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The College Library maintains a comprehensive program of instructional services. Library faculty teach research methods and information sources as part of the Inquiry course. Throughout the term, library faculty are available to present in-class lectures or topical seminars on library resources in subject areas pertinent to class assignments. To arrange such a session, instructors may contact the reference librarian.  If a classroom instructor wishes to conduct class in McGill Library, he or she should make arrangements with the Reference Librarian well in advance of the session.  If a classroom instructor wishes to conduct class in Mack Science Library, he or she should make arrangements with the Science Librarian well in advance of the session.



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If you are a Westminster student or faculty member and you have found that we do not own what you need for your research, then our Interlibrary Loan Service may be able to help. You may request forms and submit ILL requests in the Reference Office in McGill Library. You may also submit requests electronically by accessing the WC Library Interlibrary Loan page and following the instructions presented there.

 In conformance with state, regional, and/or national interlibrary loan codes, material may be requested from another library with the understanding that the lending library will decide in each case whether it will provide a particular item. Requested material generally takes a week to ten days to arrive. Sometimes libraries impose restrictions on borrowed materials such as (1) using materials only in the library and (2) forbidding photocopying. In certain cases the borrower will be required to pay charges. ILL staff will advise borrowers of such unusual restrictions before proceeding with such requests.




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When working on senior studies, honors research, and in-depth research in upper level courses, you may need to supplement your research through our Database Search Service. This mediated computerized service provides access to several hundred databases in many subject areas in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, many capable of providing thirty-plus years of references.  Discuss this service with your instructor or advisor as appropriate. If your instructor or advisor recommends you use this service, contact the reference librarian. 

 A search generally results in a customized list of references to journal articles, reports, government documents, and books. For more information, ask in McGill Library at the Reference Office.




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You may choose to travel to neighboring libraries to borrow material in person. If you are not a registered borrower with these libraries, you will need special permission to borrow material. The College Library has formal agreements in place with some of these libraries which may help you. See the Reference Librarian for details.



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   When professors say, "It's on reserve in the Library," they are referring to the reserve collections at McGill & Mack Libraries circulation desks. Be certain to ask the instructor in which library (s)he has placed the material.

   You may access reserve material by requestion specific material by course number, instructor name, title, and/or call number at the appropriate circulation desk. You must present a current, valid ID. Hard copy reserve material must be used in the library for the designated time limit.

   Electronic Reserve readings can be accessed online through the R: drive under the particular course folder. These readings are Portable Document Format (PDF) files. You will need an Adobe Reader, available for free download at http://www.adobe.com, if this is not already loaded on your computer.



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Children's Literature Collection
  A collection of children's literature is locted in the Williamson Room on the first floor
of McGill Library.

College Archives
  Historical Westminster College resources are available on the second floor of McGill Library.

Community College Bookshelf (CCB)
  A collection of fiction and non-fiction books of current interest are located in the Williamson
Room on the first floor of McGill Library.

Computer Access
  Computers, which provide the campus with access to the Internet, word processing, and other
standard computer programs, are availalbe on the first floor of McGill Library.

Special Collections
  A collection of signed literature and unique titles are kept in the Miller Board Room. These items
do not circulate.

Study rooms
  Group study rooms are available on the second floor of McGill Library.