FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the library

General information about the libraries, facilities, employment and librarians.

Checking Out (Borrowing) Library Materials

Who may check out library materials, fines, and renewals

Reserves

Reserve reading locations and checkout policies and procedures

Media

Media and microforms - Location, viewing, and checkout

Electronic Resources

Library and personal computers, electronic library resources, email, etc.

Periodicals - journals, magazines, newspapers

Information regarding location and use of periodicals.

Printing and copying

Printing from computers and making photocopies

Library collections and miscellaneous services

Do you have...?

Library jargon/abbreviations

Some library terms that you might encounter with explanations...

Distance Degree Students FAQ

Getting started, receiving reference help, troubleshooting...

Urban Campus FAQs

WSU Spokane

ABOUT THE LIBRARY

Job openings/Employment

Who may use the libraries?

Anyone may use the libraries on-site. Some services are available only to the students, staff and faculty of Washington State University.

Where is the library located?

WSU Pullman campus has six libraries.

Library
Location/Address
Campus Map
Architecture Carpenter Hall, Room 114
Pullman, WA 99164-2210
Map
Brain Education Cleveland Hall, Room 130
Pullman, WA 99164-2112
Map
Fischer Agricultural Sciences Johnson Hall Annex, Room C-2
Pullman, WA 99164-7150
Map
Health Sciences Wegner Hall, Room 170
Pullman, WA 99164-6512
Map
Holland and Terrell
(Humanities and Social Sciences)
Holland & Terrell Libraries
Pullman, WA 99164-5610
Map
Owen Science and Engineering Owen Science and Engineering Library
Pullman, WA 99164-3200
Map

Where can I park when I come to the Library?

Parking Services has information on Visitor permits. Depending on the library you are visiting you will want to refer to the parking map which shows parking areas for different types of permits.

What are your hours?

Each library maintains its own set of hours. Visit our hours page for up-to-date listings.

How do I find the right librarian to talk to?

Librarians in WSU Libraries have specific subject areas in which they have expertise. If you need to talk to a librarian about the best resources to use to get information on a specific topic, please check our list of subject specialists. We encourage you to consult with librarians frequently to help you save time in quickly identifying appropriate subject resources to use.

You can also take advantage of our reference services which are geared to save you time and get you to the best resources to use for your information need.

Where can I get a library card?

A library card is required to borrow materials. For WSU students, staff and faculty the WSU ID card (Cougar card) is also your library card. Those not affiliated with WSU (community users) can obtain a free library card at any of the WSU Libraries circulation desks. Those requesting community cards must have a valid picture id. These cards are renewed annually. Community users can check out materials the day they register for the card, but the card itself is mailed within a week. This community user card does not provide access to Interlibrary Loan or Article Reach, remote access to library databases, or the ability to request items on either Griffin or Summit.

Is food and drink allowed in the libraries?

Food and drink are welcome in all of the WSU Libraries. However, no food or beverages are permitted in Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections, nor are food or beverages permitted in the computer classrooms located at Holland/Terrell 103 and at Owen 319D. Tobacco products and alcohol are not allowed in the Libraries.

Does the library accept donations of money and/or books, etc.?

We thought you would never ask! Yes we do accept donations. Please visit our Friends of the Libraries section to see how you can help strengthen WSU Libraries.

Are there any group study areas in the Libraries?

Group study rooms are available in the Holland and Terrell Libraries and Owen Science and Engineering Library. Rooms in the Holland and Terrell Libraries are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Owen Science and Engineering Library has nine rooms open for group study. There are three rooms each on floors four through six, on the west wall. These Owen rooms are locked (check out a room at the first floor Circulation desk) and are normally available on a first-come, first-served basis, with groups having priority over individuals. It is possible to reserve a room for a certain day and time for special uses; please check with a staff member at Circulation on Owen first floor.

Who can reserve the electronic classrooms / training rooms in the Libraries?

Library classrooms can be reserved only by library staff. They are only available for library instruction by library personnel.

When were the Libraries built and/or remodeled or renovated?

Library
Location/Address
Campus Map
Construction/Remodeling History
Architecture Carpenter Hall, Room 114
Pullman, WA 99164-2210
Map
Carpenter Hall (originally Mechanic Arts Building) was completed in 1926, and renamed in 1949. When the building was remodeled from 1988 to 1991, the library was housed on the 4th floor of Owen Library. The library moved back into newly remodeled facility in 1992.
Brain Education Cleveland Hall, Room 130
Pullman, WA 99164-2112
Map
Cleveland Hall was built in 1963. There have been no major remodels.
Fischer Agricultural Sciences Johnson Hall Annex, Room C-2
Pullman, WA 99164-7150
Map
The Library was remodeled in the winter of 1998-99 with new staff office, carpets and circulation counter. The space was rearranged to make room for more computers and a more attractive current journal area.
Health Sciences Wegner Hall, Room 170
Pullman, WA 99164-6512
Map
Wegner Hall was completed in 1943, and acquired that name in 1952. It underwent minor renovation with new carpeting and reference area redesign in 1999.
Holland and Terrell
(Humanities and Social Sciences)
Holland and Terrell Libraries
Pullman, WA 99164-5610
Map
Holland Library was built between 1948 and 1950; the Terrell Library was occupied in May, 1994. They were named after former Washington State College Presidents Ernest Holland and Glenn Terrell.
Owen Science and Engineering Owen Library
Pullman, WA 99164-3200
Map
The science and engineering collection was moved from Holland Library to the newly built Owen Library when it opened in February, 1977. Renovations include improvements to the circulation area in 1996 and the creation of the third floor map room in 2000.

Does the library have lockers for public use?

Both the Holland and Terrell Libraries and Owen Science and Engineering Library have lockers.

Does the library have a typewriter that I can use?

There is an electric typewriter in Media Materials/Reserve in Terrell Library and another in Brain Education Library. These typewriters do not have correcting ribbons. Instructional Support Services also has a free electric typewriter with correction. ISS is located in the Holland Library; its entrance is from the building's exterior, to the west of the entrance to the Parking Garage.

Does the library have a fax machine that I can use?

The libraries do not have fax machines for public use. CougarCopies, located on the first floor of Holland Library, offers fax and other copying services.

What facilities and services are offered for disabled library users?

WSU Libraries has a number of facilities and services. You will find these on our Assistive Technologies page.

Where are the phones?

Public telephones are available in Health Sciences on the table with computers near the reference books; in Owen in the foyer; and in Holland and Terrell on the first and ground floor hallways of the Terrell Library. Public telephones are not available in Architecture, Brain Education, and Fischer Agricultural Sciences libraries.

Where is the lost and found?

There is a lost and found at the Circulation desk in each library.

CHECKING OUT (BORROWING) LIBRARY MATERIALS

Who may check out (borrow) library materials?

All WSU students, staff and faculty can borrow materials using their WSU ID card (Cougar Card). In addition, any Washington resident or Idaho residents in the area can obtain a library card to borrow library materials. These community user cards are good for items located in the WSU Libraries. They cannot be used for the Griffin Request Item feature, Summit Request Item feature, or Interlibrary Loan or Article Reach services; nor do community user cards allow remote access to electronic resources subscribed to by the libraries.

How do I check out library materials?

Locate the materials you want and take them to the Circulation desk in the library or area. Present them along with your library card or WSU ID card.

How many books can I check out?

You can check out a combined total of 299 books from the WSU Libraries and Summit collections. For example if you have 199 books checked out from the WSU Libraries, you can only borrow an additional 100 from Summit.

How long can library materials go out?

How do I renew something I have borrowed?

  • WSU materials - Go the to Griffin Catalog and choose View Your Record/Renewals. Enter your patron information as requested. Click on the items currently checked out. Review the items you have out and mark those you wish to renew.
  • Summit materials
  • Interlibrary Loan materials - email the ILL office or call 509-335-5517 to ask about renewals

What do I do if the book I want is already on loan to someone else?

If the status of the book or any item in Griffin is DUE followed by a date, click on the Request Item button and complete the form. This"recalls" the book - sets in motion a request to the person who has the item to return it to the library so someone else (you in this case) can use it. The recall process can take anywhere from one to three weeks.

What if the book I want isn't on the shelf?

Double check Griffin catalog to make sure the status of the book is ON SHELF. If it is checked out (indicated by a due date), you may place a Recall.

If an item is not checked out, please report it at the Circulation Desk. Circulation initiates a systematic search for the missing item by members of the library staff. If the item is found, you will be notified. If the item is not found within a month, you will be notified and a decision regarding replacement is made.

What are library fines for overdue items?

Will you tell me who has a book checked out?

No. Circulation information is confidential. For further information, please take a look at our Privacy Policy.

What do I do if the library does not own a book or article that I want?

For those who are affiliated with WSU as a student, staff or faculty member, there are many options for getting materials not owned by WSU:

  • Request item on Griffin can be used to borrow items from any of the WSU Libraries on any campus.
  • Request Item on Summit can be used to borrow books from the 33+ consortium member libraries in Oregon and Washington. There is no charge for this service.
  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Article Reach are also available - these are methods through which you can borrow books or articles from libraries worldwide. There may be fees associated with ILL depending on your campus. Read more about ILL in the ILLiad FAQ.
  • WSU students, staff and faculty can use the collection at the University of Idaho Library. There is no charge for this service.

How do I obtain a dissertation?

WSU theses and dissertations can be located in the Griffin Catalog with an author or title search.

Loans of dissertations from other institutions can be requested through our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. There are fees associated with this service.

ILL can also purchase a copy at slightly lower prices than if you go direct to UMI Online Dissertation Services. You pay the full cost of the purchase.

Dissertations from other universities can be purchased direct from UMI Online Dissertation Services.

RESERVES

What are Reserves?

Heavily used items and those requested by instructors for assigned class reading are kept on Reserve. Because the demand for these items is high, loan periods are shortened, fine rates are higher, and materials cannot be "recalled." Read more...

Does the library have any reserves that are available electronically?

Yes. These are listed in the Griffin Catalog and can be searched from the main search page by course name or course instructor. Instructions for what can be placed on electronic reserve are also available.

How can I put an item on reserve?

There are detailed guidelines for putting items on reserve. Please read these at the Reserves page. Instructions for what can be placed on electronic reserve are also available.

What are Reserve checkout policies and procedures?

Items on reserve in Brain Education, Holland and Terrell Libraries, and the Owen Science and Engineering Library are available upon request as long as the call number from the Griffin Catalog and a valid WSU ID are supplied. Loan periods are generally from two hours to three days. Architecture, Fischer Agricultural Sciences, and Health Science Libraries all have"open" reserve collections which patrons can use directly without asking.

Where are Reserves kept?

Electronic Reserves are listed in Griffin Catalog and can be searched from the main search page by course name or course instructor.

Paper reserves are available at:

Library
Location/Address
Campus Map
Location of Reserves
Architecture Carpenter Hall, Room 114
Pullman, WA 99164-2210
Map
Open Reserves to the right of the entrance down the hall a bit
Brain Education Cleveland Hall, Room 130
Pullman, WA 99164-2112
Map
Circulation desk
Fischer Agricultural Sciences Johnson Hall Annex, Room C-2
Pullman, WA 99164-7150
Map
Open Reserves near Circulation desk
Health Sciences Wegner Hall, Room 170
Pullman, WA 99164-6512
Map
Open Reserves across from Circulation desk
Holland and Terrell
(Humanities and Social Sciences)
Holland and Terrell Libraries
Pullman, WA 99164-5610
Map
Media Materials and Reserves unit on the Terrell Library ground floor, south side
Owen Science and Engineering Owen Science and Engineering Library
Pullman, WA 99164-3200
Map
Circulation desk

If an item is on reserve in one library are there also copies in the other libraries?

Usually reserves are housed in one library only - the one that students in the class are most likely to use for this and other library research. Occasionally a reserve item is in more than one library . You can check reserves on Griffin and the location will be noted. Go to the Griffin catalog and from the main menu search either by course name using the official University abbreviation (eg. math 103) or by instructor.

MEDIA

Where are the media materials such as videos, cds, dvds, phonograph records?

Most of the libraries' media is housed in Media Materials and Reserves on the ground floor of the Terrell Library. The Brain Education Library houses a growing number of videos as well as a collection of phonograph records with children's songs, Native American (including Hawaiian) songs and chants, and other education-related recordings. Other libraries also have a small number of videos. The Kemble Stout Music Listening Library has audio materials designed to support music classes taught at WSU

How (where) do I view a video?

Videos, DVDs, and 16 mm films can be viewed in Media Materials and Reserves on the ground floor of Terrell. Ask at the Circulation desk in this area. Plan ahead, some materials are in storage and take time to bring to the viewing area. Call 509-335-7664 to make arrangements. The Architecture Library, Fischer Agricultural Sciences Library, Health Sciences Library, and Brain Education Library also have facilities for viewing videos.

Can I view a personal video or listen to personal tapes, etc?

Library equipment in Media Materials and Reserves on the ground floor of the Terrell Library may be used for viewing or listening to personal media. First priority is to those needing the equipment for instructional purposes.

May I check out a video, CD, DVD, or phonograph record?

Yes, these materials check out for different time periods:

  • Three days for VHS, DVDs, and 16 mm films to students, grad students, staff, and community users; one week for these to faculty.
  • Two weeks for slide sets, language tapes, music CDs, audiotapes, records, and government document computer files.
  • For other media checkout periods call 509-335-7664 or ask at the Media Materials and Reserves circulation desk.
  • Media may be renewed one time only.

Where is the microfilm/fiche reader?

Microfilm/fiche readers are available in the Architecture Library, Brain Education Library, Health Sciences Library, in the Holland and Terrell Libraries in the Microforms area, and in the Owen Science and Engineering Library near the printers and on the second floor in the microform area. There is no microfilm/fiche reader in the Fischer Agricultural Sciences Library.

Can I make a paper copy of something on microfilm or microfiche?

Yes. Microform to paper copies can be made in Brain Education Library, Holland Library Microform area, and Owen Science and Engineering Library ground floor. Cost is the same as three photocopies - about $.30 per page. Copicards can be used.

Can I make an electronic copy of something on microfilm or microfiche?

Yes. Microform to electronic image copies can be made in the Holland Library Microform area, and in the Owen Science and Engineering Library ground floor. These images may be saved to flash drives or emailed to yourself.

ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

Can I surf the Web or check my email on library computers?

Each library has computers available for surfing or email; the Owen Science and Engineering Library also has six laptops which may be checked out by WSU students, staff, and faculty. Due to heavy traffic in some libraries some computers have first priority to individuals using library resources such as our online catalog, electronic journals and subscription databases for work.

Can I do word processing, spreadsheets, graphics manipulation, etc on library computers?

Almost all Library computers available to the public have software for Internet access as well as a Microsoft Office package which includes Access, Excel, Powerpoint, and Word. Documents may be saved to or opened from flash drives (plug into the back of the computer if no front port or cable is available) or floppy disks. Most computers have one shared drive for desktop usage; ask at the reference desks if you have trouble locating this.

The Graduate Study Center (for graduate students only) in the Terrell Library also has this type of service available.

One computer in each library is set up as a "creativity station" and has Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat. The creativity stations in Holland/Terrell and Owen also have GIS software, and the Owen station has the ability to accept a variety of memory cards.

Computer labs may be available in your department. Student Computing Services has computer labs around campus with access to a variety of software. Check with your department and/or visit Student Computing Services to find out the full range of what is available.

Can I access the Internet in the library with my laptop?
Here are a few facts - see our Ethernet/Wireless Access for Laptop Computers guide for more complete information on requirements and locations.

  • Wireless Access
    • Wireless access is available in most parts of the Architecture, Education, Health Sciences, Holland and Terrell, and Owen Science and Engineering Library.
    • Wireless access is not currently available in the Fischer Agricultural Sciences Library, though it is expected in the near future.
  • Wired/Ethernet access
    • Fischer Agricultural Science Library has one outlet for Internet access.
    • Health Sciences Library has two ports for Internet access in their Current Journals area.
    • Holland and Terrell Libraries have eleven outlets for Internet access. These are on designated carrels along the curved northern bank of windows of the first floor overlooking the practice fields and Martin Stadium.
    • Owen Science & Engineering Library has 26 outlets for Internet access (floors 1, 4, 5 and 6).
    • The Architecture and Brain Education Libraries do not have outlets for internet access.

What is the URL for the Libraries' catalog and other electronic resources?

The Griffin Catalog and other electronic resources are linked from the WSU Libraries main web site.

Can I search other library catalogs?

Other library catalogs that the WSU Libraries consider particularly important for WSU students, staff and faculty are available from the WSU Libraries web site in the Other Libraries Catalogs category. NOTE: All WSU campus library collections (Olympia, Spokane, TriCities and Vancouver) are included in the Griffin Catalog. They are not considered"other library catalogs." Access to over 4000 library homepages can be found from the Libweb page at the University of California, Berkeley.

Summit , the Orbis-Cascade Alliance catalog, can be used to borrow books from the 38+ consortium member libraries in Oregon and Washington. There is no charge for this service.

Can I access the online catalogs, electronic indexes and full-text electronic journals from my office, dorm room, or home?

Most online library resources are available to current WSU students, staff and faculty from outside the libraries. If you try to access something that is not available without authorization; you will be asked to provide your WSU NetID and password.

What do I do if I can't connect to Griffin Catalog or other library databases?

A series of connection/PIN help files are available - please be aware that the help files for Griffin differ from the help files for library databases, as database access is based on your university NetID and associated PIN, while Griffin access is based on your name, student ID number, and a library-based PIN.

Where can I find information on how to search the library catalog?

The Griffin Tutorial provides a comprehensive set of information about Griffin functionality. An access and search guide on Griffin is also available.

Where can I find information on how to search the library databases (abstracts & indexes)?

Guides to many of the library databases have been developed. These are available on the WSU Libraries web site in the Library Guides and Handouts section of the Library Instruction area. Each database producer also provides online help. If you don't see a handout on the database or electronic resource of interest and have questions you please contact Information and Reference Services.

What is bibliographic management software - such as EndNote, ProCite or Reference Manager software? How do I decide which one is best for me?
Bibliographic or information management software allows the user to search the Internet and download references or citations to use in creating bibliographies.

Visit the Thomson ResearchSoft Web site for a description of these three packages. Free trial versions of each can also be downloaded. FirstSearch databases to which WSU has access now offer an export feature which extracts the relevant data from the FirstSearch records and exports it into the EndNote software package. The function works with detailed records, marked records and lists of records from a single database. The WSU Griffin Online Catalog also offers an export in EndNote or ProCite format. To obtain a configuration file for using EndNote with Griffin, please visit http://www.endnote.com/support/enconnections.asp and scroll down to Washington State University to use the FTP link for obtaining the file.

A logon and password is required to access the FirstSearch databases via these bibliographic management software packages. Contact the WSU Libraries' webmaster to obtain this information. We need your name and WSU id number to verify that you are affiliated with WSU in order to give you this information.

PERIODICALS - JOURNALS, MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS

How do I find journal articles on a particular topic?

The library offers a large number of indexes and abstracts which list articles published in journals and other types of publications. Some of these are available in print and some are available online. If you are unsure which of these might be best for you to use, ask at any Information/Reference desk or contact us.

How can I tell what a journal abbreviation means?

The Libraries have compiled some journal abbreviation resources. You may also contact WSU Libraries Reference and Information Services and learn more about library vocabulary through Library Lingo.

How do I find out which library has a particular journal?

Do a Journal Title search in the Journals, Magazines, Newspapers section of the Griffin Catalog. You can also use the ISSN search if you know the International Standard Serial Number. This is an 8 digit number (####-####) sometimes given in online references along with journal title. Many of our journals are now available on the World Wide Web and listed on our Electronic Journals A-Z list.

May journals be checked out?

Each library has its own policies on what journals may be checked out, who may borrow and the length of the loan.

Library
Location/Address
Campus Map
Borrowing Journals: Who, What, How Long
Architecture Carpenter Hall, Room 114
Pullman, WA 99164-2210
Map
  • Bound journals:
    • Undergrads/Staff/Community - 3 days
    • Grads/Professional/Faculty - 3 days
  • Current journals: Do not circulate
Brain Education Cleveland Hall, Room 130
Pullman, WA 99164-2112
Map
  • Bound journals:
    • Undergrads/Staff/Community - 3 days
    • Honors Students/Grads/Professional - 3 days
    • Faculty - 3 day
  • Current journals: Do not circulate
Fischer Agricultural Sciences Johnson Hall Annex, Room C-2
Pullman, WA 99164-7150
Map
  • Bound:
    • Undergrads/Community - 3 days
    • Honors Students/Grads/Professional - 3 days
    • Faculty/staff - 3 days
  • Current journals: 2 hr to everyone
Health Sciences Wegner Hall, Room 170
Pullman, WA 99164-6512
Map
  • Bound journals:
    • Undergrads/Community 3 days
    • Honors Students/Grads/Professional - 3 day
    • Faculty/Staff - 3 days
  • Current journals: 2 hrs for everyone
Holland and Terrell
(Humanities and Social Sciences)
Holland and Terrell Libraries
Pullman, WA 99164-5610
Map
  • Bound journals:
    • Undergrads/Community/Staff - 3 days
    • Honors Students/Grads/Professional - 3 days
    • /Faculty - 3 days
  • Current journals: Do not circulate
Owen Science and Engineering Owen Library
Pullman, WA 99164-3200
Map
  • Bound or current journals:
    • Community - 2 hrs
    • Undergrads / Honors Students / Grads / Professional / Faculty / Staff - 3 days

What if I can't find a particular journal issue?

Check with a reference librarian to make sure it has been received. If it has been received then ask at Circulation. You may also check to see if it is available online.

How do I find Periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers)?

All periodicals are listed in the Journals, Magazines, Newspapers section of the Griffin catalog. Many periodicals are also now available online. Check our list of electronic journals. Current issues of periodicals are kept in a current journal area in each library. When enough issues are received of a particular title, they are bound like books and moved to the stack areas.

Library
Location/Address
Campus Map
Location of Bound Periodicals
Architecture Carpenter Hall, Room 114
Pullman, WA 99164-2210
Map
Shelved by title in separate area
Brain Education Cleveland Hall, Room 130
Pullman, WA 99164-2112
Map
Shelved by call number, intershelved with books.
Fischer Agricultural Sciences Johnson Hall Annex, Room C-2
Pullman, WA 99164-7150
Map
Shelved by title in separate area
Health Sciences Wegner Hall, Room 170
Pullman, WA 99164-6512
Map
Shelved by title; A-B on main floor, C-Z downstairs
Holland and Terrell
(Humanities and Social Sciences)
Holland and Terrell Libraries
Pullman, WA 99164-5610
Map
Shelved by call number; intershelved with books
Owen Science and Engineering Owen Library
Pullman, WA 99164-3200
Map
Shelved by call number; intershelved with books

Does the library have current/daily newspapers I can read?

A selection of newspapers is located in the Current Journal room on the ground floor of the Terrell Library. Nine major national newspapers and most major Washington newspapers are also available full-text in ProQuest Direct. Other newspapers are available in PressDisplay and Academic Universe.

PRINTING AND COPYING

Where are the copy machines?

Each library provides public copy machines.

What kind of copy cards do your copiers use and how can I buy one?

Copicards can be purchased from a vending machine in each library. The cards are $5.00 each and it is a good idea to bring either one or five dollar bills with you if you are going to be purchasing a copicard. Value may also be added to a copicard at these vending machines. In the Holland and Terrell Libraries and the Owen Science and Engineering Library, patrons may also purchase copicards at the Circulation desk with cash, checks, or (in Holland and Terrell only) Cougar Cards.

Where can I get change?

Library
Gives Change
Campus Map
Nearest Change Location
Architecture No
Map
Not applicable.
Brain Education No
Map
Campus Carts on the Ground Floor. See Cleveland Espresso Bar Hours.
Fischer Agricultural Sciences Yes while supply lasts
Map
Not applicable
Health Sciences No
Map
Not applicable
Holland/Terrell
(Humanities and Social Sciences)
No
Map
Student Book Corporation (Bookie)
Owen Science and Engineering No
Map
Next door in Cleveland Hall basement at Campus Carts. See Cleveland Espresso Bar Hours.

Where can I get a refund if the photocopier takes my money or a printout is not good?

Go to the Circulation desk in the library you are in and explain the problem. If you have a bad copy take it with you.

Where can I print a paper?

The WSU Libraries have networked printing available from all public service computers. On-screen items can be printed to these printers for the same cost as a photocopy. The print stations use copicards available for purchase in every library. Word is available on most public machines for printing Word documents. Additionally, CougarCopies is now located in Holland/Terrell Libraries and provides printing services.

Does the library have a copy service to copy things for me?

No the libraries do not offer a copy service, however CougarCopies is currently located in the Holland Terrell Libraries and can provide copying services.

LIBRARY COLLECTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS

Does the library have telephone books for other cities in the United States? Canada?

There is a collection of phone books in the Microform area in Holland Library.

Does the library have college catalogs for other colleges?

There is a collection of both graduate and undergraduate college catalogs in the Microform area of Holland and Terrell Libraries. There is also an online collection called CollegeSource Online that can be used from Holland and Terrell Libraries public computers.

Does the library have a Kurzweil Reader?

There is a Kurzweil Reader on the first floor Reference area of Terrell Library by the photocopy machines. See also our Assistive Technologies page for other services and facilities.

What collections are the Library famous for?

Pierre Jean DeSmet - Nineteenth century Jesuit missionary
Thomas S. Foley - Member, United States House of Representative for the Fifth District of the state of Washington, 1965-1994
Virginia and Leonard Woolf library
Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Collection
Five Centuries of Veterinary Medicine
and more (perhaps not famous but certainly interesting and valuable) in Manuscripts and Special Collections

Do you have old photographs of WSU and Pullman?

Yes, we have a collection of historical photographs in the Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections unit. It consists of photographic prints, slides, and negatives. The collections range in date from the third quarter of the 19th century to the late 20th. Visit the Historical Photographs area for more information. A small portion of these are available online through the City of Pullman and the Palouse digital collection.

What are manuscript collections?

Manuscripts - Generally consists of unpublished"primary source" material comprised of historical and literary collections of personal papers. These include diaries, journals, letters, notebooks, typescripts and manuscripts. Other manuscript collections encompass corporate records, political, cultural, and economic archives, oral histories, handwritten maps and graphic material, and miscellaneous papers. The Manuscripts Collections also contain primary source material in 20th century music. Visit the manuscripts area for more information.

What are Special Collections?

Special Collections - Printed and published collections in various formats, books from all time periods, maps, pamphlets, broadsides, brochures, posters, comic books, and various specialized sub-collections. Visit the special collections area for more information.

What is Compact Storage?

Compact Storage is a separate area with arbitrarily assigned call numbers designed to store the largest amount of books in the smallest possible space. It is used primarily to store infrequently used material or to protect vulnerable material from unnecessary handling.

Both the Holland and Terrell Libraries and the Owen Science and Engineering Library have Compact Storage areas. Contact the appropriate Circulation desk for help in accessing materials from these collections.

Where can I find library guides?

Library guides on how to use various resources are available in pdf and Microsoft Word formats from Library Instruction. Copies of selected guides can also be found in the various libraries on campus. The Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections unit has produced an excellent series of collection guides to many of their resources.

What kinds of government publications are available?

The WSU Libraries receives a selection of United States Government documents. Those dealing with business, humanities and social science topics are housed in Holland and Terrell Libraries. Science, agriculture and engineering documents are housed in Owen Science and Engineering Library. Most U.S. documents from 1976 to the present are accessible in the Griffin Catalog.

The United States government is moving to electronic publication. Visit the list of government databases and the list of Internet links to Government Information for some good access points for locating U.S. government online publications. The WSU Libraries also receives most Washington State publications, and these are listed in the Griffin Catalog by author, title, and subject. The Libraries also selectively receives international documents from foreign countries. In particular, numerous United Nations and Great Britain documents are available via CD-ROM or electronically. Check the Griffin Catalog first, and then consult a reference librarian for further assistance.

LIBRARYSPEAK / JARGON / ABBREVIATIONS

Library Lingo: WSU Libraries vocabulary and acronyms database.

Help finding Journal Abbreviations.