Library Services, Policies & Procedures

Borrowing 

• Your Widener ID card allows you to borrow books and audiovisual items as noted below. 
• Loan periods and number of items permitted to be borrowed vary by borrower and the type of material. 
• Reference books, journals and microfilm are restricted to in-house use only, and may not be checked out. 

Loan Periods

• To review due dates of items checked out, go to the Library Catalog (WebPAC), select My Library Account and then login with Widener credentials. 
• Staff members at the Information Desk can provide current students with letters of introductions to participating libraries which extend courtesy privileges. If interested in visiting a consortial library, stop by the Information Desk to inquire. For more information, see Help Finding Resources/ On-Site Borrowing of Materials from Other Colleges.

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time in person, by email to Circulation@widener.edu, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items nor can you renew items if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal, if not previously renewed. Also, books on which there is a hold for another patron may not be renewed. 

Fines

• If not paid in a timely manner, fines will be forwarded to the Bursar's office and applied to your university account.  
• To review outstanding fines, go to the Library Catalog (WebPAC), select My Library Account, and then login with Widener credentials. 
• Books which are over 3 weeks past due are automatically assessed a replacement cost, which will be eliminated when, or if, books are returned, with accrued fine only remaining as a charge. 
• If lost books are not returned within 30 days after the due date, replacement charges may be forwarded to the Bursar's office.  
• Personal copies are not accepted as replacement for lost books. 
• Overdue notices are sent out one week after the due date to Widener email address. Please note that failure to receive such a notice does not relieve the borrower of responsibility for the return of library materials or for payment of any accumulated charges.  

Holds & Recalls

• If a book is currently checked out, students can stop by the Information Desk or call 610-499-4066 to request that a hold be placed on that book. The patron will be notified via Widener email when the book is returned. The library will hold the book for a maximum of 10 days. If the item is on Reserve, it will be held for 15 minutes. 
• Books that have multiple hold requests on them will be checked out for only a 14-day period until all requests have been filled. 
• A book may be recalled for Reserve use if requested by a faculty member for a current semester course. 

Course Reserves

• Course reserves are items put on reserve by a professor for temporary use usually for a specific current semester course. Such items can then be checked out from the Reserve Desk for the period of time dictated by the professor’s request. Most reserve items are for in-house use only. 
• To search for Reserve information for a course, go to the Library Catalog (WebPAC), select Reserves, and search by Course or Professor. 

Interlibrary Loan & Resource Sharing

Borrow materials from other institutions using Interlibrary Loan. Review the ILL information in the Finding Resources section for more information. 

Computer Access & Printing

• The Library has computers on all four floors for student use. 
• Windows and Mac laptops and chargers are available for checkout for a 3-day loan period with one additional 3-day renewal for current on-campus Widener students. Review the Policy for more information.
• WiFi is available for all mobile devices and laptops.
• Checked out DVDs may be viewed on library computers with headphones. You may use your own headphones or purchase them from the Library Information Desk for $1. Bluetooth headphones are not compatible with the library's computers.
• See Printing & Other Resources for more printing information. 

Off-Campus Access to the Databases

To access the databases from off-campus, you must use your Widener login ID credentials and password to login. If you do not have a Widener ID card, you can contact the Campus 1Card office to Request a Library Barcode.

As an online/distance education student or faculty member, many resources are available to you from off campus. For more information on library resources, review our Subject Guides.

Off-Campus Access to Databases

• To access the databases from off-campus, you must use your Widener login ID credentials and password to login. 

Interlibrary Loan & Resource Sharing

• Borrow materials from other institutions using Interlibrary Loan. Review the ILL information in the Finding Resources section for more information.
• Books requested through ILLiad, our interlibrary loan system, will be mailed directly to you. Renewal of these items would be through your ILLiad account, although if overdue, you would need to contact the Interlibrary Loan department for assistance at 610-499-4070 or wolfill@widener.edu. 

Borrowing

• We presently do not mail books from our collection, but we have an extensive e-book collection. Check out our eBook Tutorials guide to familiarize yourself with our e-resources.
• If you should come to campus, see the on-campus student or faculty sections for more on campus borrowing, fines, renewals and holds information.

Borrowing

• Your Widener ID card allows you to borrow books and audiovisual items as noted below. 
• Reference books, journals and microfilm are restricted to in-house use only, and may not be checked out, unless authorized by a Librarian. 

Loan Periods

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time, in person, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items and you cannot renew items if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal if not previously renewed. Also, books that there is a hold for another patron, may not be renewed. 
• Books that are over 3 weeks past due are automatically assessed a replacement cost, so timely renewal is encouraged.  

Holds & Recalls

• If a book is currently checked out, faculty and staff can stop by the Circulation Desk or call 610-499-4066 to request that a hold be placed on that book. The patron will be notified via Widener email when the book is returned. The library will hold the book for a maximum of 10 days.
• Books that have multiple hold requests on them will be checked out for only a 14-day period until all requests have been filled. 
• A book in circulation may be recalled at any time to be placed on reserve by a faculty member for a current course, with a 14-day lead time to allow the book time to be returned.

Interlibrary Loan & Resource Sharing

Borrow materials from other institutions using Interlibrary Loan. Review the ILL information in the Finding Resources section for more information.

Off-campus Access to the Databases

To access the databases from off-campus, you must use your Widener login ID credentials and password to login. If you do not have a Widener ID card you can contact the Campus 1Card office to Request a Library Barcode.

Computer Access & Printing

• The Library has computers on all four floors for student use. 
• Windows and Mac laptops and chargers are available for checkout for a 3-day loan period with one additional 3-day renewal for current Widener faculty and staff. Review the Policy for more information.
• WiFi is available for all mobile devices and laptops.
• See Printing & Other Resources for more printing information.

To enter the building, Alumni need to obtain a Widener University Alumni ID from the Campus1Card Office which can be found in Old Main. Call 610-499-4161 or email: campus1card@widener.edu.  

If getting a new Alumni card, please contact User and Access Services during normal business hour at 610-499-4066 or email Circulation@Widener.edu, to verify that your patron record is up to date to ensure appropriate library alumni services.  

Borrowing

• Your Widener Alumni ID card allows you to borrow books and audiovisual items as noted below. 
• Reference books, journals and microfilm are restricted to in-house use only, and may not be checked out.
• To review due dates of items checked out, go to the Library Catalog (WebPAC), select My Library Account and then login with your name and the barcode on the back of your Widener ID. 
• Alumni are not eligible to borrow through InterLibrary Loan/Resource Sharing.

Loan Periods

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time, in person, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items and or if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal if not previously renewed. Also, books on which there is a hold for another patron may not be renewed. 

Fines

• Alumni are asked to pay any overdue fines prior to a renewal, or when overdue books are returned. 
• Books that are over 3 weeks past due are automatically assessed a replacement cost, which will be eliminated when, and if, books are returned, with accrued fine only remaining as a charge. 
• Personal copies are not accepted as replacement for lost books.  
• Overdue notices are sent out one week after the due date to email address on record. Please note that failure to receive such a notice does not relieve the borrower of responsibility for the return of library materials or for payment of any accumulated charges.

Holds & Recalls

•  If a book is currently checked out, alumni can stop by the Information Desk or call 610-499-4066 to request that a hold be placed on that book. Notification will be sent to the requester's email address on file once the book is returned. The library will hold the book for a maximum of 10 days.  
• Books that have multiple hold requests on them will be checked out for only a 14-day period until all requests have been filled. 
• A book may be recalled for Reserve use if requested by a faculty member for a current semester course. 

Computer Access & Printing

• Alumni have access to computers in the library. If you no longer have Widener login credentials, a Information Desk staff member would be happy to offer login assistance.  
• WiFi is available for mobile devices. For directions, click the Wifi symbol, usually located on the bottom right screen of the laptop, and then click on Widener Guest. For a cell phone, click on settings, then Wifi, then click on Widener Guest. 
• To print material, you must purchase a copy print card for $1.00, and then add funds onto that card. Money for copying or printing is not able to be loaded onto the alumni card. See the Printing section for more information.

Off-Campus Access to Databases

Alumni can request an account that permits off-campus access to a limited number of online library databases. 

Once they have an account, alumni can access these databases through https://my.openathens.net

Emeritus Faculty on the Main campus need a Widener ID to enter the library and to use its resources, including off-campus access to databases and interlibrary loan. If you no longer have an ID, contact the Campus1Card Office at campus1card@widener.edu to request a Library Barcode.

For off-campus access to the databases and for use of Interlibrary Loan, please contact the User and Access Services during normal business hours, 610-499-4066, to verify that your patron record is up to date.  

Borrowing

• Your Widener ID card allows you to borrow books and audiovisual items as noted below. 
• All reference books, journals and microfilm must stay in the library building.  

Loan Period

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time, in person, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items and you cannot renew items if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal if not previously renewed. Also, books on which there is a hold for another patron may not be renewed. 
• Books that are over 3 weeks past due are automatically assessed a replacement cost, so timely renewal is encouraged. 

Holds & Recalls

• If a book is currently checked out, you can stop by the Information Desk or call 610-499-4066 to request that a hold be placed on that book. The patron will be notified via Widener email when the book is returned. The library will hold the book for a maximum of 10 days.
• Books that have multiple hold requests on them will be checked out for only a 14-day period until all requests have been filled. 

Computer Access & Printing

• Emeritus Faculty have access to computers in the library. If you no longer have Widener login credentials, a Library Information Desk staff member would be happy to assist you. 
• WiFi is available for mobile devices. For directions, click the WiFi symbol, usually located on the bottom right screen of the laptop, and then click on Widener Guest. For a cell phone, click on settings, then WiFi, then click on Widener Guest.
• To print material, you must purchase a copy print card for $1.00, and then add funds onto that card. See the Printing section for more printing information. 

Interlibrary Loan/Resource Sharing

Emeritus Faculty may use Interlibrary Loan to request articles and books. Books must be picked up at the library. Review the ILL information in the Finding Resources section for more information.

Off-Campus Access to the Databases

To access the databases from off-campus, you must use your Widener login ID credentials and password to login. If you need assistance with your account information, contact the Tech Support Center at 610-499-1047.

To enter the building, Retired Faculty/Staff need to obtain a Widener University ID from the Campus1Card Office, which can be found Old Main. Call 610-499-4161 or email: campus1card@widener.edu.  

When getting a new card, please contact User and Access Services during normal business hours at 610-499-4066 or email Circulation@Widener.edu to verify that your patron record is up to date and to ensure appropriate library borrowing services.

Borrowing

• Your Widener ID card allows you to borrow books and audiovisual items as noted below. 
• All reference books, journals and microfilm must stay in the library building.  
• Alumni are not eligible to borrow through InterLibrary Loan/Resource Sharing.

Loan Period

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time, in person, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items and you cannot renew items if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal if not previously renewed. Also, books on which there is a hold for another patron may not be renewed.
• Books that are over 3 weeks past due are automatically assessed a replacement cost, so timely renewal is encouraged. 

Holds & Recalls

• If a book is currently checked out, you can stop by the Information Desk or call 610-499-4066 to request that a hold be placed on that book. The patron will be notified via Widener email when the book is returned. The library will hold the book for a maximum of 10 days.
• Books that have multiple hold requests on them will be checked out for only a 14-day period until all requests have been filled. 

Computer Access & Printing

• Retired Faculty have access to computers in the library. A Library Information Desk staff member would be happy to assist you. 
• WiFi is available for mobile devices. For directions, click the WiFi symbol, usually located on the bottom right screen of the laptop, and then click on Widener Guest. For a cell phone, click on settings, then WiFi, then click on Widener Guest.
• To print material, you must purchase a copy print card for $1.00, and then add funds onto that card. See the Printing section for more printing information. 

Off-Campus Access to Databases

• Retired Faculty/Staff can request an account that permits off-campus access to a limited number of online library databases. 
• Once they have an account, they can access these databases through https://my.openathens.net

Off-Campus Access to Databases

Field instructors should contact their Widener director/coordinator to request an account for off-campus library database access. 

As of March 20, 2023, Wolfgram Library welcomes back Chester Community visitors!

Entrance

• On every visit to the Library, visitors to the Library must use the call box on the right hand side of the front entrance to request admittance. 
• A current PA photo ID along with a current Wolfgram Memorial Library Chester Community Visitor’s card must be presented to a Staff member upon each entrance.  

Chester Community Visitor Card

To apply for a Chester Community Visitor Card, you MUST be a resident from the following zip codes: 19013, 19014, 19015 or 19022 (areas include Chester, Upland, Aston, Brookhaven, Parkside, Crum Lynne, and Eddystone). The following documentation is required:  

1. Completed Application for Chester Community Visitor and Computer Use;
2. Current PA Driver’s License or PA Photo ID with date of birth;
3. An original current bill, invoice, or statement (dated within the last 60 days) as proof of residency, with name and address that matches that on the ID. Digital copies with required information are acceptable. The following are NOT acceptable as proof of residency: 
   • Temporary housing receipts like motels, boarding houses, etc. 
   • Shelter residences
   • Church membership 
   • Post Office boxes  

Requests for a Chester Community Visitor card must be made during normal business hours (9 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday). The Chester Community Visitor card is good for one year from date of application. Upon expiration of card, current documentation must be presented to renew privileges.

Borrowing

• Your Chester Community Visitor Card serves as your Library card, which must be presented at the Information Desk along with the books you wish to borrow. 
• To review due dates of items checked out, renew materials, or investigate charges, log into the Library Catalog (WebPAC), select My Library Account, then enter your name and the barcode on the back of your Chester Community. 
• Registered Chester Community Visitors are permitted to borrow books from our Circulating and McNaughton collections. All reference books, journals and microfilm must stay in the library building.  

Loan Periods

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time, in person, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items and you cannot renew items if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal if not previously renewed. Also, books on which there is a hold for another patron may not be renewed. 

Fines

Computer Access & Printing

• Computers for visitors are located on the main level of the Library. If computer access is needed, Visitor should request login from a Information Desk staff member on duty. 
• Guest WiFi is available for mobile devices. For directions, click the Wifi symbol, usually located on the bottom right screen of the laptop, and then click on Widener Guest. For a cell phone, click on settings, then Wifi, then click on Widener Guest. Visitors should see Information Desk staff member for assistance, if needed.
• To print materials, you must purchase a print card for $1.00 and load money to the card using cash only. Stop by the Information Desk for assistance. See the Printing section for more information. 

Conditions & Restrictions

• Use of the library and the granting of borrowing privileges to those eligible is not automatic. 
• All Chester Community visitors are expected to provide current PA license or PA photo ID upon request.  
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with a Chester Community Visitor's card at all times.  
• Guest privileges are not available to Chester Community Visitors. 
• The library reserves the right to withhold privileges or to withdraw them if they are abused. Failure to return books on time and to pay fines, penalties, or charges due and disruptive behavior, are examples of abuses which will result in withdrawal of library privileges. 
• Borrowing privileges are not valid for audio/visual materials.  
• Interlibrary Loan is not available for visitors.  
• Priority use of library equipment and facilities (e.g. copiers, microform readers, printers, etc.) is to be given to Widener Students and faculty. 
• Access to the Library is not permitted at times designated as “Widener Only” (Ex: Finals week, late night hours, special events, construction, etc.).
• Use of the study rooms by visitors is not permitted.
• All visitors must comply with the Wolfgram Library's Standards of Conduct.

Entrance

• On every visit to the Library, visitors to the Library must use the call box on the right hand side of the front entrance to request admittance. 
• A current Wolfgram Memorial Library Visitor’s card, along with school ID, must be presented to a Circulation Staff member upon each entrance.  

Visitor Card

As a student or faculty member from another college, you must apply for a Wolfgram Memorial Visitor card. To apply, students/faculty/staff from other colleges must present an original Letter of Introduction, on official stationery from their school, along with school ID, to a Circulation staff member at entrance upon initial visit. Standard letters from consortia libraries are acceptable. The Letter of Introduction is retained at the Circulation Desk and is only valid for the current semester. The staff member will then issue a Wolfgram Memorial Library Visitor Card for current semester use. 

Borrowing

• To borrow materials, the Letter of Introduction must indicate that the student’s school or college will accept full responsibility for recovering overdue books and reimbursing for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
• Students only have access to the Library databases while in the library.
• All reference books, journals and microfilm must stay in the library building.  

Loan Periods

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time, in person, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items and you cannot renew items if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal if not previously renewed. Also, books on which there is a hold for another patron may not be renewed. 

Fines

• Overdue notices are sent out one week after the due date. Please note that failure to receive such a notice does not relieve the borrower of responsibility for the return of library materials or for payment of any accumulated charges. 
• Books which are over 3 weeks past due are automatically assessed a replacement cost, which will be eliminated when, and if, books are returned, with accrued fine only remaining as a charge. 
• Personal copies are not accepted as replacement for lost books.
• Failure to return books or pay overdue fines will result in charges being passed along to your school. 

Renewals

• Books may be renewed one time, in person, by phone at 610-499-4066, or online. Online renewal is available from the My Library Account feature of the Library Catalog (WebPAC). 
• You cannot renew overdue items and you cannot renew items if there are outstanding charges on your account, but you can call or stop by the Information Desk to request renewal if not previously renewed. Also, books on which there is a hold for another patron may not be renewed. 

Computer Access & Printing

• Students/faculty/staff from other colleges must present a current Wolfgram Memorial Library Visitor card to a Reference Librarian if computer access is requested. A Information Desk staff member will log-in user.
• Guest WiFi is available for mobile devices. For directions, click the Wifi symbol, usually located on the bottom right screen of the laptop, and then click on Widener Guest. For a cell phone, click on settings, then Wifi, then click on Widener Guest. Visitors should see Information Desk staff member for assistance, if needed.
• To print materials, you must purchase a print card for $1.00 and load money to the card using cash only. Stop by the Information Desk for assistance. See the Printing section for more information. 

Conditions & Restrictions

• Use of the library and the granting of borrowing privileges to those eligible is not automatic. 
• All visitors are expected to provide current photo ID upon request.
• Guest privileges are not available to Visitors from Other Colleges. 
• The library reserves the right to withhold privileges or to withdraw them if they are abused. Failure to return books on time and to pay fines, penalties, or charges due and disruptive behavior, are examples of abuses which will result in withdrawal of library privileges. 
• Borrowing privileges are not valid for audio/visual materials.
• Interlibrary Loan is not available for visitors.
• Priority use of library equipment and facilities (e.g. copiers, microform readers, printers, etc.) is to be given to Widener Students and faculty. 
• Access to the Library is not permitted at times designated as “Widener Only” (Ex: Finals week, late night hours, special events, construction, etc.).
• Visitors should see Information Desk staff member for guest wireless access instructions.  
• Use of the study rooms by visitors is not permitted.  
• All visitors must comply with the Wolfgram Library's Standards of Conduct.  

• To access the databases from off-campus, you must use your Widener credentials and password to login. 
• If you do not have a Widener ID, or are enrolled in an online class and do not have a Widener ID, you should request a Library Barcode from the Campus1card Office. 

The Research, Instruction & Outreach department assists students, faculty, and community members with the discovery, evaluation, and use of information.

Research assistance can be obtained through interactions at the Information Desk, one-on-one appointments with Liaison Librarians, virtual reference, or in-class information literacy instruction. 

Use the Chat to contact us or contact us via:

Email: ask@widener.libanswers.com 
Text: (610) 624-5423
Call: (610) 499-4066

For Faculty: See below for more information on how to request in-class instruction.

Have you come across a book or article that the library doesn’t have access too, but you need for a class assignment? Good news! We can borrow books, book chapters and articles from other libraries for you using the two InterLibrary Loan options below! 

ILLiad allows you to request online journal articles, book chapters and print books. 

E-ZBorrow allows you to request print books. 

Check out the guide below for instructions on creating an account, requesting materials, and more.  

InterLibrary Loan Guide

Wolfgram Memorial Library belongs to the following consortia:  

1. TCLC: The Tri-State College Library Cooperative: a group of local participating academic libraries that share many services.
2. PALCI: The Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium, Inc. consists of private and public academic libraries throughout the state. Many PALCI libraries participate in reciprocal borrowing.

Staff members at the Information Desk can provide current students, faculty, administrators, and staff with letters of introductions to participating libraries which extend courtesy privileges. If interested in visiting a consortial library, stop by the Information Desk to inquire. 

Information Literacy refers to those skills necessary to identify when information is needed, where to find it, how to evaluate it and how to use it. 

The Wolfgram Library's Information Literacy Program aims to support and complement the academic mission and goals of Widener University through active learning, hands-on research, and understanding students’ changing needs. Librarians in the Information Literacy program collaborate with teaching faculty to deliver custom-designed instruction on library use and research that builds critical thinking while helping students to search strategically. Because of their flexibility, instruction librarians are able to break complex research problems down across disciplines for students at all levels. 

To request and information literacy session for your class, contact your liaison librarian or use our online form.

INFORMATION LITERACY REQUEST FORM 

Course Reserves 

Faculty may place personal or Library materials on reserve for the current semester when a course is taught. Faculty must fill out the Library Reserves Request Form and submit electronically. For more information and access to the form, please see our guide:

Course Reserves for Faculty Members

Our liaison librarians are pleased to work directly with their faculty by providing the top scholarship to our students and other users.

Faculty may request books, ebooks, and audiovisual materials to be added to the library’s collection for general or classroom use. If you wish to have items added to the collection, please contact your liaison librarian for additional information. Note that not all materials requested may be successfully added to the collection. 

Liaison Librarians

• The Library has 4 print stations for black and white printing conveniently located throughout the building. 
  • 3 on the main level (second floor), in the Van Pelt reference area. 
  • 1 on the third floor level, near the restrooms. 
• The color printer is located on the main level of the library, next to the STSC.

All students begin each semester with $32 in "printing dollars" on their Widener ID cards. These funds are for use during the current semester and will not roll over to future semesters or years. If a student uses all $32, they can add additional funds to their cards, using cash, at the following locations: 

• Wolfgram Library (lobby area) 
• University Center Atrium (main level) 
• Old Main (lobby area) 

To add money online, students would need to download and use the GET mobile app.

Alumni, students from other colleges and Chester Community members will need to purchase a print card ($1.00) and add money to the card using cash. Stop by the Information Desk with any questions. 

For instructions and additional information, please review our Printing Guide. 

Other Services

Event Booking Spaces

The Drost Room and Green Poetry Room can be booked for Widener group events. Please place requests at least 3 business days in advance of the event. 

Room Capacities: 
Drost Room = 40 
Greene Poetry Corner = 15 

To request a space, fill out the following form:

Library Event Space Request Form

Group Study Room Policies

1. Current students, faculty, and staff of all colleges at Widener University may reserve Group Study Rooms.
2. Group Study Rooms will be available only when the library is open and staffed.
3. Students may reserve a Group Study Room up to three hours per day, in one-hour increments.
4. If students do not stay for the full reservation time, they will forfeit the remainder of the time reserved.
5. Reservations may be made up to one week in advance. You will need to provide your university username and password to book a room.
6. In the spirit of hospitality, if you or your group do not occupy the study room within 15 minutes of your reservation’s start time, the study room will be considered available for anyone to use.
7. If a student properly procures a room through the online system, they maintain the right to use that room for the duration of their reservation.
8. If a study room is not officially reserved, students will be allowed to use it on a first-come, first-served basis. A User and Access Services staff member can assist you at the Library Information Desk.
9. Dry erase markers, cables, and adaptors can be checked out at the Library Information Desk on the Main floor.
10. Group Study Room keys are expected to be returned by the time noted at checkout and are not permitted to be taken out of the building.
11. Failure to abide by the following room reservation policies will result in the revocation of reservation privileges:
    • Failure to return Group Study Room key on time.
    • Using Group Study Rooms to store belongings while not actively using the room.
    • Removing the Group Study Room key from the library building.
12. Revocation of reservation privileges for the above actions will be as follows:
    • 1 week for the first offense.
    • 1 month for the second offense.
    • Remainder of the semester for the third offense.
13. Use of Group Study Rooms are intended for the purpose of group study and research. Use of Group Study for the following will result in immediate revocation of reservation privileges for the semester.
    • Commercial activity.
    • Distribution of materials, goods, or services.
    • Solicitation.
14. Policies concerning appropriate behavior, food and beverage policies, and general use of library spaces align with Library Standards and Code of Conduct policy, and groups will be expected to adhere to reasonable noise levels.

Book a Study Room

Loaner laptops are now available for checkout from the Wolfgram Library Information Desk. Both Windows and Mac laptops are available. Laptops are equipped with the same software packages available on computing center desktops. A carrying case and charger are included, and adapters can be checked out separately. Please note that checkout will take 10-15 minutes.

• This service is only available for currently enrolled Widener University students, staff and faculty. This is a first-come, first-served service; reservations are not available.
• Laptops may be checked out for a 7-day loan period and may leave the library building.
• Laptops may be renewed for one additional 7-day period, as long as renewal is done before the first loan period expires. Renewals may be made by visiting https://libcat.widener.edu/patroninfo or calling 610-499-4067.
• A late fee of $10/day will be assessed on late returns.
• Laptops MUST be returned to a library staff member. Do not place in the book drop. Check the Wolfgram Library hours before returning.
• If not returned within 10 Days or if items are damaged, the following fees will apply:
  • Windows Laptop - $2000
  • Mac Laptop - $3000
  • Charger - $150
• Widener University is not responsible for lost data. Save all files to the cloud (e.g. OneDrive or Google Drive) or a flash drive. All systems will be wiped clean of your files upon return.
• Software may not be loaded onto the laptop computer at any time.
• Borrowers must sign a Laptop Loan agreement acknowledging this policy at checkout.

For Technical Support on loaner laptops, please visit TSC during operating hours or call 610-499-1047.

Laptop Loan Agreement Laptop Loan Feedback

• All library patrons are expected to show consideration of others and cooperate with other library users and staff. A reasonably quiet environment should be maintained for the benefit of all persons in the library. 
• Cell phone conversations are discouraged. When necessary, conversations should be brief and in a soft voice. Cell phone users are asked to set the ringer to the lowest possible setting, vibrate, or consider turning it off while in the library. 
• Snack food and beverages in the Library: 
  • Beverages in containers with lids are allowed throughout the Library.
  • While food is allowed in the Library, patrons are asked to be courteous to others by cleaning up spills and crumbs, and properly disposing of trash after eating.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn.  
• Widener is a smoke-free campus, therefore smoking is not permitted in the library. 
• Alcohol is not permitted in the building. 
• Theft and/or mutilation of library materials and property will be treated as serious offenses and could result in prosecution, as well as charges for processing and replacement. Campus Safety will be called to assist when needed.
• Neither the library nor the University can accept responsibility for lost or stolen personal belongings.

The Intellectual Property Policy is intended to create an intellectual environment where creative endeavors and innovations can be encouraged, supported and rewarded. View the policy by clicking the link below:

Widener University Intellectual Property Policy 

Selection of Library Material

Selection of Library Material to be added to the collection is based on faculty recommendations, book reviews, and recommended lists in library literature. The basic tool, CHOICE, covering new publications for colleges, is divided into disciplines and distributed to each school and department. 

 Acquisitions Criteria 

• Usefulness of the publication for ongoing academic programs. 
• New editions.
• Quality of author and publisher.
• Recommendation from qualified reviews. 
• The library does not purchase required textbooks, multiple copies, or personal copies.  
• Research material, if its usefulness is limited to highly individual projects, will be made available on Interlibrary Loan from other libraries.  
• Budget limitations make it necessary at times to establish priorities among book requests within one's department. 

Ordering Materials

Faculty may request books, ebooks, and audiovisual materials to be added to the library’s collection. If you wish to have items added to the collection, please contact your liaison librarian.