Resource Sharing Center
Waldo Library, #2014
Phone: 269-387-5172
Fax: 269-387-5124
Building
map | Contact us
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Interlibrary Loans
Research just got easier! Our interlibrary loan service allows you to borrow materials from other libraries.
Who's eligible?
Currently enrolled WMU students, faculty and staff with a valid Bronco Card can request items through interlibrary loan.
What can you order?
Items that can be requested:
- Books – (lenders may limit to 4-6 volumes per request for multi-volume works)
- Photocopies of articles and book chapters
- Dissertations/Theses (check Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest) for online availability)
- Microforms
- Videos, CD’s and DVD’s
- Conference Proceedings
- Patents
- Materials owned by the University Libraries that are currently unavailable
Items that may be difficult to borrow:
- Books published before 1900
- Recent publications
- Entire periodical volumes
- Reference materials like encyclopedias.
- Genealogy
- Textbooks
- Videos, CD’s and DVD’s
When will I receive the material?
- Electronic photocopies of articles/book chapters usually take 3-5 days
- Loan requests of physical materials usually take 10-12 days
- Rush services may be available
How much does it cost?
Most interlibrary loan requests are free however costs exceeding $10.00 per request are paid by the patron. We will always seek your approval before proceeding with requests that would cost you money.
How to request items through interlibrary loan
Requests are placed through the interlibrary loan system by creating an account with your Bronco Net ID and password. You will be able to establish your preferences for delivery and notification during the registration process. Preferences can be changed at any time. Sign in to your interlibrary loan account
When the Material Arrives
Whenever possible, photocopies of articles and book chapters will be sent to you electronically to be viewed over the web through your interlibrary loan account unless you request they be mailed or picked up.
You will be notified by email or phone (according to your preferred method) when a loan is available for use.
Books can be picked up at the Resource Sharing Center, second floor of Waldo Library between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday or, if that office is closed, at the Patron Services Window, first floor, Waldo Library.
Renewals may be requested online through your interlibrary loan account or by contacting the Resource Sharing Center.
Returning Materials
Please return materials to the Resource Sharing Center, room #2014 on the second floor of Waldo Library, during regular office hours or, if that office is closed, the Patron Services Window, first floor of Waldo Library. If you are not able to get to the library, materials may be returned in the drop boxes of the College of Engineering and College of Health and Human Services.
Overdue fines are $1.00 per day.
Any requests ordered but not picked up may be assessed a $10 fine due to the expense of obtaining interlibrary loan material.
MeLCat
If you don't find the items you need in the Libraries' catalog, or if the item you are looking for is checked out by another person, try searching for it in MeLCat. At this time MeLCat does not provide periodical or journal articles.
MeLCat Online Renewals
MelCat Books, DVDs, CDs
Renew items borrowed from
Michigan libraries
Searching MeLCat
1. Select in Michigan (MeLCat) option from the Catalog tab on the library home page.
2. After finding the item(s) you want:
- Click the Get this for me! link
- Select Western Michigan Univ from the pull-down menu
- Type in your First and Last Name and your WIN number
WIN Number
Your WIN number is located on the back of your Bronco Card. Or, sign into GoWMU and lookup your WIN located in the My Self Service channel.
MeLCat will confirm that your request. Items usually arrive within three to six days.
Problems signing in?
- Waldo Library: 269-387-5059
- Education Library: 269-387-5223
- Music & Dance Library: 269-387-5237
What is MeLCat
MeLCat is a library catalog that combines several catalogs from Michigan libraries, including academic, public and K-12 school libraries. MeLCat is available to patrons of participating libraries.
What is MeLCat?
MeLCat is an online catalog that combines the catalogs of several Michigan libraries; including academic, public and K-12 school libraries. More information can be read at MeLCat Help
What can I get through MeLCat?
You may request books, videos, and other materials from MeLCat. Items owned by the WMU Libraries may not be ordered through MeLCat unless they are checked out, search the library catalog to check availability first. At this time MeLCat does not provide periodical or journal articles.
Who Can Requests Materials through MeLCat?
Currently enrolled students, faculty, staff and emeritus faculty can requests books directly from MeLCat. Western Michigan University also participates in the Visiting Patron program. This means that you can go to MeLCat Visiting Patron participating libraries and check out materials using your Bronco I.D. Card (please be sure you have your WIN number).
Please return items checked out through the Visiting Patron Program to the Resource Sharing Center in Waldo Library on the second floor.
How do I find my WIN number?
Your WIN number is located on the back of your Bronco Card. Or, sign into GoWMU using your Bronco ID and password and lookup your WIN located in the 'My Self Service' channel.
Is this service expensive?
No, it isn't. It's free for all WMU students, faculty, and staff.
How long can I check out MeLCat Materials? Can I renew them?
The loan period for MeLCat books and most circulating materials is three weeks. One renewal may be granted for an additional 3 weeks. Audio/visual materials have a loan period of one week. A/V materials cannot be renewed. You renew MeLCat items by accessing your MyMeL account.
How many items can I request through MeLCat?
You may request up to 50 items from MeLCat at one time. To view your MeLCat requests, access your MyMeL account.
Where do I pick up and return MeLCat materials?
Materials can be picked up and returned at the Resource Sharing Center, Waldo Library. Second Floor, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and at the Patron Services Window when the Resource Sharing Center is closed and Waldo Library is open.
How do I know when MeLCat items arrive?
You will be notified by e-mail at your official WMU e-mail account when MeLCat items are available to be picked up. Also, you will be emailed any overdue notices and cancellation notices.
Patrons are responsible for returning items to Western Michigan University on or before the due date; as well as paying any late fees, damages or replacement costs.