A Beginner's Guide to the Library

This guide will introduce you to library resources and how to use them!
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Databases and Articles

Databases are a great way to search for scholarly and credible information. The library has access to many databases that have been created to house information on various topics. There are databases for arts and humanities, science and technology, psychology, etc. Pretty much any academic subject you can think of. 

Books and eBooks

Wake Tech has access to thousands of books and eBooks. Browse the books in our catalog or search for a specific title! If you want to check out a book, but it's not available on your usual campus then you can request it via interlibrary loan. Simply click on Place Hold in the library's catalog. Then enter your Wake Tech ID number and add a WA before the number if you are a student. Then enter 1234 for the PIN. Then select the campus you wish to pick it up at. 

Research Appointments

Need help with research? Or finding sources for your assignments? Or maybe you just need help using a database? Then schedule a research appointment! Research appointments are one on one with a librarian who is able to answer your questions and help you get started with your research.

Library Policies

Students, faculty, and staff must have their Wake Tech ID card to use library services. This card also serves as your library card. You will use it to check in to the library, check out materials, and use study rooms. 

Interlibrary Loan

If the Wake Tech Libraries do not own an item, you may request it from one of the libraries of the Consortium of Community Colleges. This process is called Interlibrary Loan. We will hold items for pickup for one week from the day we contact you, and then they will be returned to the lending library.

STEPS TO REQUESTING AN INTERLIBRARY LOAN

  1. Open the online catalog online catalog (opens in new window). At the top of the page, you'll see a bar with a home icon, two drop-down menus, and a search bar. Pay attention to the leftmost drop-down menu, which looks like this:  
  2. Change the drop down menu selection from "Wake Libraries" to "Everything." 
  3. After you search for and find the item that you want from the list of results, click on its title.
  4. On the next screen, under the Select an Action dropdown menu, select the option that says Place Hold.
  5. The next screen will prompt you for your identification. Type your 7-digit ID in the User ID box. Your PIN is 1234 unless you have changed it. (Leave the Alternate ID box blank.)
  6. Select your pickup location. The "Wake" option refers to the Southern Wake Campus. 
  7. Click the Place Hold button. The next screen will verify your hold.
  8. To request another item, go back to your list, or conduct another search and follow the same process.

Please note: Some materials, such as reference books and DVDs, may be unavailable for loan.