Library Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GENERAL LIBRARY QUESTIONS
What are the library’s hours of operation?
The library's hours of operation during the Spring and Fall semesters are listed here. The library will be open limited hours during holidays, breaks between semesters, and the summer. Check the library's website for updates.
How do I contact the library if I need help?
For general library questions and research assistance, you can stop by the library, call, email, or chat live (during open hours). Click here for contact information.
Where can I go to get help in the library?
For assistance of any kind, go to the library’s information desk. The Information desk is located near the library entrance. The staff at the information desk can assist you with checking out library materials, paying library fines, borrowing items on reserve, and any questions you may have about library research.
Can people who don’t attend Wayne College use the library?
The library offers Community Cards to citizens of Wayne, Holmes, and Medina counties over the age of 18. Community Card holders may use library materials, gain access to OhioLINK databases (on campus only) and borrow a limited number of materials.
What are The University of Akron Libraries?
There are four libraries that make up The University of Akron Libraries. There is one single library catalog, the UA Libraries Catalog, listing materials held at each of these libraries. University of Akron (and Wayne College) students have access to:
- Wayne College Library: Located on the Wayne College campus in Orrville, this collection supports the curriculum of courses offered at this regional branch.
- Bierce Library: Located on Buchtel Commons at the Akron campus, this is the main campus library supporting research in the humanities and the social sciences.
- Science & Technology Library: Located in the Auburn Science Center at the Akron campus, this is the library that supports research in the general and applied sciences and medicine.
- School of Law Library: Located in the McDowell Law Center (School of Law building) at the Akron campus, this library supports research in law.
What is OhioLINK?
OhioLINK is the Ohio Library and Information Network, a consortium of Ohio’s college and university libraries and the State Library of Ohio. OhioLINK membership includes over 80 institutions including public universities, community / technical colleges, and private colleges. These institutions agree to share resources with all OhioLINK libraries, offering each member’s students, faculty, and staff a vast array of library resources. These shared resources include:
Pilot projects are currently underway to include select public library collections in the OhioLINK catalog, offering even more variety and depth to the resources already available to our students. For more information and current news about OhioLINK, visit the About OhioLINK page.
Are there jobs for student assistants in the library?
The library employs several student assistants each semester. Check at the information desk to see if we are currently hiring new students. You can also fill out a general application for student employment on campus in the Student Services Office. If you are interested in working in the library, be sure to indicate this on the application and bring a copy of your application to the library.
How do I use my Zip Card in the library?
Your Zip Card is your identification card at Wayne College and the University of Akron. Be sure to carry it with you at all times. In the library you can use your Zip Card to:
- Check out library materials
- Pay library fines
- Make copies using the library photocopier
How do I add money to my Zip Card?
You can add money to your “All Campus Account” in the library using the VTS (Value Transfer Station) located near the entrance of the library, next to the photocopier. You can also add funds to your Zip Card at the Cashier’s Window. Funds may also be added to your Zip Card by visiting the Online Zip Card office at http://zipcardonline.net/
Where on campus do they accept Zip Card funds as payment?
You can use your Zip Card funds in the library, the cashier’s window (Business Office), the Filling Station, the Bookstore, and many locations on the Akron campus.
For more information and a list of the places you may use your card at the University of Akron campus, visit: http://www.uakron.edu/aux/zipcard/
Is there a photocopier available in the library?
Yes. The photocopier is located near the library entrance. You will need to use your Zip Card to make copies. Copies can be made at a charge of $.07 per page. General office supplies are also available at the copier including stapler, scissors, paper clips, correction fluid, 3-hole punch, and paper trimmer.
I want to research something online. Which computers can I use in the library?
- The computers in the library are all available to students wishing to perform online research, create documents, or check their email. There are currently nine seated stations and four stand-up stations. The computers are available on a first come, first served basis, and there are no time limits. We do recommend that you reserve the stand-up stations for short computer searches to make them more readily available for students needing quick library assistance.
- There are also 14 additional computer stations and 6 wireless laptops located in the Library Lab (F-116). The lab is open to students at times when no reservations have been made. Be sure to check the schedule located outside the lab’s door to make sure that the lab is available before starting your online project.
Where can I print out a document?
Each of the library computers will print to two networked black and white printers: One near the group study rooms and one in the library lab. There are no color copies available from library printers.
Where can I find a color printer?
With sufficient advanced notice, color photocopies and printing are available, by request, through the Word Processing Department.
Does it cost anything to print from the library computers?
Printing from the library printers is free of charge. To help us reduce costs, please be sure to view a “print preview” before printing documents and only choose the pages you really need. If you find you have printed something in error, then you can place your paper in one of the blue recycle bins located near the printers and photocopier.
What is the purpose of the library lab?
The library lab (F-116) is a classroom designed primarily for teaching students library research skills. You may come to the lab with your class or attend a library workshop on your own. When the lab is not in use for instructional purposes, it is an open lab for students to use for their own research.
The lab is currently not staffed by library staff, but they are just a few steps or a phone call away. If you are working in the lab and need assistance, please come out to the information desk or call using the campus phone in the lab.
I have a break between classes around lunch time. Can I eat my lunch in the library?
We do allow food and beverages in the library. Please exercise caution and only drink covered beverages and refrain from eating foods that might spill or be messy to clean up. Do not eat or drink near library equipment or materials.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the library lab.
Do I have to be quiet when I’m in the library?
Due to the acoustics in the library, sometimes it is very difficult to keep the library a quiet place. Although we do not generally enforce silence, we request that our patrons attempt to keep the noise level down to a minimum so that others can have a quiet place to read, study, and do their research. Please keep your conversations low, use headphones to listen to audio on your computers (these are available at the information desk), turn your cell phones to vibrate, and take your calls outside of the library.
There are predictable times during the day when the noise level tends to be higher, usually between classes and around the noon hour. If you prefer a quiet place during these times, you may wish to study in the community room, or in a group study room if one is available.
Silence is enforced during the Fall and Spring semester final exam weeks.
Where can I get a set of headphones to use in the library?
If you would like your own headphones, they may be purchased at the Wayne College Bookstore. We also have headphones on reserve at the information desk that may be checked out.
What is the Community Room?
The community room is located adjacent to the library. When there are not any events scheduled in this space students can use this room as an extension of the library. Occasionally this room is used for campus or community events. When there are no events in this room, please keep this room quiet for those needing a place to read or study.
Is there any place I can meet as a group to study together?
The library has three group study rooms that can accommodate small groups (2 to 6 people). Each room is equipped with a television with a VCR, a campus phone, and a white board. Individuals wishing to use the rooms may do so, but preference is given to groups. The rooms may be reserved in advance at the information desk; otherwise they are available on a first come, first served basis.
I need to watch a video. Can I watch it in the library?
There are televisions equipped with VCRs in each of the group study rooms. If you need to watch a DVD, each of the library’s computers is equipped to play DVDs. Headphones are available to be checked out at the information desk.
I need to save a document and I don’t have a disk.
- The library’s computers can save to either a USB drive (flash drive) or to a CD-Rom disc. CD-R (writable CD-Rom) discs may be purchased at the college bookstore.
- Students, faculty, and staff have access to ZipSpace, a network storage location. If you would like more information on how you might store information on your ZipSpace, visit the UA Support Wiki.
BORROWING / CIRCULATION QUESTIONS
How do I check out materials?
Present your Zip Card at the information desk to check out materials; it is also your library card.
Can I check my own library record?
Yes. You can check and manage your library record with “My Library Account ” in the library catalog. You will need to choose a library PIN (Personal Identification Number) to access your library record.
When you access your library record, you can:
- Renew eligible library materials online
- Check to see when materials are due
- View any outstanding charges or fines on your record
- Track the status on materials you have requested from other libraries
What is a library PIN?
A PIN (personal identification number) is a number you will assign yourself in the library's online catalog. Your PIN will be used to request books from other UA libraries, access select OhioLINK databases from home, view your library record, and renew library materials.
How do I get my library PIN?
Choose a password between 4 and 16 characters, one that you will remember but others will not be able to guess. Some students choose to use the same password as the one they use with their UANet ID.
- Go to the “My Library Account ” link in the library catalog.
- Enter your name and Student ID number (the barcode on the back of your Zip Card, with or without the leading zeros) .
- Leave the field for you PIN blank and click on “Submit.”
- You will be prompted to enter your chosen password twice to verify your typing.
- Once you see your name and address you have successfully selected a library PIN.
- If you receive any error messages or if the library system does not recognize your name, please see a library staff member.
- Remember your PIN. If you forget it, the library staff will be unable to tell you what it is. You will need to request that your PIN is deleted so you can choose a new one.
How long can I keep my library materials?
This depends on the lending rules for individual items:
Books:
- Books checked out from University of Akron Libraries by undergraduates, community borrowers, and high school borrowers can be checked out for 4 weeks (28 days) and can be renewed three times (as long as there are no holds placed by another patron).
- Books checked out from the University of Akron Libraries by graduate students, faculty, or staff can be checked out for a semester (150 days) and can be renewed three times (as long as there are no holds placed by another patron).
- Books checked out from an OhioLINK library (all borrowers) can be checked out for 3 weeks and can be renewed four times (as long as there are no holds placed by another patron)
Other Items:
- Wayne College Periodicals may be checked out for 1 week.
- Audiovisual materials may be checked out for 1 week and cannot be renewed.
- Materials that are a part of our Reserve collection (including many videos) have limited lending periods that are determined by individual instructors.
How do I renew my library materials?
You may renew your library materials in any of the three following ways:
- In person (at the information desk)
- Via telephone(330-684-8789)
- Online (My Library Account)
I tried to renew materials online and the items were not renewed. Why?
There are several reasons why some checked out items may not be renewed online. The following items will not be renewed:
- Overdue materials
- Materials with holds placed by other patrons
- Reserve materials
- Items that have exceeded the maximum number of allowed renewals
- Recalled materials
If you are trying to renew items that are overdue, please contact the library to have a staff member renew the items and have the associated fines added to your library record.
What happens if I return my library materials late?
When materials are returned late fines are generated and added to your library record. Once the charges on your library record exceed $20.00 a block will be placed on your record that will prohibit you from checking out any more materials.
What are the fines for returning materials late?
Fines are determined depending on the material type and the owning library.
- Books, periodicals, and videos checked out from a University of Akron Library have a late fee of $.10 a day.
- Books checked out from a University of Akron Library to Community borrowers or high school borrowers have a late fee of $.25 a day.
- Books checked out from an OhioLINK library have a late fee of $.50 a day.
- Items that are on reserve (including many videos) have a late fee of $.50 a day or $.50 an hour, depending on the lending period. After a Reserved item is late more than 3 days, the fee automatically becomes $20.00.
- Items that have been recalled have a late fee of $1.00 a day.
What should I do if I think I have lost or damaged an item I have checked out?
If you have misplaced an item you have checked out, it will likely turn up. If you still have renewals available on the item, we recommend that you renew the item and continue looking for it. If it does not turn up or it has been damaged beyond repair, contact the library to determine the cost of replacement. Items that have been overdue for a long time will automatically be considered lost and you will be billed for the replacement cost in addition to any overdue fines.
What is the cost of replacing lost or damaged items?
- Wayne & Bierce general items: $100 per item
- Wayne Reserve items: $100 per item
- Science Library items: $160 per item
- OhioLINK items: $125 per item
What if I find the item after I have been billed for the item?
Depending on the item, your charge will be reduced to the maximum overdue fine.
- Wayne & Bierce general items: reduced to $20 per item
- Wayne Reserve items: reduced to $20 per item
- Science Library items: reduced to $20 per item
- OhioLINK items: reduced to $50 per item
How will I receive notices regarding my library record?
- Most notices regarding your library record will be emailed to your University of Akron email account. These notices include overdue notices, hold arrival notifications, hold cancellation notices, and recall notifications.
- Once an item is electronically billed to a borrower (for lost items), an actual bill is sent out via U.S. mail to the borrower's home address. In addition, a hold will be placed on both the borrower's library record and their University of Akron record.
- The library also offers “Courtesy Notices” to let you know when certain materials are to be due soon, so that you can remember to renew or return the materials on time. Courtesy email notices are currently only sent for items that are checked out for more than seven days.
Can I have my library notices sent to an alternate email address?
Yes. You can have all of your University of Akron email messages forwarded to an email address of your choice.
Where should I return library items?
- At the Wayne College campus, return items in the book return slot at the information desk. If the library is closed you can return items in the book return slot located to the left of the library’s entrance.
- You can also return items at any University of Akron Library or any OhioLINK library.
- For a list of OhioLINK libraries, please visit the OhioLINK member page.
I received a message that an item I checked out has been recalled. What does that mean?
Your checked out items are subject to “recall” after 21 days. Items may be recalled by another library patron . The library staff will attempt to find another copy of the item from another library before the item is recalled, but on rare occasions you may be asked to return your materials before the original due date.
Once an item is recalled the item will be assigned a new due date and you will be notified via an email message with the subject line, “Recalled Materials: UA Library Notice.” Please return the item by the new due date or you will be charged $1.00 per day.
INTERLIBRARY LOAN QUESTIONS
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows library patrons to borrow materials from another library. The library staff may be able to locate materials from other libraries statewide, nationally, or internationally. The service is reserved for materials that are in support of research and instructional needs.
Who can use Interlibrary Loan?
This service is restricted to Wayne College students, faculty, and staff.
What materials can be requested through Interlibrary Loan?
Patrons may request books and videos that are not available at any OhioLINK libraries. Journal articles that are not available at Wayne College Library may also be requested through this service. All requested items must support research or instructional needs.
How long does it take?
The average turn-around time is 72 hours for periodical articles and two weeks for books. Keep in mind, however, that external factors, such as availability and shipping methods used by lending libraries, may affect how long it takes.
Can journal articles be delivered electronically?
Yes. All journal requests will be scanned and electronically delivered to your University of Akron e-mail account.
What costs are associated with Interlibrary Loans?
Interlibrary Loans are provided at no cost to our patrons. If an item becomes overdue the fines are $.10 a day. There is no grace period. Libraries all over the world participate in Interlibrary Loan in an effort to provide needed materials to researchers. If an Interlibrary Loan item is lost or damaged the lending library will determine the cost charged to the patron.
How long can I keep Interlibrary Loan materials?
Loan periods for books and audiovisual materials are determined by the lending library. They can vary in length. However, the average loan period is three weeks. Renewals are sometimes not allowed, so please let us know as soon as possible if you require a renewal. The staff will contact the lending library to request an extension.
Articles that are scanned to your email account are yours to keep.
How do I go about requesting materials through Interlibrary Loan?
For books and AV materials that are not available through OhioLINK, please contact Lisa Nagy or come to the information desk.
For Interlibrary Loan article requests, fill out this online form.
Are there copyright restrictions for the use of Interlibrary Loan articles?
Please be aware that certain copyright restrictions apply to the use of articles obtained through Interlibrary Loan. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.
Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use", that user may be liable for copyright infringement.
This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.
INFORMATION LITERACY / WORKSHOP QUESTIONS
What is Information Literacy?
Information literacy is the ability to to find, evaluate, and effectively use information in all its various formats. In 2008, Wayne College adopted information literacy as one of four student learning outcomes. It is the library's goal to ensure that all Wayne College students can demonstrate basic information literacy skills:
- Recognize and articulate an information need
- Identify and select appropriate information sources
- Develop and use successful search strategies
- Locate and retrieve relevant information in a variety of formats
- Critically evaluate the information retrieved
- Use information in a cohesive, logical, and ethical manner
How does the library support the college's information literacy initiatives?
The library offers a menu of information literacy workshops, online tutorials, and assignment-specific library instruction. The library staff work closely with faculty to deliver instruction that supports core information literacy skills.
What workshops are offered by the library?
Each semester the library offers a menu of workshops. With the exception of the "Evaluating Sources" workshop, students will attend these workshops outside of class time. Workshop descriptions and a schedule of live workshops is available in the library and in the library's Springboard classroom.
How do I log into the Library’s Springboard Classroom?
Go to the Springboard website and log in with your UAnet ID and password. Once you’re in Springboard, click on the link for “Wayne College Library Services” in your list of ongoing courses. (You may need to click on the link for “Ongoing” classrooms, then “No Department” to reveal the classroom’s link.)
I don’t have a link to the Wayne College Library Services classroom in Springboard. How do I get access to the classroom?
All current Wayne College students, faculty, and staff are enrolled in the “Wayne College Library Services” Springboard classroom at the start of each semester. If you do not have access to this classroom, please contact Maureen Lerch.
Am I required to take these workshops?
Required workshops vary by course and instructor. At the beginning of each semester check your course syllabus to see which, if any, library workshops are required and any corresponding deadlines.
How do I find a schedule for the workshops?
Schedules for the live workshops are available in the library and in the library's Springboard classroom.
How do I register for the workshops?
Stop by the library information desk or contact us via phone or email.
What if I can’t attend the workshops at the times they are scheduled?
The library workshops are available as online tutorials in the library's Springboard classroom and also on CD-Rom. You can check out the CDs and headphones at the library's information desk.
How do I prove that I completed the workshops?
Provide your course instructor a copy of your completed post-test (or appropriate retake attempt) with at least an 80% score for each required workshop. You must complete the current semester's post-test to demonstrate a current understanding of the content. You will not have access to previous semesters’ tests or grades.
What's the difference between the pre-tests, post-tests, and retakes?
Prior to attending a workshop or completing an online tutorial you will be required to take a pre-test to assess your current information literacy knowledge. You do not need to worry about your score on your pre-test; just answer the questions honestly and to your best ability. Even if you have completed the workshops / tutorials in a previous semester, you will be required to take the current pre-test in order to release the post-tests and retakes.
Each workshop has a corresponding post-test (and one retake opportunity) to assess the skills you have learned:
- Post-test: The post-test should be taken only after you have reviewed all handouts and have completed the workshop (or the corresponding online tutorials). You will turn in your post-test results to your course instructor as proof of completion of each required workshop. Your goal is to achieve an 80% or better on the post-test.
- Retake: If you do not achieve a high enough score on your post-test, you have one more opportunity to retake each post-test. You might receive question variations on the retake, so be sure to read all questions carefully. Please review the feedback provided by the grader, review any relevant handouts and tutorial segments, then come to the library to complete your retake test. A library staff member will enter a password to allow you access to the retake test. You must complete the retake in the library.
How do I take the tests?
The tests are available in the library's Springboard classroom. Once you take the pre-test, the workshop handouts, tutorial segments, and post-test will be released. Once you complete your post-test, your password-protected retake will be released.
Some of the post-tests include short answer questions. Please allow the library staff three days to grade the questions and provide you with appropriate feedback.
What do I do if I do not pass a post-test?
Review the grader's feedback on individual questions, then review all relevant handouts and tutorial segments. Come to the library and a library staff member will enter the password to allow access to the retake. Remember that you only have one retake opportunity each semester.
Why are there deadlines to complete the tests?
Because it is in our students’ best interest to complete the workshops / tutorials early in the semester in order to benefit from the information literacy skills, all post-tests and retakes need to be completed by mid-term (around the eighth week of classes). After the deadline students will no longer be able to complete the tests, although grades from completed tests will still be able to be retrieved.
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