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Western Libraries

Library Resources for Distance Ed Students

This guide serves to orient distance education students to the resources and services provided by Western Libraries.

OneSearch

What is OneSearch?

OneSearch is Western Libraries' central discovery tool. You can use OneSearch to locate books, videos, and articles in a variety of formats.

  • Use the Advanced Search feature to expand your search scope beyond Western Libraries, specify material type, and set date limiters.
  • Your Western Card is your library card. Bring it with you to check out books or pick up holds.
  • To check the status of your requests or renew items, log into your library account.

Databases & Journals

How do I access databases & journals?

Subject-specific databases:

  • Use the Databases A-Z list to locate subject-specific databases.
  • Use the FindIt! button to locate articles in full-text or generate an Interlibrary Loan request.

Locate a journal:

  • Use the Journal A-Z List to search for scholarly journals by title or browse by subject

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summit Borrowing

What is Summit?

Summit allows WWU faculty, students, and staff to borrow materials from partner libraries for delivery to Western free of charge.

What can be borrowed?

  • All printed books and music scores that are lent by the owning library
  • Some media materials (DVDs, videos) or microforms (film, fiche)

What can't be borrowed?

  • Materials assigned to reference, reserve, or rare book collections in other libraries.

Loan details:

Who are our Summit partner libraries?

  • Our partners include academic libraries throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Video for summit request here

InterLibrary Loan

What is ILL?

InterLibrary Loan (ILL) allows WWU faculty, students, and staff to borrow items from other libraries through a system called ILLiad.

What can't be borrowed?

  • "Textbooks" cannot be requested.   
  • Some items are difficult to obtain, such as reference materials, standardized tests and testing manuals, books published in the last six months or before 1880, unpublished conference papers.

How long does it take to get an item?

  • Articles requested can often be delivered within hours.
  • Other materials usually arrive within two weeks. 
  • You will receive an email when your materials are ready.

Purchase Requests

Can I request books & media for purchase?

Yes! Use ILLiad to submit purchase requests for books and DVDs.