The library has a comprehensive set of searchable freqently asked questions.

Library FAQs

This section contains a number of common types of questions that come to the Research Help Desk. Use them to test your knowledge and ability to decide which questions should be passed on to librarians.

1. The book I want is marked "1 copy available at TWU Alloway Library in Available soon." How do I get it?
2. The book I want is marked "Material being catalogued." How do I get it?
3. I'm looking for a commentary on Luke. Can you tell me where they are?
4. I'm looking for an article from 1975 in the Journal of the history of philosophy. The catalogue shows me the two lines below. How do I get it?
• 1992-01-01 to current (365 days embargo) from ProQuest Religion - New ProQuest
• Library has: microfilm, v. 6 (1968) - v. 47 (2009). from TWU Library Holdings
5. I want to check out Textual variants in the Deuteronomy Dead Sea scrolls a case for standardization by Roberts, Ryan N. Is that possible?

The library offers certain services to Community Borrowers, Alumni, and drop-in visitors.

Computers

• There are two computers facing the wall behind the colour printer that are reserved  for non-students.
• The login information is available at the circulation counter.
• They are free to use the computers to do research. So far the demand has been moderate so we have not had to limit the time they can spend there. 

Printing from the Community Borrower/Alumni Computers

• It is possible for them to print to the photocopier/scanner. They should track the number of copies and pay $.10 per copy at the Reserve Counter.
• While colour printing is not advertised, it is possible, but requires you to log in to a regular library computer using the staff login. The copies are $.20 per page.

Wireless Access

• Wireless access is available for visitors who bring their own devices. 
• The login information is available at the Circulation Counter.

Borrowing Materials

To borrow materials, visitors must purchase either:

• a community borrower card ($60/year)
• an alumni barcode ($15/year)

See the Borrower's Guide for more information.

Bus Timetables

• Translink sends the library a box of bus timetables each time a new one is issued, usually three times a year.
• Dispose of the old timetables in the paper recycling bin near the elevator (if the new timetable hasn't come into effect yet, keep some of the old timetables)
• Remove the new timetables from the box and store them on a shelf behind the Desk.
• Take one bundle of timetables to the Front Desk at Student Life
• Take two bundles to the ESLI on the second floor of the Reimer Student Centre

Microform Reader

• The library has one microform reader. Microfilm is on reels; microfiche are polyester sheets 104 mm x 148 mm. 
• Some back issues of journals are available only on this medium. The catalogue record will show which years are on film or fiche. Note that if the catalogue says the date range is to a year ago, it's probably wrong.
• First time users may need help in locating the fiche/film, loading it, and getting it to display properly.
• The reader is old and barely functioning. There is no print function, so if someone wants a copy of the article, the easiest way to get it is to photograph the images on the display screen using a tablet or cell phone camera. This should produce a copy good enough to read on a computer screen.
• Remind users to return the fiche/film to the marked shelf for reshelving by library staff.