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Distance Learning Services

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Policies for Distance Learning Students
• Using the Proxy Server to Access Library Resources
• U. S. Copyright Law of 1976, Section 108 | WPI Copyright Compliance Policy
• Registration and Copyright Declaration for Electronic Requests
• Book Request Form
• Journal Article Request Form
• Ask Library-Questions Form
• Chat - Instant Answers@WPI

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Distance Learning Services Program?

This program provides library services to all students registered for credit in the ADLN program (within the continental U.S.).

Register now for a library card

Our registration form is available online or may be requested by email, mail or fax. A library ID number will be issued to you once you have registered with the library.

How may I request materials?

Once you have registered (see above), you may request materials via telephone, fax, or the web forms linked above. Contact information is also listed above.

What may I borrow?

Books, Best Sellers and Audio Books owned by Gordon Library are available and may be borrowed for 4 weeks. They will be shipped via UPS.They may be renewed up to 3 times for an additional 4 weeks each time. Photocopies of journal articles up to 30 pages in length will be mailed. We do not ship other material types. Search the Library Catalog to find out what we own.

• Book Request Form
• Journal Article Request Form

Visiting campus to check out materials? Standard Circulation Policies for Undergraduate and Graduate Students apply.

Are there any charges?

• There is no charge to register.
• Photocopies of journal articles are provided at a cost of $.10 per page.
• Overdue fines are $.10 per day for books and $1.00 per day for recalled items.
• Fees for damaged books, and replacement fees for lost items will be charged the same as for on-campus students.
• Shipments of books will include a prepaid shipping label for return of the item(s).

How long may I borrow a book?

Books may be borrowed for 4 weeks. It is the student's responsibility to return items to the library by the due date to avoid incurring any overdue fines.

How may I renew an item and for how long?

Students may request a renewal online through the Library Catalog, via e-mail to ocls@wpi.edu, or by telephone, fax or regular mail (see Contact Information above). Each item may be renewed for an additional 4 weeks up to 3 times unless a hold has been placed on the item by another patron.

How many items may I borrow?

Distance learning students are limited to a maximum of 10 items checked out via post at any one time.

How soon can I expect an item to arrive once the request has been made?

Please allow approximately 7 days for books and 3-5 days for photocopies of journal articles. Students are notified when items have been shipped or if there is a problem with a request.

Can I get research help by phone, email, or chat?

Yes! See our Getting Help information, or submit a research question via our online form or AOL chat:

• Ask Library-Questions Form
• Instant Answers@WPI

George C. Gordon Library - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609-2280
Phone: +1-508-831-5410 - Fax: +1-508-831-5829 - Library Questions