Library | Western Technical College

Student Life

Library

Our mission at Western Library is to develop, promote, sustain, and transform the learning process by providing easy access to information in support of our students, teachers, and community. The Library is part of the Learning Commons, in Room 201 of the Student Success Center.

As a full-service academic library, we provide access to a wide variety of resources and materials, including scholarly and academic database articles, streaming video, ebooks, magazines, encyclopedias, books in print, and more. With a focus on helping you succeed, library staff is available to provide help and support on your path to a degree.

Borrowing of Materials

Search for books here!

Most Western library materials are available to borrow for free, with some special collections designated for in-library use only. You can check out materials with your Western ID.

Lending Periods

  • Books: 21 days
  • Course Reserves (Textbooks): In-library use only (limited to students and employees)
  • DVDs: 7 days

Interlibrary Loan

Western students and employees may also borrow materials from other libraries. Please contact us for more information.

Renewals

If you need to keep the borrowed materials for longer than the lending period, they can be renewed. Renewals may be made by phone, by email, or by logging into your account via the library catalog.

Returns

Books and most other materials may be placed in a book drop located outside of the Student Success Center or near the entrance of the Learning Commons. Please return any equipment directly to a staff member.

If you attend a regional location, ask front desk staff to return items via interoffice mail.

Patrons will be billed for any items not returned or for items that are returned in a damaged condition.

Suggestions and Requests

We strive to provide the information and resources you need and always welcome ideas and suggestions. Please contact us if you have a suggestion or request.

Library Databases

Access the list of databases here!

The library provides access to a wide variety of databases and other electronic resources. These resources may be used to find scholarly articles, articles from newspapers and magazines, videos, records, and other kinds of information. If you need help using these resources, reach out to a librarian. We’re happy to help!

Research, Subject, and Resource Guides

Access the list of LibGuides here!

Librarians and other members of the Learning Commons team create web-based resource guides (called LibGuides) to link you to the specific information and resources you need for a course or an assignment. LibGuides are available on a variety of general topics as well as academic subjects.

Student Learning Librarians

Ask a Librarian

Student Learning Librarians are available to meet with individuals, small groups, and classes to support them in finding information and the right resources for their needs.

We can help you:

  • Navigate the collections inside the library and on the library’s website
  • Learn how to search efficiently to find the sources you need
  • Choose information and resources to help with assignments, papers, and projects
  • Give attribution and cite your sources accurately

Distance Education

Library services are also available to students taking Western courses online, at Western Regional Centers, and working from home. Distance education students have the same borrowing privileges and access to the same materials as on-campus students. Items are shipped through interoffice mail and arrive at Regional Centers within 3-7 business days. Please reach out if you have questions or need more information.

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