ADA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES

Address: 61 Ahmadbey Aghaoglu Street, Baku, Azerbaijan AZ1008
Tel: (+994 12) 437 3235 Fax: (+994 12) 437 3236

Research and Instructional Support Guidelines

Document No.: LPPR118
Created: 01.09.18 Last modified: 19.02.19

Introduction: Research and Instructional Service Structure

As an integral part of the research and instructional program of ADA University, the Library Research and Instructional Services Unit (RIS) provides research assistance and instructional services to the ADA community.
Its goal is to facilitate the development of an information-literate community and promote the Information Literacy Competency Standards of Higher Education developed by the Association of College and Research Libraries.

RIS serves in three main directions:
I. Reference and Research Assistance Services
II. Instructional Services
III. Collection Development Support

Paragraph 1. Reference and Research Assistance Services

Patrons who need assistance in finding resources for their research topics or reference questions can request an appointment with a reference (or research) librarian.

1.1 Reference Librarian

The Reference Librarian:

1. Works with users to diagnose the problem and provide advice or instructions as needed.
   Technical problems are forwarded to the appropriate staff member.

2. Assists users in becoming information literate: recognizing information needs, defining research questions, planning searches, evaluating and ethically using information.

3. Demonstrates how to use:

   • Library Discovery Service and Catalog

   • Journal databases (JSTOR, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, HeinOnline, etc.)

   • E-books (E-book Central)

   • Citation tools (EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks, etc.)

4. Guides students in evaluating information and assessing sources for research papers.

5. Provides and manages electronic library accounts, resolves account problems, and approves e-book requests.

6. Suggests research strategies and appropriate resources.

7. Coordinates the creation of Research Guides and other support materials.

8. Provides individual research consultations (15–60 minutes), advising on research strategies and relevant resources.

9. Helps students find citation style guides and explains citation principles (but does not edit assignments).

1.2 Reference Desk

1. Consultations:
   One-on-one or small group consultations are available to faculty, staff, and students — in person or via email.
   Reference Desk operates Monday–Friday, 9:00–18:00. Walk-up or scheduled appointments are available.
   During unattended periods, patrons may approach librarians in their offices.
   Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Virtual Reference Services:

   • Requests can be sent 24/7 to [email protected]

   • Replies are given within 1–2 business days.

   • Complex queries may be scheduled for research consultations (15–60 minutes).

3. Research Consultations by Appointment:
   Recommended for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, or faculty returning to or exploring new research areas.

1.3 Research Guides

RIS creates and maintains self-help research tools, including guides, tutorials, and videos.

1.4 Tutorials

The Library offers short screencast tutorials (15–45 minutes) on topics such as:

• Evaluating resources

• Academic honesty

• Citing sources

• Finding books and articles

• Using social media responsibly

• Understanding publication types

Paragraph 2. Instructional Services

The ADA Library’s Information Literacy Program supports teaching by educating students for academic success and lifelong learning.
Librarians collaborate with faculty and program directors to promote information literacy for all educational levels (EAPP, undergraduate, graduate, EMBA).

2.1 Instruction Sessions

Sessions focus on:

• Effective research strategies and use of online resources

• Identifying key concepts and keywords

• Using Library Catalogs and Databases

• Evaluating and distinguishing scholarly sources

• Locating full-text documents

• Understanding citation components and documentation styles

Librarians teach skills such as information retrieval, analysis, evaluation, and proper documentation.

2.2 Instruction Sessions Format

1. Library Tours and Orientations

   • For new students, faculty, staff, and visitors

   • Introduce library collections, services, and staff

   • Conducted during semester starts and campus events

2. Introductory Sessions (EAPP Program)

   • Small group sessions (15–20 students) arranged by EAPP coordinator

   • Focused on initial exploration of library tools

   • Group instructors must accompany classes

3. Course-Related Instruction Sessions

   • Designed collaboratively between librarian and faculty

   • Include demonstrations, exercises, and guided practice

   • Duration: minimum 45 minutes

   • Focus on course assignments, research methods, and information literacy

2.3 Requesting Library Instruction

1. Request:
   Faculty should schedule sessions at least 3 weeks in advance via the Information Literacy Session Request Form or Research Consultation Form.

2. Assessment:
   RIS coordinates planning based on learning outcomes and course needs.
   A syllabus and assignment details are requested for preparation.

3. Cancel:
   Notify the Manager of Research and Instructional Services promptly for cancellations or changes.

4. Submit:
   All requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Paragraph 3. Collection Development

RIS collaborates with the acquisitions librarian and collection representatives to develop ADA Library’s print and electronic collections.

3.1 Material Types

• E-journals

• E-books

• Full-text databases

• Abstract and index databases

• Financial and statistical databases

3.2 General Selection Criteria

• Relevance to curriculum and research

• Demand and subject currency

• Quality and price

• English-language preference

3.3 Other Factors

Preference is given to digital resources that:

• Serve more users at comparable cost

• Have reliable vendors and user-friendly interfaces

• Provide multi-user access

• Offer favorable licensing and consortia options

Pricing Models

• Subscription

• Consortia purchases

• One-time purchases

Cost Models

• Based on FTE or number of users

• Annual or one-time fees

• Hosting and upgrade costs

Consortia Purchases

ADA Library participates in the Azerbaijan Library and Information Consortium, and collaborates with EIFL and ANKOS for shared access.

Paragraph 4. Selection and Evaluation of E-Resources

4.1 Subject and Content

Resources must:

• Support ADA curriculum and research aims

• Be peer-reviewed and high-quality

• Match subject profiles and audience needs

4.2 Technical Feasibility

• Ensure technical compatibility and cost efficiency

• Provide on/off-campus access

• Meet software and browser requirements

• Announce new resources via email, social media, and the website

4.3 Functionality and Reliability

• Easy search and retrieval

• Export and download options

• Sorting and ranking features

• Stable 24/7 system uptime

4.4 Vendor Support

• Responsive customer service

• Training and product demos

• Customization and branding options

4.5 Licensing

Contracts must:

• Be clear and concise

• Define authorized users (students, faculty, limited visitors)

• Allow fair educational use

• Protect user privacy

4.6 Access Termination and De-Selection

Resources may be discontinued if:

• No longer available or current

• Usage statistics are low

• Budgets require cuts

• Content is duplicated or irrelevant

Paragraph 5. Reference and Research Sources

5.1 Reference Materials

Include dictionaries, encyclopedias, guidebooks, maps, and directories.
Generally for in-library use only, with exceptions for class presentations.

5.2 Databases

Library subscribes to multidisciplinary databases with peer-reviewed content.
Contracts are renewed annually.

5.3 E-Books

Purchased upon faculty request for core course readings; duplicates only when justified.

Paragraph 6. Electronic Resources Borrowing

• ADA faculty, staff, alumni, and MFA employees have access to all subscribed databases.

• Only faculty and MFA can request new e-book purchases via the Electronic / Print Books Request Form.

6.1–6.4 Usage Rules

1. Students may borrow e-books upon manager approval.

2. Max 3 e-books per semester; total cost ≤ price of one regular e-book.

3. Course e-textbooks downloadable for 1–2 days.

4. Cooperative sharing with partner universities provides interlibrary e-resource access.