Hours of Service
Library Regular
Mon-Thurs 8am-11pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2pm-10pm
Summer
Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat Closed, Sun 2pm-10pmGeneral Reference
Regular
Mon-Thurs 8am-11pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2pm-10pm
Summer Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat Closed, Sun 2pm-10pmDocuments Reference
Regular
N/A
Summer N/A
1. Please attach a copy of the library's current access policies, noting date written. Is free access to depository collections provided in the library to everyone without exception? Does the library impose any age, affiliation, or other restriction on the use of Federal documents?
See policy No: F:08 for a description of Watson Library’s access
policy as it relates to depository collections. Free access to
depository collections is provided in the library to all patrons
without exception. The library imposes no restrictions.
2. Does the library have any policies and, especially, does it post any signs that may have a "chilling effect" or could be misunderstood by potential depository patrons, e.g.,
a. Are there posted signs indicating that the library is only for its university students and faculty?
Nob. Is "No Trespassing" posted at the entrance to the campus or at the entrance to the library building?
Noc. Does the library restrict access to the library at any time such as during exam periods?
Nod. Does the library ever require an ID to enter the library building or to use any depository materials placed on closed reserve, etc.?
No
3. Is the depository emblem posted on all entrance doors of the library and selective housing site(s), if applicable? If not, explain.
The depository emblem is placed on all public entrances to the
library, on the window of the documents librarians office, on the
window of the documents work area where the second computer
is located and on the entrance to the documents reading room.
4. Does the library offer comparable reference and other services to the "general public" as well as to its primary patrons (faculty, students, etc.). Note any discrepancies, i.e., "priority" services for its own college students, lawyers, etc. Is documents reference provided from a reference desk in the documents department, at a multiple subject department reference desk including documents, or at a central reference desk for all reference service including documents? Are the hours for depository-related reference roughly comparable to that for other reference service?
No preference is given to any patron over another with the only
exception being that patrons who come in person are given
priority over the ringing of the telephone. The reference desk is staffed all hours that the library is open, and the documents
librarian is part of the desk rotation including evenings and
weekends.
The Documents Librarian is part of the general reference staff and reports to the head of reference, thus all documents reference -- unless specifically referred to the Documents Librarian by an outside source -- is handled first at the reference desk. If the question is complex, or if another member of the reference staff wishes to do so, the question is referred to the documents librarian. The documents librarian is available during regular work hours to help all patrons with any questions they may have.
5. Describe any depository cataloging efforts to enhance access.
a. Estimate the percentage of current depository receipts that are included in the library catalog.
Northwestern is a participant in the LOUIS recon project which has provided for the retrospective cataloging of all documents 1976-1997. In the future, Watson Library plans to join the rest of the LOUIS consortium in purchasing the Marcive shipping list service.b. How long has the library been entering depository items into its catalog?
Some documents have been entered into the catalog since the founding of the collection. These are primarily items which have been reclassed into LC and added to other collections including Reference, Serials and branch holdings.c. What percentage of documents have been retrospectively cataloged?
All documents 1976-Present have been converted as a result of the LOUIS recon project. This is the majority of our collection.d. Are there any plans to retrospectively catalog documents?
Documents prior to 1976 will be retrospectively cataloged on a case by case basise. Does the library have an on-line catalog?
Yes.f. Is the on-line catalog networked with other libraries?
Yes. Northwestern’s Genie catalog is part of the Louisiana On-line University Information System (LOUIS) with 18 other academic libraries in the state. Other Louisiana academic institutions will probably join this consortium in the future.g. Note any other libraries on the network that are depositories.
Several other libraries on LOUIS are depositories. These include Louisiana State University, Louisiana State University at Eunice, Louisiana State University at Shreveport, Louisiana Tech, Northeast Louisiana University, Southeast Louisiana University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University and the University of New Orleans.h. Does the library's on-line catalog have dial-in or Internet access?
Both dial-in and Internet access are available.
6. Circulation of documents is not required. However, for information purposes, indicate if most or all documents circulate. Do some formats, such as paper, circulate, and not others, such as microfiche, maps, or electronic media? Explain how a public patron can borrow documents from the library.
Most documents circulate, except for documents which have
been added to the reference collection. Please see Policy No:
F:01 which explains how a general public patron can borrow
documents from Watson Library.
7. What is the level of staff knowledge of area depositories to make informed referrals? To what other depositories and for what types of depository materials do staff most often refer patrons? What union lists, directories, or area networks are used to make referrals?
Watson library is secure in knowing that the Regional Depository
at Louisiana Tech is always available for referrals. Patrons are
also referred to depositories in the area including Vernon Parish
Library, Shreve Memorial Library and Louisiana State University at Shreveport as well as to the Patent Depository at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. All of the libraries participating in the LOUIS consortium have their documents records on-line and are available for referrals and inquiries via email. All area depositories participate in Interlibrary Loan.
8. How are primary patrons and especially the public informed about the library's depository status, collections, and services? Note the types and frequency of depository promotion techniques. Does the library have a Web home page? If so, provide the URL.
The new documents display also serves to publicize the
collection. Additionally signs are placed around the library and in the Natchitoches Parish Library. We also distribute GPO created material and press releases as well as conduct library instruction and workshops.
The URL for Northwestern State University is
The URL for Watson Library is
The URL for Government Information in Watson Library is
The URL for the Documents Librarian’s Personal Home Page is
The depository status of Watson library has most recently been
promoted via a display in the lobby featuring documents in all
their various media. Exhibited were government documents in
all formats including print, floppy disc, CD-ROM and Internet. This display also featured a group of new User’s Guides explaining documents related resources.
http://www.nsula.edu
http://www.nsula.edu/departments/watson_library/index.html
http://www.nsula.edu/departments/watson_library/gov.htm
http://geocities.datacellar.net/Athens/6274
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