Navigating the Academic Landscape: A Guide to Western Washington University Library Resources
Western Washington University (WWU) Libraries are vital to the academic success of its students, faculty, and staff. Comprising two buildings, Haggard Hall and Wilson Library, Western Libraries offer a wealth of resources, including over 1.5 million books, videos, and information sources. As a member of a consortium of libraries in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, WWU Libraries expands its reach to an additional 28 million items, ensuring comprehensive support for teaching and research programs. Furthermore, the libraries provide access to the full text of thousands of digital resources, encompassing documents, journals, and more. This article serves as a guide to the diverse resources and services available through WWU Libraries, empowering students and researchers to effectively navigate the academic landscape.
Accessing Physical and Digital Collections
WWU Libraries boasts an extensive collection of both print and electronic resources. Most physical books are housed in Wilson Library, floors 3-5, organized by topic using the Library of Congress Call Numbers system, facilitating efficient browsing and discovery of materials within a specific subject area.
Beyond physical books, Western Libraries provides access to a vast array of digital resources, including:
- Databases: A multitude of databases cater to diverse academic disciplines. These include:
- A database of nursing and health journals, essential for nursing and health sciences students.
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM) journal citation database, featuring over 26 million citations to biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books, dating back to 1946. This resource is invaluable for nurses, researchers, allied health professionals, and medical educators seeking access to journals across many medical disciplines. The journals included are carefully vetted prior to inclusion in the database.
- PsycINFO, a database of abstracts for the international literature in psychology and related disciplines such as sociology, education, consumer behavior, linguistics, medicine, law, psychiatry, and anthropology.
- A database of consumer health information, providing accessible resources for patient education and health literacy.
- SPORTDiscus, a database of citations and abstracts to sports literature, including sports medicine, exercise physiology, sport and biomechanics, sport psychology, training, coaching, and related topics.
- ERIC, the world's largest database of education research.
- MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institute of Health, offering online health information for patients and their families.
- Epistemonikos, a collaborative, multilingual database of health evidence.
- E-books: Numerous nursing e-books and other digital texts are accessible through OneSearch, offering convenient online access to course materials and research resources.
Support Services and Resources
Western Libraries offers a range of support services designed to assist students, faculty, and staff in their research and academic endeavors.
Help and Assistance
Librarians are available to provide assistance and guidance. The Circulation Desk in Haggard Hall is a central point for checking out books, accessing course reserves, and picking up requested items. It is also a helpful place to start when unsure where to go for assistance.
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Research and Writing Support
The Hacherl Research & Writing Studio in Haggard Hall offers comprehensive research and writing support, including help with:
- Developing an inquiry question
- Planning and structuring papers
- Finding and evaluating sources
- Citations
- Resume and scholarship application assistance
- Proofreading strategies
- Reading and analyzing academic texts
The Studio provides in-person and online consultations, as well as a draft review service with a 48-hour turnaround time. The Self-Paced Online Tutorial (SPOT) and shorter online tutorials cover various aspects of the research and writing process.
Tutoring Center
Located in Wilson Library, the Tutoring Center offers tutoring and study skills assistance. Services include:
- One-on-one tutoring for math and science classes
- Study skills support, including time management, reading, test-taking, and academic coaching
- Study tables for different topics
A Study Skills booklet is available for download as a PDF. The Tutoring Center also provides services for faculty, including study skills presentations.
Student Tech Center
The Student Tech Center (STC) in Haggard Hall provides technology assistance, including:
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- Laptop and technology checkouts
- Access to virtual reality, 3D printing, and scanning equipment
- Workshops on various software and technologies
Archives & Special Collections
Archives & Special Collections, located in Wilson Library (6th floor) and the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies (Goltz-Murray Archives Building), document the history and culture of Western and the region. They can assist in finding primary sources on Western, the Pacific Northwest, and topics such as mountaineering, children's books, and Judaica.
Subject Librarians
Students can receive personalized assistance from subject librarians who specialize in specific academic disciplines.
Additional Campus Resources
Beyond the library, WWU offers a variety of resources to support student success:
- Associated Students Bookstore: Western on the Peninsulas students can order textbooks and supplies online.
- Classroom Services: Provides support for technical equipment in classrooms and offers equipment for checkout.
- WWU Career Services Center: Offers career exploration, job and internship search assistance, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, and continuing education guidance. Many services are available virtually.
- WWU Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC): Provides culturally sensitive clinical services, outreach, and consultation to facilitate student success and psychological well-being. Therapy services are available at no additional cost to eligible students. Other services, including Survivor Advocacy Services, Gender-Affirming Care, and Substance Abuse Prevention, are free for all Western students. Many services are offered remotely.
- Disability Access Center (DAC): Increases access, equity, and inclusion for disabled Western students.
- Military-Affiliated Services: WWU provides personalized support to military-affiliated students, including veterans, active duty, guard/reserve, and military family members, to help them succeed academically and professionally.
- Western Card: All students registered for the current academic quarter are eligible to receive a Western Card, which provides access to various campus resources.
Resources for WWUHS Students
WWUHS students have full access to Western Libraries’ resources, including databases, e-books, and book checkout privileges.
Course Reserves
Course Reserves can be submitted online using the Request Form. Contact Joanna Bailey for information on setting up electronic course reserves for classes.
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