Guest Policy

Guests–including alums, retired staff, Wheaton friends and families, non-Wheaton students, and our neighbors–are welcome to use the library. Our primary mission is to serve the College’s students, staff, and faculty. At times, we may ask you to yield to our primary users. See our:

Building Access

During the academic year, you may use the library during Guest Hours. The Library may be closed to guests during College holidays and breaks when entrance to the building requires a Wheaton ID card. Registered overnight guests may be swiped into the building during these times and must be accompanied by their host. Guests interested in reserving a room in the Library may email discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu. Discovery & Access staff will review requests based on room availability.

Collections Access

Physical Collections

While in the building, you are welcome to use our physical collection. To check out an item, please register for a guest account. Guest accounts must be renewed annually. You may check out up to 5 items (books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records) for 28 days. Each item can be renewed three times. If you would like to renew an item, please email discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu or call 508-286-3700. You will receive automated notifications from the library system before the item’s due date, on the item’s due date, and when the item is two days overdue. If you have not returned the item within 7 days of its due date, your borrowing privileges will be blocked. You will receive an email notification of this block. If you lose or damage an item, please email us at discovery_access@wheatoncollege.edu or visit the Information Desk between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on weekdays. Lost or intentionally damaged items may result in a loss of borrowing privileges.

Electronic Collections

You may access our electronic collections (online journals, ebooks, databases, etc.) while in the library. See below for information on using library computers and networks. Due to licensing restrictions, we are unable to offer off-campus access to library resources for guests.

Computer/Network Access

You may bring your own Wi-Fi enabled devices and connect to the College’s guest WiFi network. You may use the Guest Computer in the Atrium. Ask for a temporary username and password at the Information Desk. You may use the Mac desktops in the Woolley Electronic Classroom (no login necessary) if the room is available.

Printing and Scanning

You can print from the Guest Computer in the Atrium using a temporary username and password. You may use the Zeta scanner in the Atrium. You may scan microfilm or microfiche using the microform scanner on the Periodicals Level. NOTICE: The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement. This policy was last reviewed August 28, 2026.