Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Visual Resources Library?

This Visual Resources Library houses University Libraries' slide, image CD-ROMs, and flat picture collections. This facility is open to all members of the WMU community. Slides and pictures can be borrowed in the same manner as books and other library materials.

Where is the Visual Resources Library?

The Library is located at 2213 Sangren Hall. For parking and accessibility information, see our building map.

Do you have any other materials besides slides?

Yes. The Visual Resources Library also houses a flat picture collection, image-intensive CD-ROMs, and a reference collection. The University Libraries' Web site also contains databases that can provide patrons with images. See Art Subject Guide

Who can borrow slides?

Anyone with a valid WMU Bronco Card can borrow circulating materials from the Visual Resources Library. For loan periods, see library borrowing policies

How many slides can I have at one time?

Faculty, staff, and graduate students can borrow up to 160 slides at one time. Undergraduates can borrow up to 50 slides at one time. For loan periods, see library borrowing policies

How long can I keep the slides?

Faculty, staff, and graduate students may borrow slides for 2 weeks. Undergraduates may borrow slides for 48 hours. Circulation policy.

How do I return materials to the Visual Resources Library?

Materials can be returned to the Visual Resources Library during regular hours. If you wish to return materials after the Visual Resources Library is closed you may return them to the circulation desk of the Education Library on the third floor of Sangren Hall. Please do not place slides, flat pictures, or CD-Roms to University Libraries' drop boxes.

How can I find out if you have a particular slide or image?

The Visual Resources Library and Cataloging Department are in the process of cataloging the slide collections. Find slides by searching the Libraries catalog. Both the cataloged section and uncataloged sections of the collection can be browsed. If you are not able to locate a specific image, please ask for assistance from the staff.

What if you don't have the image I need?

With enough lead time, we prefer 4 weeks, the Visual Resources Library staff can make slides to fill patrons needs. The fee for this service is $3.50 per slide. Slides made for a fee do not become part of the Visual Resources Library collection. See Collection Development Policy.

Can I keep slides that are made for me?

Yes, if the image is made for a fee you may keep them. All other images created by the Visual Resources Library remain property of the Visual Resources Library permanent collection so that other patrons may use them in the future. See Collection Development Policy.

If I can't find the image in a book or printed material can I obtain an image through the Internet?

University Libraries subscribes to image databases such as CAMIO and Index of Christian Art. Other electronic image sources can be located through links on the Subject Guide to Art Resources Web page. See Art Subject Guide