Answered By: Gabe Gossett
Last Updated: Jul 13, 2023     Views: 315

1.    Ask! We love questions at the Libraries.

Chat, email, or call. Don’t be shy. You can reach us using the contact information on the side of the screen.

2.    You’re a Western student now! Resistance is futile.

As such, you are entitled to the same library services and resources that on-campus students have. If you attended a different college or university in the past the library services you receive with us may be a little different. You do have interlibrary loan and borrowing privileges at Western.

3.    Check out the subject guides for more information on services for your program.

The subject guides include tailored information related to library services and research tools for different disciplinary areas.

4.    You can use many of the library resources without ever leaving your home.

This includes the online databases and library catalog. Do your research in your bunny slippers! You can even have books mailed to your home. We cover the cost of shipping items to you and you cover the cost of sending them back.

5.    You have a university online account.  Check your WWU email account regularly.  It will save you a lot of grief.

All library notifications, such as overdue notices, will go to your Western email account.

6.    Your Western ID card is your library card.

If you don’t have an ID yet, it is probably on the way. If you’ve been with us for a while and don’t have one yet, pester your program director.

7.    You don’t have to pay for articles when you do your research. 

Start your research from the Western Libraries homepage: www.library.wwu.edu. If we don’t have access to an article you need we can usually get a copy for you through Inter-Library Loan. This is a service you've already paid for with your tuition!

8.    Plan ahead! 

Keep in mind that we will gladly deliver materials to you but it might take a few days. Our loan department suggests to plan for 5-7 days to receive what you request, although it’s usually faster than that. Don’t wait until the last minute to request materials.

9.    Some materials will have late fees.

While most Western materials no longer have late fees, they apply in certain cases and may be applied when borrowing an item from another library via Summit or inter-library loan. Save your money and renew your books online at https://library.wwu.edu/my-accounts or by calling Circulation Services at 360-650-3084.

10. You may need to use other libraries in your area.

Your Western ID card can be used as a library card for all of the libraries participating in Summit (including UW). You will, however, have to register as a guest patron before using those libraries. Once you are registered you can have materials for pickup sent there. Local public and community college libraries can also be good resources. Just keep in mind that they may not have the level of research materials you need and you may not be able to check materials out at community colleges.