Community Borrowing Policy

The Library is open to all residents of Sheboygan County and the surrounding area. Not only are you welcome to research, browse, and use materials here, but you also have FULL BORROWING PRIVILEGES! You may check out all circulating materials for the standard loan periods. (Please consult the University Library Circulation Policies.)

How do you get a "library card" in order to check out items?
When you have found items you wish to borrow, simply present them at the library front desk. If you have not borrowed our materials before, we will need to get your name, current address, and phone number to enter into our patron database. The materials will then be checked out to you and a community borrower ID card will be mailed to you in a few days. Upon subsequent visits, simply present your ID card in order to check out any additional items.

What else should you know about the library privileges?
The standard loan periods and fine policies apply to community borrowers as well. Please become familiar with the policies. (Consult the Circulation & Fine Policies.)

We are not able to offer interlibrary loan (ILL) services to community borrowers, as explained in our Access to Interlibrary Loan Service Policy. Our ILL services are limited to current UW-Sheboygan students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain ILL services at your local public library, which has access to all the same materials via ILL that we do. (You simply provide the full bibliographic information for the item you desire. Ask for more information at your local public library.)

We have access to many full-text online journals and other reference databases. These resources are available for your use in the library as well. (Off-site access to most of these databases is not available for community borrowers due to licensing restrictions.)

You are also welcome to use library desktop computers and the available software (Microsoft Office programs, Internet Explorer, etc.) and internet connectivity. (See also the policies Community Access to Library Computers and Guidelines for the Use of Library Computers.) Free Wi-Fi access is also available and open to use for local residents who wish to bring in their own laptop computer.

Please ask for assistance whenever we can be of help. Library staff members are here to assist.