Standards for reference services in health sciences libraries: the reference product

Standards for reference services were prepared by a committee of the Oregon Health Sciences Libraries Association (OHSLA). The standards are qualitative and address the following: quality control, appropriateness, accuracy, documentation, timeliness, accessibility, confidentiality, and evaluation. The standards are components of minimally competent reference service as reflected in the reference product. A discussion of concerns and prescriptive measures accompanies the statement of each standard. While prepared specifically for health sciences libraries, the standards are applicable to all types of libraries and may be used as guidelines in evaluating the reference product, in upgrading library service, and in writing policies and procedures.