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Library Circulation Department
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why do I need my Central Connection Card to check out library items?
  2. If I'm not affiliated with CWU, may I use the Library?
  3. How can I get a library card if I am not affiliated with CWU, and how much does it cost?
  4. Can I renew my books without coming to the library?
  5. I got a notice from the CWU Library Circulation Department recalling a book that I checked out. The book is not due yet. Why do I have to return it?
  6. Why do I owe a fine if the courtesy notice didn't get to me in time?
  7. How can I find out when my books are due?
  8. Why can't I take Reserve items without checking them out if I just want to copy them? I'll just be at the copy machine; you can watch me.
  9. How do I get a PIN?
  10. What do I do if I forget my PIN?
  11. Are there library maps I can look at?
  12. Is there a campus map I can look at?
  13. Are there telephones that I can use in the Library?
  14. Do you have tax forms?
  15. Why can't I eat in the Library?
  16. Can I rent or have a storage locker?

Why do I need my Central Connection Card to check out library items?
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.

If I'm not affiliated with CWU, may I use the Library?
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.

How can I get a library card if I am not affiliated with CWU, and how much does it cost?
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.

Can I renew my books without coming to the library?
Books can be renewed by visiting the CWU Library Web Site on the Internet. To renew books via the Internet:
  • use your web browser to go to CATTRAX, the Library's online catalog.
  • From the introductory screen, choose the option called View your own library record.
  • If you do not already have a Library PIN, follow the instructions to create one for yourself.
  • Enter your name, your student, faculty, or staff ID number, and your Library PIN, then click on the button labeled Display record for person named above and you will go to a screen that lists your renewal options.

Once you have renewed any items that you selected, you will see a screen that looks like the following:

If the process has been properly completed you should see the word RENEWED and a new due date will appear on the screen BY EACH ITEM. Please check your record the following day to confirm due dates.

I got a notice from the CWU Library Circulation Department recalling a book that I checked out. The book is not due yet. Why do I have to return it?
To best serve all of our clientele 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 check-out 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.

Why do I owe a fine if the courtesy notice didn't get to me in time?
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.

How can I find out when my books are due?
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.

Why can't I take Reserve items without checking them out if I just want to copy them? I'll just be at the copy machine; you can watch me.
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.

How do I get a PIN?
You can create a PIN for yourself by going to CATTRAX, the Library's online catalog, and then choosing View your own library record. 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.

What do I do if I forget my 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.

Are there library maps I can look at?
Yes there are maps of all four floors available to you.

Is there a campus map I can look at?
Yes. The Central Washington University website contains a campus map that you can view using any web browser.

Are there telephones that I can use in the Library?
Yes. There is a pay phone on the 1st Floor next to the elevator, and there are campus/local phones on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Floors, also beside the elevators.

Do you have tax forms?
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.

Why can't I eat in the Library?
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.

Can I rent or have a storage locker?
Yes. Lockers are located at the west end of the First Floor, near the public restrooms. Cost is 25 cents (quarters only, please).