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Library Services

The Digitization Center makes previously limited-access materials such as the Western Michigan University U.S. Civil War collection accessible world-wide
Interlibrary Loan lends over 20,000 items annually to other libraries nationally and internationally
Between 30,000-40,000 records added to our catalog each year
Custom scanning and reproduction of maps
Extended hours of operation provide convenient access to materials
Support off-campus studies through document delivery, face-to-face instruction, e-reserves and reference/research consultation services
Drop boxes located across campus for convenient return of materials
Special equipment facilitates blind and low vision access to materials
Music and Dance Library provides the WMU community access to music streaming services
Librarian Liaison program assists every academic college at WMU
The Copy Center offers patrons a diverse assortment of convenient items including stamps, fax services, and office supplies
Quickly identify, order, receive & process needed monographs for our collection that were originally ordered as requests through inter library loan or indentified by faculty and staff
Provide quick access to articles on the Research Article Service List through Resource Sharing
Automated library e-reserve services that provide fast, effective use for faculty and students
Document delivery services to faculty, off-campus students, and students of the Colleges of Health and Human Services and Engineering and Applied Sciences free of charge
Regional resource for libraries and organizations for digitization expertise, project work, and training
Generous loan periods for most materials supplimented by online renewal and recall
Notification for overdue books via e-mail
Easy access for the University community to our online resources from anywhere in the world
Free digital mapping service provided to the University community
Provide specialized "roving librarian" service to some of our largest colleges including Engineering, Health & Human Services, Art, and Business
Free DVD checkout for 7 days
Materials are borrowed from around the world to meet the research needs of WMU faculty and students
Public printing and copy services are available for a small charge
Ask a librarian e-mail and live chat are available on the main page (http://www.wmich.edu/library/)
Convenient online order request for new materials such as DVDs and books

Community Outreach

Open to the public
Host the Writing Center for Academic Support Programs on Sunday evenings
Instructional services provided for individuals and classes
Faculty and staff support community based programs such as Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, and the United Way
Participation in the Soap Box Derby, Campus Classic, Finals Finish, and other "school spirit" events is supported by the library
Annual summer picnic in appreciation for University Community's contributions to the libraries
''Gatherings'', the biannual publication of the of the Friends of the University Libraries
Active and supportive Friends of WMU Libraries organization
Book donations support literacy initiatives locally, nationally, and internationally
Friends of the University Libraries sponsor educational programs and exhibits
The libraries' faculty, staff, and student employees are active in student, University, community, state, national, and international organizations

Collections

Over 4.5 million physical items available for research
Provide access to twelve thousand volumes of electronic journals and resources
Three million dollars a year are allocated to e-resource access
Largest collection of Cistercian material in North America, including complete works of monk M. Basil Pennington
Cistercian collection of manuscripts on permanent loan from Gethsemani Abbey, including 61 incunabula
Items in the Rare Books Collection date from 2500 BC to present
Carol Ann Haenicke Women’s Poetry Collection contains approximately 6,500 volumes of first and early editions of poetry by American women poets
Extensive collection of over 200,000 maps and atlases
Michilimacikinac Research and French Translation Project collection is the largest microfilm collection of its kind in North America
Over 140 medieval manuscripts in Special Collections
Approximately 9,000 DVDs, Videos and 16mm Films
Quintessential Michigan photos of mid-20th century, including the Ward Morgan and Caroline Bartlett Crane Photography collections which span Kalamazoo history from 1920 through 1980
1,887 maps unique to the Library
The Maybee Music and Dance Library houses the archives of the International Trumpet Guild and the Great Lakes Chapter of the National Music Therapy Association
Pop-Up Book Collection of over 1,000 volumes in Special Collections
Extensive collection of art related books includes over 2000 titles dealing with American painters
Over 100 U.S. Army map indexes are digitized and linked to the library catalog
Research notebooks of R.H.C. Davis, noted professor of medieval European history, in Special Collections
Western Michigan University Libraries is one of only 12 depositories for the publications of the Michigan state government.
Over 450 electronic databases available to patrons
Over 60,000 full text e-books and over 6,000 full text e-serials
In-depth southwest Michigan history collection can be found in the Archives and Regional History Collections
The Archives Regional History Collection (Rhistory) is searchable locally through the library catalog and worldwide through WorldCat
One of forty four regional depositories for federal government documents in the state
The Education Library hosts the complete ERIC microfiche collection of about 450,000 education documents dating back to 1966
The Music and Dance Library's collections include recordings of over 1,400 concerts and recitals performed in the WMU School of Music since the mid-1970s
The Visual Resources Library is home to over 100,000 slides and extensive visual resources
The Education Library offers over 700,000 items and more than 600 periodical titles

Technology

Extensive wireless network makes research possible for the WMU community from anywhere in the Libraries
Convenient Web form allows patrons to make and track interlibrary loan requests 24/7
MeLCat, the statewide patron-initiated system for borrowing of books, CDs, DVDs, etc.
Capability for color and archival printing of posters, maps, and banners
Refworks software automatically creates citations from electronic databases and assists with management of large bibliographies
Find It @ WMU manages the location of thousands of online and print journals, magazines, and newspapers

Personnel

Knowledgeable librarians and staff, dedicated to serving patron needs
Libraries' faculty and staff have notable records of scholarship documented by many professional publications and presentations
Libraries' staff and student employees embody the University's commitment to diversity
Library retirees often continue to volunteer their time to the libraries
General atmosphere of professional cordiality, resulting in many long-term employees
Many library employees are Western graduates who choose to contribute to their Alma Mater
Of the Libraries' 70+ full time employees, over 30 hold advanced degrees including PhDs and Masters of Library Information Science

Amenities

Largest library in West Michigan
State of the art classrooms enhance information literacy education
20,000 cubic feet of primary source materials for researchers in the Archives and Regional History Collection
Convenient, stable, safe environment for study, research, group work and socializing
Over 1800 study seats
Faculty study carrels for research
Hundreds of public computers provide patrons easy access to the catalog and other digital resources
Large study tables arranged around power outlets for convenient collaboration with laptops
In addition to the centrally located main library, there are four branch libraries across campus: Education, Music and Dance, Visual Resources, and Archives and Regional History Collections
Beautiful collection of Native American artwork on display throughout Waldo
Peaceful rotunda roof garden view on Waldo Library's 3rd Floor
Lounge areas with comfortable chairs throughout the library
Continuously improving, actively adjusting library services as needs change, offering such conveniences as an ATM, comfortable study areas with casual furniture, group study rooms, quiet study areas, and vending machines
Storage areas and lockers available to graduate students
Waldo Library and the Stewart Tower are University landmarks
Dedicated study room and a personal Ombudsman for the visually impaired

More Interesting Facts

Key component of the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies with Special Collections area used by visiting scholars for study and as a venue for exhibitions, panels and receptions
Employment opportunities for hundreds of students
Over 17,000 reference questions answered every year
Actively solicit patron input through online surveys and focus groups in order to address current needs
Cataloging of the Obrecht Manuscript Collection (Cistercian)

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