Library Policies


Borrowing

Who can borrow from the library?
  • Active faculty, faculty emeriti, students, and staff with a valid Wheaton ID may borrow materials in person. Alumni must present valid photo ID in order to obtain a special borrower’s card.
  • HELIN Consortium members, including faculty, students and staff from Community College of Rhode Island, Johnson and Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams University and Salve Regina University may also borrow materials from certain collections. HELIN members must present a valid college or university ID at the Circulation Desk.
  • SMCL Consortium members, including the students and faculty of Bridgewater State University, Stonehill College, and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth may also borrow materials from certain collections. SMCL members must present a valid college or university ID at the Information Desk.
  • Borrowing privileges are extended to Norton and other area residents upon presentation of a valid photo ID.
How can I access library materials

Use the library catalog to search for a specific title, author, or subject.

How long can I keep my items?

To check your due dates, click the “Library Account” button on the library’s homepage, or visit https://wheatoncollege.on.worldcat.org/myaccount. You’ll need to log in with your Wheaton credentials. You may also call the library at 508-286-8224 to request due dates.

How can I find an item Wheaton doesn’t own?

If you’ve found what you’re looking for in the library catalog, but our library doesn’t have it, you’ll see one or two buttons on the result page. “Request through HELIN” will request the book from one of several nearby libraries if it is available. This is the fastest delivery method when available. “Request item through Interlibrary Loan” can take a week or two.

What do I do if the item I want to borrow is already checked out?

You can request a book, cd, or dvd through interlibrary loan. You can put a hold on course reserves or board games that are currently checked out and you’ll receive an email when they are checked in.

Additional borrowing Frequently Asked Questions.


Collection Development

Our collection policy is used to develop our collections as the essential source of scholarly information for the Wheaton community. To best support the mission of the College, the Library selects resources that represent a variety of perspectives and align with the curriculum. If you have questions about our collection development policy, please contact Thomas Scharff, Director of Discovery and Access. Want us to purchase an item? Fill out our Request a Purchase Form.

*Note: To access this Google Form, you’ll need to enter your Wheaton email address and password.

If you have any questions about the form, please email discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu.


Confidentiality

In accordance with the Code of Ethics of the ALA, Wallace Library staff must support each patron’s right to privacy with respect information sought or received and any information pertaining to borrowing and/or usage history. Additionally, the Library adheres to the ALA’s Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records and  Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information about Library Users. Consistent with these policies, the Wallace Library will keep all library materials that are used, borrowed, or requested confidential within the library.

Please see our Confidentiality & Privacy Policy and Personal Data Collection Practices.


Food & Drink

You may bring food and drinks into the library. Please see our Food and Drink Policy.

Please note: Wallace Library is not an allergen free environment.


Guests

Guests are welcome to use the facilities and resources of the Wallace Library Mon-Fri 8am-6pm during the academic year. During the non-academic year, the library is open to guests Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. The Marion B. Gebbie Archives & Special Collections, located in the library, is open to guests by appointment only.

Please see our Guest Policy.


Study Rooms

Study rooms are available to reserve for students, faculty, staff, and guests. Please see our Study Room Policy.