (18) computers, in which two (2) are attached to color printers. Patrons can print articles for a cost of 10 cents per page and 50 cents per page for color articles. In the computer lab there is a typewriter available for patron use. Computers can be checked out for a minimum of one hour per day per patron. Individuals are encouraged to inform the staff if more time is needed for typing applications, school reports, etc. Patrons must have a valid library card to use the computer lab. Patrons are invited to utilize the two (2) 15-minute computers located on the second floor. The 15-minute computers are for patrons who want to read their email and other internet access without having to show a library card. There is also a computer available for the online catalog.
Free Computer Classes
Interlibrary Loans
This is a service provided to patrons who require materials that are not available in the library. Book, magazines, microfilm, etc. are borrowed from different libraries to provide users with the materials that are requested. The Reference Assistant will aid patrons with their interlibrary loan request. Individuals utilizing this service must be cardholders of the library. The cost for this service is $2.50 per book, which is due at the time of the request, and when the book arrives, the patron is required to pay postage.
Periodicals
The Periodical Section consist of 282 magazines and newspapers for the patron who wants to read in the comfort of the library. Materials in this section are also available for checkout.
North Carolina Heritage Center (Genealogy)
The Pasquotank Camden Library has an intense local history and genealogy collection related primarily to the northeast section of North Carolina. Our holdings include microfilm, directories, census, yearbooks, state records of North Carolina and other materials relative to family research. In doing research, patrons are also given the opportunity to utilize Ancestry and HeritageQuest to further enhance their research abilities.
Learning Express Library

The Reference Section has over 1,200 books in its collection and access to three online databases, in which, the databases can be accessed from home with the aid of the patron's library card.

World Book Encyclopedia Online
www.worldbookonline.com
Bloom's Literary Reference Online
www.fofweb.com/IP
NC Live
www.nclive.org

Another service offered to patrons is the Ready Reference Section. The section is utilized to give patrons quick answers to factual questions, using books that are kept close at hand. These books consist of dictionaries, almanacs, directories, city and county budgets. Items in this section are available upon request at the Information Services desk.

Ask A Question via email
Another service that has been added for patrons through Information Services, is getting answers to your questions via e-mail. This service will allow patrons to have their questions answered within 48 hours. Ask a Question is also provided to aid students with assignments and in getting them to utilize the tools available in the library. Please check the reference assistance QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WIKI before you email a question to bjackson@earlibrary.org.