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Getting Started at the WMU Libraries

This guide introduces you to the buildings, services, research support available through the WMU Libraries.

Welcome to the University Libraries

The University Libraries

The University Libraries is made up of both physical and digital collect and services. 

Physical Locations
  • Waldo Library is the central library on the main campus.
  • Zhang Legacy Collection is the home to the University and Regional Archives and our rare book collection
  • Swain Library in Sangren is available for group and individual study.

Waldo Library

Waldo Physical Spaces

More than just books!
  • It houses the main collection as well as course reserves, select textbooks, and interlibrary loan items. 
  • 4 floors of collections, study spaces, tech, and people all here to help. 

Study and Meeting Spaces

Individual Study Rooms 

Located on the 3rd floor of Waldo, these individual study carrels can be reserved for 4 hours When you are done studying be sure to take a 10 minute break in one of the massage chairs by the back stairs. 

Group Study Rooms

Waldo has many different group study rooms on all floors and can accommodate from 2-10 people.  They can be  reserved for 4 hours.  All group study rooms feature tables, chairs and whiteboards. Ask for markers for the whiteboards at the Service Desk. Some of the rooms have large monitors or projectors that you can use with your laptop. Cables and adapters are available in the rooms or for check out.

Graduate Student Commons

Located on the third floor, his is a swipe access room for graduate students with computers, printers, quite pods, and group rooms. 

Meeting Rooms

Our meeting rooms in Waldo are available to all Western Michigan University faculty and staff to conduct University business. 

Web Conference Rooms

Waldo Library has six web conference rooms available for one to four people. These rooms are intended for those needing space for online interviews, online or hybrid classes, or small group meetings. They can be reserved for up to 4 hours, 14 days in advance.

 

Tech Spaces

Computers and Printers

Waldo Library has almost 100 computers for you to use to do your classwork. First come first serve, you can log in with your BNID.You will need your Bronco Card to swipe print jobs. How to print: 

Media Studio and Respondus Testing Room 

A video and audio editing software studio that can be reserved online. Respondus is testing software located in the same studio. 

Meeting Rooms

Our meeting rooms in Waldo Library are available to all Western Michigan University faculty and staff to conduct University business. 

VR Lab 

On the lower level of Waldo. No reservation needed. 

3D Printers 

You can use the 3D printers for free and request/reserve through a form

Bronco Card

Your Bronco Card is your library card! 

You will need your card to check out materials, use the printers, access study rooms, and access Waldo Library after 8 pm.

Zhang Legacy Collection

Zhang Legacy Collections Center

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Located at 1650 Oakland Drive, The Zhang Legacy Collections Center is home to our archives, regional history collection and special collections.

WMU Archives 

Yearbooks, catalogs, photographs, publications, scrapbooks and issues of the Western Herald, all documenting the history of Western Michigan University.

Regional History Collection 

Letters, diaries, oral histories, photographs, public records, publications and much more about the history of southwest Michigan.

Special Collections 

More than 41,000 books and other unique items from pop-up children's books to centuries-old medieval manuscripts available for your research, creative and academic projects.

 

Swain Education Library

Swain Library

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Located on the second floor of Sangren, Swain Library is a space for fostering student collaboration, engagement and academic success.

Study Space

It is open study space. Use your Bronco Card for swipe access to the space. 

Meeting Rooms

Our meeting rooms in Swain are available to all Western Michigan University faculty and staff to conduct University business.