Library Policies

Borrowing

Students, faculty and staff must have a valid Western ID to checkout materials. IDs are free and available at the Student Development Office, K-100.

Lending Periods

  • Books ... 21 days
  • Magazines and pamphlets ... 1 day
  • Reserves ... 1 hour in-library use only for first copy. If a second copy is available, check out may be for a longer period. Be sure you understand the length of time a reserve may be checked out, as fines and late charges do accrue.

Renewals

Renewals may be made by phone: 608.785.9142 or 1.800.322.9982 or e-mail: library@westerntc.edu

Returns

  • In the library a desk slot is located by the circulation desk.
  • An outside book return labeled Book Depository is located by the front door at the north end of the ARC building.
  • Extended campuses may ask a campus secretary to return items via inter-office mail. Students should renew items prior to return as this method may take several days to a week.

Library Fees

Overdue Fines

  • $.05 cents a day for regular circulation
  • $.25 per HOUR for reserve books
  • Reserves have a $100.00 per item non-refundable, non-negotiable service charge for unreturned reserves that goes into effect after 14 days. This fee is in addition to fines and replacement costs.

Overdue notices and academic holds

Overdue notices are sent out every 2 weeks. After the second notice, a hold may be placed on a student's records preventing checkouts, registering for classes, or receiving grades or transcripts. At that time students will be charged the replacement cost of the unreturned, lost or damaged materials plus a $6 nonrefundable service charged per item. A hold may also be placed on a student’s record for fines totaling $5.00 and over.

Interlibrary Loan

Materials may be borrowed from other libraries, if not available in the city. Contact library staff for more information and assistance.

Using Other Libraries

Western, Viterbo and UW-L have an agreement to allow each other's students to use their libraries. UWL and Viterbo require a referral form available at the Western's library circulation desk. There is a $5/yr charge at UWL.

Visitor Use Policy

  • As a taxpayer supported institution, the Western library is open to the public. However, due to limited resources, some services must be restricted to student and faculty use only.
  • Anyone can use the books and magazines in the library.
  • Members of the public can checkout up to four items at a time by presenting their public library card (such as La Crosse Public Library, Winding Rivers Library System or SELCO card) and be in good standing at their home library.
  • Interlibrary loan is available only to Western students, faculty and staff.
  • Currently members of the public may use some of the computers in the library for internet searching but, Western students have priority and all users must follow the posted Western computer policy. Due to cost, we must restrict printing to academic use only.