----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I am a new subscriber to ARLIS-L and an interim art librarian at the University of Connecticut. My first two reference questions were for help in assessing the value of items people have found in their homes. I did a search of the ARLIS-L archives and found some relevant and interesting information. But what I am really looking for is some tactful wording for responses to such questions. I am working on a generic response that can nonetheless be customized to individual questioners. For example, I have a paragraph about the local "Expertising" sessions held twice a year at a prominent art museum in Connecticut, with contact information, upcoming dates, etc. But I would like additional wording about typical sources referred to in advising patrons to do their own research, as well as a tactful way of advising them that we are not in a position to conduct monetary appraisals. Would anyone have wording they are willing to share--either to the list or (if you are all tired of this question) directly to me. Thanks so much. Ellen Embardo Reference/Liaison Librarian Homer Babbidge Library, U-1005RI University of Connecticut 369 Fairfield Rd. Storrs, CT 06269-1005 Ph: (860) 486-1262 e-mail: [log in to unmask] Fax: (860) 486-6100 __________________________________________________________________ Mail submissions to [log in to unmask] Administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc) to [log in to unmask] ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance: http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html Questions may be addressed to list owner (Kerri Scannell) at: [log in to unmask]