Distance Students: Home

*Distance students are those students enrolled solely in online courses or those students enrolled in the Sioux Falls nursing program, and whose primary residence is not in Mitchell.  If you are not certain of your status, or if you are a student whose status has changed, please contact Judy Lehi, circulation supervisor,  by email (julehi@dwu.edu) or phone at (605) 995-2894.  If you have any questions or difficulties receiving or returning materials call this same number.

For questions regarding:

Or visit the Library Staff page for additional contact information.
 

Using Library Databases

Use the library databases to search for articles from journals, magazines and newspapers; reference books; or primary documents such as speeches. If you are unsure of which database to use for your academic discipline the Subject guides are where you can locate subject-specific databases. When on the Subject Guides select your academic discipline. Databases can also be accessed from the "A - Z Database List" page. This is best if you know the name of the database that you want to use.

From off campus, you will be required to log in to most library databases. If you see a screen containing the following:

Enter your DWU network login username and password.

*NOTE: You must have a DWU network account for this to work. If you see the log-in prompt above, and you are unable to log in, contact the DWU service desk at (605) 995-2900 or email support@dwu.edu.

If the log-in screen you receive does not look like the image above, contact the library for more information.

If you find articles that are not available full-text in the database you can use the database's email function to request the article through interlibrary loan. Send your article request to library@dwu.edu and include the following in the comments section:

• Date you need the article by
• Your name
• Your email address
• Your library barcode number or your campus ID number
• "Distance student"

Database Searching Handouts and Tutorials

CINAHL Databases - Basic Searching Tutorial

CINAHL Databases - Advanced Searching Tutorial

Using the CINAHL/MeSH Subject Headings Feature in EBSCOhost - Tutorial

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Using the Library Catalog

Use the library catalog to search for books (print and ebooks), BluRay discs, DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs, and other materials owned by McGovern Library. The library catalog can be reached from the "Library Catalog" link in the upper left of your screen.

Library Catalog Features

Once in the library catalog, you can search for materials held by McGovern Library.

You can login to your library account to see what books you have checked out and when they are due. Click on the "Sign in" link in the upper right-hand corner of the library catalog.
 

• "My Account contains your library account information including contact information (i.e., physical address, phone number, and email address), current loans, overdues, and current fines. You can also renew materials here.


• If you have registered for online classes at DWU but do not have a student ID or are unable to log in to the library catalog using your DWU network account, contact the computer helpdesk at (605) 995-2697 or via email (helpdesk@dwu.edu) for login information.

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Ebooks

McGovern Library has ebooks from a number of sources: EBSCO eBook Collection and Gale Virtual Reference Library. These collections provide access to electronic editions of books. Access is available off campus just like most other databases.Ebooks may be located by either connecting to each collection, or searching the library catalog.

Requesting Library Materials

Distance students may request books, CDs, VHS tapes and DVDs, and other circulating materials be sent to them.  AV equipment, reference books, newspapers, journals and magazines, and microforms cannot be borrowed.  Photocopies of articles from magazines or journals may be requested.  For information, on requesting articles, or any materials not owned by McGovern Library see Interlibrary Loan for Distance Students.

• Books may be used for four weeks from the date received
• DVDs VHS tapes  and CDs  may be used for two weeks from the date received
• Materials may be renewed five times unless requested by another patron.
• Use periods for other circulating materials may vary and will be indicated on the date due slip.

Distance Education Delivery Service

McGovern Library provides access to materials for distance students. Materials will typically be delivered by the USPS or UPS. Materials cannot be delivered to P.O. Box numbers by UPS. It is your responsibility to inform the library if your address changes. Borrowers assume all responsibility for shipped items until the items are received back at the library. Fines and/or charges will be assessed for overdue, lost, damaged, or mutilated materials.

How do I request material from McGovern Library?

Requests to borrow library material must be made via the Library Catalog.

1. From the library’s home page click on the Library Catalog link located in the "Search" drop-down menu at the top of the page..
2. Enter a title, author, or other search terms in order to locate materials.
3. Limit your search to Dakota Wesleyan University's McGovern Library using the location limiter.
4. Click the Search button.
5. On the search results screen each item’s title links to the full record view for the item.  Use the "Request Item" link on the full record screen to submit a request for the item.
6. Fill in the request form's required fields. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, phone number and email address. 
   • In the comments field, enter the phrase “Distance Student”
7. Click “Submit” once you’ve completed the form.

 How long does it take to get the requested item?

Times can vary, but expect delivery in 3 to 5 business days.  If materials are unavailable you will be notified.

How do I renew a borrowed item?

Renew borrowed items prior to the due date by calling the library at (605) 995-2618.  Overdue items may not be renewed online.

How do I return borrowed items?

Due dates are clearly marked on each item’s due date slip (located inside the back cover). Materials should be sent back to the library no later than the due date to avoid fines. Package the item, attach the mailing label provided, and send it to McGovern Library. McGovern Library recommends shipping materials via UPS. If another delivery service is used, you should select a method that provides tracking of packages.

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Interlibrary Loan for Distance Students

All general Interlibrary Loan principles detailed in the Interlibrary Loan Policy apply to distance students, with the following stipulations:

2.2 The requester assumes the cost of returning the materials to McGovern Library.  The library recommends use of UPS or other delivery service which provides tracking and/or insurance options.

2.3 Interlibrary Loan materials must be shipped back to McGovern Library, or a renewal requested on or before the due date specified. 

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1. Distance students may submit requests for books, DVDs, CDs, etc. (any returnable materials NOT owned by McGovern Library). These materials may be requested in the following way:

   1.1. Via the "Borrow this item from another library" link in WorldCat.  Fill in all fields completely, making sure to include your current mailing address and contact information.

   1.1.1. Enter the phrase "Distance student" in the comments field.
2. Interlibrary Loan materials with due dates will be sent to the requester via UPS. 

   2.1 The requester assumes complete and total responsibility for the supplying library's Interlibrary Loan materials from the moment materials leave McGovern Library until the moment they are received back at McGovern Library.

   2.1.1 The patron is responsible for paying any and all charges levied by the supplying library for the recovery, repair, or replacement of items which become lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or otherwise overdue while the patron’s responsibility.  A non-refundable, $15.00 processing fee will be charged by McGovern Library, in addition to any charges levied by the supplying library.

   2.1.2 The patron is not financially liable for the loss, theft, damage, or destruction of the supplying library’s Interlibrary Loan material while the material is in transit to or from the lending library, or while being processed at McGovern Library.

   2.3.1 Failure to return Interlibrary Loan materials or request a renewal by the due date will result in the following disciplinary action by McGovern Library:

   2.3.1.1. Suspension of all borrowing privileges for McGovern Library materials until the overdue Interlibrary Loan material(s) have been returned.

   2.3.2.1. Replacement cost and processing fees for the unreturned item will be charged to the requester’s library account.

   2.3.2. Refusal to return Interlibrary Loan materials when requested by the library staff is considered a flagrant and intentional violation of the Academic Integrity policy.  Violations of the Academic Integrity policy will be reported to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean.
3. Distance Education students may submit requests for any articles from journals, magazines or newspapers, including those owned by McGovern Library.  To submit requests for articles:

   3.1.  Email complete article citations to library@dwu.edu. Citations may be mailed directly from within CINAHL or other available databases, or retyped in the email message.

   3.1.1. Be sure to include the phrase "Distance student" in notes field or email message.

   3.1.2. Photocopies become property of the requester.  They may be supplied via email or first class mail

Address Changes

If your address changes, it is your responsibility to notify the library. To verify your address information:

1. Sign into your library account via the  "Library Catalog"
2. Click the My Account (found in the "Library Links" drop-down menu)
3. Verify your "Contact Information"

If the information displayed in the Address, email, or telephone fields is incorrect or incomplete, contact the circulation supervisor, Judy Lehi at 605-995-2894 or julehi@dwu.edu.