Your Library
The Western Institute provides a wide range of library and information services, and access to educational resources and learning facilities at 11 libraries located at larger towns within the Institute, and the Mobile Library and Information Unit which services towns in the North West of the state, plus several towns near Dubbo.
The Western Institute Library service is enhanced through the provision of electronic sources & Internet access, as well as providing up-to-date print and audio-visual material that reflects the teaching strengths of the individual campuses.
The Western Institute Library Service is part of a state wide resource-sharing network, which enables TAFE library members to borrow from and use most of the facilities at all TAFE NSW libraries. Access is facilitated by the computer catalogue, TAFECat, which gives information about library resources held throughout TAFE NSW.
Western Institute Libraries are managed by professional library staff who can deliver training in information literacy and can offer group and individual assistance with information skills including : refining reference techniques ; Basic and Advanced Internet searching ; and library catalogue use.
Services and Facilities
The Western Institute Libraries provide a wide range of services depending on the size of the library and the facilities available. These services may include :
- Computers with up-to-date word processing software, laser and colour printers, scanners
- Free student Internet access
- Pay for use photocopying facilities
- Audio-visual material including video and audio cassette players, video cameras, OHP's , maps, zip-drives & digital cameras
- Group study rooms, meeting rooms or individual study desks
- Information literacy sessions including reference, Internet and catalogue workshops
- Video conferencing and tele-conferencing facilities/hardware
Joining and Borrowing from the Western Institute
Students
Everyone who enrols in TAFE NSW will receive a student identification card. By simply enrolling and sitting for a photograph on the day of enrolment, you will be mailed a TAFEcard to your home address.
Your TAFEcard will display your photograph, your name and your student number. It will be proof of your identity on Campus, when accessing Library services, and when sitting final examinations.
As a member of the Western Institute of TAFE Library Service, you can borrow from every other TAFE library in New South Wales.
Staff
At present it is not compulsory for staff members to attain a TAFEcard, however, it is advisable as it is proof of current staff status. The Library can organise for staff members to borrow regardless of whether they have a TAFEcard or not.
Community Borrowers
Books and other resources may be borrowed from your local TAFE library provided they are not in heavy demand by staff and students. Some categories of resources such as videos may not be borrowed. Ask about these when joining. Most resources may be used on the premises, however, the Inter-library Loans service and use of Student use computer terminals are not available to community borrowers. You should approach your public library for this service.
How to Borrow
Bring your library card and any items you wish to borrow to the Loans Desk. Alternatively, send an electronic request via our website. We will post you the items you require, and then the onus is on you to return your items either by post or to the nearest Western Institute Library.
What you can borrow
You may borrow up to 8 items for a period of 2 weeks. All borrowing privileges are suspended when books are 2 weeks overdue. Loan periods for staff members are 4 weeks for monographs and 2 weeks for audio-visual material and periodicals.