Welcome to Wesleyan University!  I’m Pat Tully, University Librarian.  Here is some basic information about library resources and services.  If you have other questions you’d like to see answered on this blog or answered privately, please email me at ptully@wesleyan.edu, or call me at 860-685-3887.

 

Q:  What libraries make up Wesleyan University Library?

Olin Library is the main campus library, located at 252 Church Street between Clark Hall and the Public Affairs Center (commonly known as the PAC).   It houses collections in the humanities and social sciences, Scores & Recordings and the World Music Archives, and Special Collections & Archives.  The Reserve Desk/Office and Interlibrary Loan Office are also in Olin, as is the Office of the University Librarian.

 

The Art Library is in the Davison Art Center at 301 High Street.  It contains collections in art, architecture and photography.  Reserve services for most art classes are also provided in the Art Library.  Susanne Javorski is the Art Librarian.

 

The Science Library is in the Exley Science Center at 265 Church Street.  It contains collections in the sciences.  It also houses the video collection and compact storage on the ground floor with print science journals and older materials in all subject areas.   Andrew Klein is the Science Librarian.

 

 

Q:  How do I get to the library’s website?

Just go to: http://www.wesleyan.edu/library/.  The library’s website has links to our online catalog, online indexes and databases, available journals, reference sources, and other information and services.

To search the library catalog using your smartphone, use this QR code to access our mobile site:

 

Q:  Where can I go for a detailed list of library services and information for faculty?

For everything you ever wanted to know about Wesleyan University Library services for faculty, go to: http://www.wesleyan.edu/library/services/faculty.html

 

Q:  How do I put material on reserve for my class?

The library provides both physical and electronic reserves.  For more information about how to put material on reserve for your class, go to the Academic Course Reserve page or contact EunJoo Lee, Head of Access Services (phone: 860-685-3454).

 

Q: What kinds of primary sources are available at Wesleyan?

Wesleyan has a rich Special Collections & Archives department, including rare books, manuscript collections, university archives, and local history materials. These collections are frequently used by faculty across the disciplines for academic research and as integral parts of their course curricula. SC&A has a website that describes some of the holdings: http://www.wesleyan.edu/library/schome/ and the staff is glad to answer any questions you might have about your research needs or class visits. Contact them at sca@wesleyan.edu or call (860) 685-3864.

 

Q: Where can I find information about Wesleyan’s collections of images, video and audio recordings?

The Other tab on the library’s web site has links to information about many collections, including images, video, audio, data, archives, and WesScholar, our online archive for Wesleyan faculty and student work.  Many academic departments have departmental collections some of which are searchable using the Departmental Collections catalog.

 

Q:  How does the library teach students to find and use research sources for papers and projects?

Students can sign up for a Personal Research Session (PRS for short) with a librarian, who will work with them to find appropriate resources for their assignment.  Online Subject and Research Guides are also available with links to online resources specific to each discipline.   To arrange for a library instruction session for your class, or to explore creative ways to teach both course content and subject resources for research, contact the library liaison to your department or program.

 

Q:  How do I get material through interlibrary loan (ILL)?

To sign up for an ILL account, go to: https://wesleyan.hosts.atlas-sys.com/illiad/FirstTime.html

After filling out a brief form you will have an Illiad account and be able to submit online requests for material that is not locally accessible.

 

Q: If the library or our CTW partners do not have a book or other resource, how can I request that it be acquired?

To request that the library acquire a book, journal subscription or other resource, contact the liaison for your department.  You may also fill out the Request a Purchase form that is linked to the library web page.

 

Q:  What is the CTW Consortium?

The CTW Consortium consists of Connecticut College, Trinity College, and Wesleyan University, all liberal arts schools in Connecticut.   The libraries share an online catalog and collaborate on a number of system and collection-related initiatives.  We also share our collections, and students and faculty can request materials from other libraries in the consortium, which are shipped in 1-2 business days.   To do a search in the CTW catalog, go to:  http://ctwweb.wesleyan.edu:7003/

If Connecticut or Trinity have an item and Wesleyan does not, you can request the item by clicking on the Make a Request link in the record for the item.

 

Q: How do I get access to the library’s electronic resources from off-campus?

Current students, faculty and staff can get to most of the library’s electronic resources through the Wesleyan proxy server, by entering their Wesleyan email user name and password.

 

Q: How can I keep up with library news—changes in hours, improved services, new resources, and library events and exhibits?

You can find out what is going on at the library in a variety of ways.  WesLibNews is the library’s Twitter feed; we also have a Facebook page.  You can check the Of Note section of the library’s web page.  Or you can call us at 860-685-2660 or send an email: reference@wesleyan.edu.

 

We look forward to meeting and working with you.  Best wishes for the coming year!