A Comparison of Public Policy Reference Inquiries in Two Academic Libraries

During the 1986 Fall semester the reference departments of two academic libraries in Greensboro, NC conducted a survey of inquiries received on public policy issues. Both libraries used a form designed by one of the co-authors to record data collected during the survey period. One library is located at a medium-sized state-supported university, the other at a small college affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends. A total of 103 inquiries were received at both libraries, of these the overwhelming majority were from undergraduates doing research on term papers. Information was requested on more than 30 policy issues ranging from tax reform to toxic waste. No faculty member requested information on policy issues. Reference librarians referred patrons to a wide variety of sources in responding to their requests. Most inquiries were answered in five minutes or less. The survey showed moderate interest in public policy issues among students at both institutions.