Library Services | Western Technical College

Student Life

Library Services

Our mission at the 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 library, we offer study space, computer and printer access, electronic resources, course reserves, periodicals, and DVDs, as well as books in print. With a focus on helping students succeed, our library staff is available to provide help and support the path to your degree.

Borrowing of Materials

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Most Western library materials are available to borrow for free, with some special collections designated for in-library use only. You must have a valid photo ID to check out materials. Western IDs are available at the Student Life Office in the Kumm Center, Room 100.

Lending Periods

  • Books: 21 days
  • Magazines: Current issues, in-library use only; back issues, 7 days
  • Course Reserves: In-library use only (limited to students and employees)
  • DVDs: 7 days
  • Laptops: 7 days

Interlibrary Loan

Western students and employees may also borrow from other libraries. Please check with a staff member for more details.

Renewals

If you hope to keep the borrowed materials for longer than the lending period, you may try to renew them. Renewals may be made by phone (608-785-9142) email (library@westerntc.edu), or logging into your account via the library catalog. Books, magazines, and DVDs may be renewed twice. Laptops cannot be renewed due to high demand.

Returns

Please return items on time so that others may borrow them. Books and most other materials may be placed in the book return bin located near the entrance of the Learning Commons. Please give laptops and other fragile 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.

Electronic Resources

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The library provides access to a wide variety of databases and other electronic resources. These resources may be used to find articles, videos, records, or other kinds of information. For help with using these resources, contact a Student Learning Librarian in person at the Learning Commons, by phone (608-785-9142), or by email (libraryreference@westerntc.edu).

Student Learning Librarians

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. They can help you:

  • Navigate the collections inside the library and on the library’s website
  • Learn how to search efficiently to find books and articles in the library and electronic databases
  • Choose information and resources to help with assignments, papers, and projects

To get help from or to schedule a time to meet with a Student Learning Librarian, stop by the Learning Commons, email libraryreference@westerntc.edu, or call 608-785-9142.

Distance Education

Library services are also available to students taking Western courses online, at Western Regional Locations, 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 can take three to seven business days to reach regional locations. For additional information, please reach out to library staff by phone (608-785-9142) or email (library@westerntc.edu).

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