Using Library Databases
Use the library databases to search for articles from journals, magazines and newspapers, reference books, primary documents such as speeches, etc. The databases can be reached using the Database Quicklinks dropdown, or by clicking the Resources button located in the upper left of your screen:
From off campus, you will be required to log in to most library databases. If you see a screen containing the following:

Enter the barcode number from your DWU ID, with your last name as password.
*NOTE: You must have activated your student ID for this to work. If you see the log-in prompt above, and you are unable to log in using your barcode number and last name, contact the library at (605) 995-2618 or email jobarker@dwu.edu.
If the log-in screen you receive does not look like the image above, contact the library for more information or check the database log-in list to verify off campus availablity.
Database Searching Handouts
CINAHL(PDF, 239kb)
EBSCO Fulltext (PDF, 233kb)
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Using the Library Catalog
Use the library catalog to search for books, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, and other materials owned by McGovern Library. The library catalog can be reached from the button in the upper left of your screen:

You must activate your student ID prior to requesting materials. If you have registered for online classes at DWU, but do not have a student ID or unsure as to whether or not you ID has been activated, or i f you are unable to log in to the library catalog using your barcode number and last name, contact the library at (605) 995-2618 or email jobarker@dwu.edu.
Library Catalog Features
Once in the library catalog, you can search for materials held by McGovern Library. You can also use the catalog to renew library materials, verify your address, check interlibrary loan status, or review a list of borrowed items.
- Sign In/End Session: allows you to log in when you enter the catalog, or during your search session. Log in using the barcode number from your DWU ID. Your password is your last name.
- My Library Card: contains your account information, address, active cash (fines, etc.) current loans, and interlibrary loan request status. You can also renew materials here.

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netLibrary (ebooks)
netLibrary provides access to fulltext electronic editions of print books. Access to netLibrary materials is available off campus to active library patrons who have created a netLibrary account from the DWU campus. As a distance student, if you have not activated your student ID, or if you have not created or had a netLibrary account created for you yet, you can contact the library (605 995-2618) for a temporary guest log-in. Once your student ID is active, email Jodie Barker at jobarker@dwu.edu to have your own netLibrary account created.
Create your netlibrary account (do this ON CAMPUS)
netLibrary Quckstart Guide (PDF, 125kb)
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Requesting Library Materials
Distance students may request books, CDs, VHS tapes and DVDs, and other circulating materials be sent to them. AV equipment, reference books, newspapers, journals and magazines, and microforms cannot be borrowed. Photocopies of articles from magazines or journals may be requested. For information, on requesting articles, or any materials not owned by McGovern Library see Interlibrary Loan for Distance Students.
- Books may be used for four weeks from the date received
- DVDs VHS tapes and CDs may used for two weeks from the date received
- Materials may be renewed five times unless requested by another patron.
- Use periods for other circulating materials may vary and will be indicated on the date due slip.
Distance Education Delivery Service
McGovern Library provides access to materials for distance students. Materials will be delivered. Materials cannot be delivered to P.O. Box numbers by UPS. It is your responsibility to inform the library if your address changes. Borrowers assume all responsibility for shipped items until the items are received back at the library. Fines and/or charges will be assessed for overdue, lost, damaged, or mutilated materials.
How do I request material from McGovern Library?
Requests to borrow library material must be made via the Interlibrary Loan link in the Library Catalog.
- From the library’s home page, go to the Library Catalog and sign in.
- Search McGovern Library’s holdings (you should see the McGovern Library logo displayed in the upper left corner of the screen).
- On the search results screen each item’s title links to the full record view for the item. Use the Interlibrary Loan Request link on the full record screen to submit a request for the item.
- The form will self-populate with information from your patron record, including your name, mailing address, phone number and email address. If any of this information is incorrect, contact the circulation supervisor at julehi@dwu.edu.
- In the notes field, enter the phrase “Distance Student”
- Click “Go” once you’ve completed the form, and “Submit” at the next screen.
- You may wish to print a copy for your records.
How long does it take to get the requested item?
Times can vary, but expect delivery in 3 to 5 business days. If materials are unavailable you will be notified.
How do I renew a borrowed item?
Renew borrowed items prior to the due date by signing into your account in the Library Catalog using your library barcode number and password, or by calling the library at (605) 995-2618. Overdue items may not be renewed online. Subsequent renewals may be requested by calling the library at 995-2618.
How do I return borrowed items?
Due dates are clearly marked on each item’s due date slip. Materials should be sent back to the library no later than the due date to avoid fines. Package the item and attach the mailing label provided, send it to McGovern Library. McGovern Library recommends shipping materials via UPS. If another delivery service is used, you should select a method that provides tracking of packages.
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Interlibrary Loan for Distance Students
All general Interlibrary Loan principles detailed in the Interlibrary Loan Policy apply to distance students, with the following stipulations:
- Distance students may submit requests for books, DVDs, CDs, etc. (any returnable materials NOT owned by McGovern Library). These materials may be requested in the following ways:
1.1. Via the Interlibrary Loan links found in either the Library Catalog or in WorldCat. Fill in all fields completely, making sure to include your current mailing address and contact information.
1.1.1. Enter the phrase "Distance student" in the notes field.
1.2. By signing in to the Library Catalog, clicking the My Library Card tab, and filling in the blank Interlibrary Loan Form (top of form will read “Interlibrary Loan Form – Request to borrow an item”).
1.2.1. Enter the phrase "Distance student" in the notes field.
- Interlibrary Loan materials with due dates will be sent to the requester via UPS.
2.1 The requester assumes complete and total responsibility for the supplying library’s Interlibrary Loan materials from the moment materials leave McGovern Library until the moment they are received back at McGovern Library.
2.1.1 The patron is responsible for paying any and all charges levied by the supplying library for the recovery, repair, or replacement of items which become lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or otherwise overdue while the patron’s responsibility. A non-refundable, $15.00 processing fee will be charged by McGovern Library, in addition to any charges levied by the supplying library.
2.1.2 The patron is not financially liable for the loss, theft, damage, or destruction of the supplying library’s Interlibrary Loan material while the material is in transit to or from the lending library, or while being processed at McGovern Library.
2.2 The requester assumes the cost of returning the materials to McGovern Library. The library recommends use of UPS or other delivery service which provides tracking and/or insurance options.
2.3 Interlibrary Loan materials must be shipped back to McGovern Library, or a renewal requested on or before the due date specified.
2.3.1 Failure to return Interlibrary Loan materials or request a renewal by the due date will result in the following disciplinary action by McGovern Library:
2.3.1.1. Suspension of all borrowing privileges for McGovern Library materials until the overdue Interlibrary Loan material(s) have been returned.
2.3.2.1. Replacement cost and processing fees for the unreturned item will be charged to the requester’s library account.
2.3.2. Refusal to return Interlibrary Loan materials when requested by the library staff is considered a flagrant and intentional violation of the Academic Integrity policy. Violations of the Academic Integrity policy will be reported to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean.
- Distance Education students may submit requests for any articles from journals, magazines or newspapers, including those owned by McGovern Library. To submit requests for articles:
3.1. Go to the Library Catalog, and sign in using your barcode number and password. Once signed in, click the My Library Card tab and select the InterLibrary Loan Form link.
3.1.1. When the request form opens, click the “Copies” link at the top of the form, and fill in the requisite information. (The top of the form should read InterLibrary Loan - Request for copies.)
3.1.1.1. Enter the phrase "Distance student" in the notes field.
3.1.2. Photocopies become property of the requester. They may be supplied via email or first class mail
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Address Changes
If your address changes, it is your responsibility to notify the library. To verify your address information:
- Go to the McGovern Library and enter the Library Catalog
- Click the My Library Card tab and log in
If the information displayed in the Address, email, or telephone fields in incorect or incomplete, contact the circulation supervisor, Judy Lehi, at (605) 995-2894 or julehi@dwu.edu |