Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not answered here, please e-mail us via the Contact Us page.
- How do I get a library card?
- How do I see if a book I want is in the library?
- How long can I check out materials?
- How do I renew a book?
- How many times can I renew a book?
- How much does it cost to print from the computers in the library?
- Does the library have my textbook?
- Can I type a paper on the computers in the library?
- Where can I obtain passwords for the electronic databases?
- How do I find out what magazines are in the library?
- If Wake Tech does not have a book I want, can I get it from another library?
- How long does it take to get a book from another library?
- How much are overdue fines?
- How much does it cost to make a photocopy in the library?
- Where can I can get change to make photocopies?
- The photocopier kept my money. How do I get a refund?
- If I check out a book at one library (e.g., Howell), may I return it at the other (e.g., Health Sciences)?
- May I donate books to the library?
I am a faculty/staff member, and I would like to know...
- How do I place an item on reserve in the library?
- How do I request library instruction for one of my classes?
- May I reserve a study room for a class?
- Can my students go to the library to take a make-up test?
- May I reserve computers in the library for a class?
- Am I allowed to check out reference books?
You may obtain a Wake Tech photo ID, good for all of the Wake Tech Libraries (Bruce I. Howell, Health Sciences, Northern Wake, and Western Wake) by having it made at one of the following:
- Room 121F of the Student Services Building on the main campus
- AB Room 236 on the North Campus.
Community patrons and distance education students without a photo ID may use the Wake Tech library card.
You must have a Wake Tech photo ID to borrow books from the circulating collection, use items put on reserve by your instructors, place a hold on items checked out, or request material from other libraries via interlibrary loan.
For additional information, please see the Borrowing Guidelines page.
How do I see if a book I want is in the library?
You can search for books and other materials through the libraries' online catalog, accessible from the library home page. It can also be accessed through the desktop icon ("WTCC Online Catalog") on any Wake Tech library computer.
How long can I check out materials?
| Library Collection | Wake Tech Students | Wake Tech Faculty/Staff | Wake County Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books/Audiobooks/Music Audiocassettes | 21 Days | 30 Days | 21 Days |
| Reference Books | Library Use Only | ||
| Vertical File Material | 21 Days | 30 Days | 21 Days |
| Videos/DVD's/CD's | 1 Day (Library Use Only) 7 Days (selected items | 7 Days | Library Use Only |
| Computer Assisted Instruction CD's (Health Sciences) | Selected ones, overnight | 7 Days | |
| Reserve Items | 2 hours in the library |
You may renew items by bringing material to the library circulation desk. Staff will renew items once in the library or by phone without material in hand; however, overdue items must be brought to the library to extend the loan. Items may also be renewed (before their due date passes) by accessing your account in the library's online catalog. See the step-by-step instructions on the Borrowing Guidelines page.
How many times can I renew a book?
Each book borrowed may be renewed once as long as no other students need the item.
How much does it cost to print from the computers in the library?
There is no charge to print from the computers.
Does the library have my textbook?
In order to avoid competing with the bookstore, the libraries do not usually carry the current editions of textbooks that are required for classes; however, sometimes instructors may place a current title on reserve for use within the library. There may also be older editions of textbooks available for check-out.
If Wake Tech does not have a book I want, can I get it from another library?
If the Wake Tech libraries do not own an item, you may request it from one of the 44 libraries of the Consortium of Community Colleges Libraries in North Carolina (CCLINC). Follow the steps given on the Borrowing Guidelines page to place a request. The Health Sciences Library has a borrowing agreement with the WakeMed Library for health sciences curriculum students.
How long does it take to get a book from another library?
It takes a minimum of 5 working days to get a book from another library through interlibrary loan.
See the chart below and the Borrowing
Guidelines page:
| Audiobooks Circulating Books Music Audiocassettes |
10 cents per day,
per book $5.00 max fine per book. |
| Overnight Reserves | $1.00 per day, per book. $5.00 max fine per book. |
| Pamphlets | 10 cents per day, per item $2.00 max fine per item. |
| Videos, DVD's, & Music CD's | $1.00 per day, after 7 days $5.00 max fine per item. |
Can I type a paper on the computers in the library?
Howell Library (Main Campus): No, Microsoft Office software is not available. You must use the open computer lab located in PLM 151.
North Campus Library: No, Microsoft Office software is not available. You must use the open computer lab located in MSB Room 216.
Health Sciences Library: Yes
Western Wake Library: Yes
Where can I obtain passwords for the electronic databases?
You may visit the library or call by phone to receive the passwords for the electronic databases that require one. The NC LIVE password changes twice a year in January and August, so even if you had the password for a previous semester, you may still need the new one for the current semester.
Certain databases are available from on campus only. Consult the library home page for more information.
How much does it cost to make a photocopy in the library?
Photocopies cost 10 cents per copy.
Where can I get change to make photocopies?
Library staff cannot provide change. The photocopiers will accept one dollar bills. If you need change for a five dollar bill, there is a change machine in Holding Hall on Main Campus and the student lounge on the Health Sciences campus. You may also try the Cashier's Office for tens and twenties.
The photocopier kept my money. How do I get a refund?
The copiers are contracted out from a company not affiliated with Wake Tech. If you lose money, please see an employee at the circulation desk for instructions.
Yes, you may return materials at any library (Howell, Health Sciences, Northern, or Western), regardless of which one you borrowed the items from.
May I donate books to the library?
Yes, we welcome donations of books, journals, videos, maps, and other information medium in good condition. The library collection, which supports the college's curricula and programs, has benefited from the generous support of our patrons. See Section 3.6 of our Policies & Procedures for more information.
How do I place an item on reserve in the library?
Instructors must have a library account to place items on reserve. An application is available at the circulation desk and online. A Wake Tech photo ID card is required. You must complete a Reserve Materials form in order to place an item on reserve.
Step-by-step instructions are available on the Reserve Process page.
How do I request library instruction for one of my classes?
See our Library Instruction page to complete an instruction request form or contact library staff members at each campus about arranging an instruction session.
May I reserve a study room for a class?
Yes, as a Wake Tech employee, you may reserve a study room by notifying a library staff member, who will book the room for the requested time. Students may not reserve study rooms.
Can my students go to the library to take a make-up test?
Howell, Western, and Northern staff do not supervise make-up tests.
Make-up testing is to be handled within the individual academic departments.
At the Health Sciences Library, make-up tests can be given. Contact a library staff member to schedule a make-up test.
May I reserve computers in the library for a class?
Yes, instructors may reserve computers for their classes to conduct research for an assignment. Contact the campus library where you would like to make the reservation.
Am I allowed to check out reference books?
Yes, for faculty and staff only, limited check-out is allowed for reference books. See a library staff member for specific details.