Circulation FAQ
The Central Connection Card serves to identify you for all official campus business. Library transactions fall into that category. The library cannot make exceptions, as this could lead to problems associated with library patron file security and confidentiality considerations as well as an erosion of the accuracy and reliability of library records. Please come prepared to present your Central Connection Card for all library circulation issues.
Yes. The CWU Library's bookstacks are open and available to the public. A Campus Connection Card or a CWU Library Card is required to check out books.
Library cards may be purchased at the Cashier's Office in Barge Hall at the cost of $25.00 for 6 months or $50.00 for 1 year. Bring your receipt to the Circulation Desk in the Library, along with a picture ID, where you will be issued your card after filling out an application. For more information about borrowing library materials please refer to the CWU Library Circulation Policy.
Books can be renewed via the internet with Cattrax. To renew books via the Internet:
- Use your web browser to go to Cattrax, the library's online catalog.
- Click the link labeled View Your Account.
- Enter your name, your student, faculty, or staff ID number, and your Library PIN, then click on the SUBMIT button.
- Click on the link labeled X Items Currently Checked Out Where X is the number of items you have out.
- Click the RENEW ALL button.
- The rest should be self explanatory.
To best serve all of our clients we have minimum use periods that vary by type of patron. Most people have 21 day loan periods, which is the minimum use period as well. Requested books cannot be renewed after your original checkout period has passed. Any book that you have renewed one or more times can be immediately recalled. Overdue notices will be delivered by email in most cases so it is very important to check your campus email account regularly. For further information call 509-963-3682 and ask for a Shift Supervisor.
The first notice of the due date is the date stamped in the book when you check it out, and patrons are responsible for noting and remembering that date. As a courtesy, a reminder notice is sent on the fourth day of the grace period, but failure to receive that notice before fines begin accruing is not the responsibility of the library and does not constitute reason for challenging the legitimacy of fines.
Your notification of the due date is the date stamped in the front of the book when you check it out. You are responsible for knowing the due date, according to the CWU Library Circulation Policy. You may also go to the CATTRAX online catalog and choose to View your own library record. This will list the books checked out to you and when they are due. You may renew any books that are not overdue while viewing your patron record unless they are past the due date.
You must present your Central Connection Card to check out all items which you wish to take away from the Reserve Desk for the same reasons you need to present your Connection Card to check out other library items. Library employees have other duties and cannot be expected to monitor the use and status of items taken away from the desk.
You can create a PIN for yourself by going to CATTRAX, the Library's online catalog, and then click the View Your Account link. On this page you can create a PIN for yourself. If you need help or further explanation, see the Library web page entitled How to Obtain a Library PIN.
You can come to the Circulation Desk with a picture I.D. Circulation staff will delete your old PIN and you will then be free to create a new PIN for yourself.
Yes there are maps of all four floors available to you.
Yes. The Central Washington University website contains a campus map that you can view using any web browser.
Yes. Tax forms are available in the Government Documents Department on the Third Floor of the CWU Library. Also, during tax season the CWU Library website normally also has links to websites that contain tax forms. Check the Library Home Page at the appropriate time of year for links to tax web sites.
Food attracts pests and vermin which can cause permanent damage to materials. Spills can cause permanent stains to materials and can damage or destroy computers. Furthermore, it is a violation of Washington State law to eat or drink in a library. For the full text of the law, please see Section 106-168-009 of the Washington Administrative Code.
Yes. Lockers are located at the west end of the First Floor, near the public restrooms. Cost is 25 cents (quarters only, please).