Access for Distance Learners

Introduction

If you meet the UWF Libraries definition of a distance learner, you are entitled to all library privileges available to students, faculty, adjuncts and staff on the Pensacola and Emerald Coast campuses, as outlined below.

Definition:

A "distance learner" is defined by the UWF Libraries as:

• Students who are enrolled in courses offered by the University of West Florida, but who are not currently taking classes on either the Pensacola or Emerald Coast campuses and who do not live within 50 miles of either the Pensacola or Emerald Coast campuses
• Faculty, Adjuncts, and staff of UWF who are not currently assigned to either the Pensacola or Emerald Coast campuses and who do not currently live within 50 miles of either the Pensacola or Emerald Coast campuses

Access:

To access library services and databases, you will need to have either:

a UWF Nautilus Card. Persons on the Emerald Coast Campus may get a Nautilus Card from the UWF cashier at ECC. OR a Library Access Number assigned, upon request, by the UWF Circulation Department or call (850) 474-2414

Services:

Distance learners have access to

• materials in the circulating collections of the UWF Libraries through Intercampus Loan
• Books will be delivered via U.S. postal service
• journal articles that are not already available electronically - through Intercampus Loan and email
• You may request that they be mailed or faxed to you; or
• You may choose to pick up books or journal articles at one of the UWF campus libraries: John C. Pace (Pensacola), Emerald Coast (Fort Walton Beach) or Chipola (Marianna) Campus
• online Course Reserves
• online resources accessible through the UWF Library website
• full-text books
• full-text journals
• journal articles
• databases and indexes
• library services, including
• Book Renewal
• Interlibrary Loan
• Intercampus Loan
• Course Reserves Request
• Priority Cataloging Request
• Access Problems: Information regarding common access problems may be found on the Technology FAQs page. If this information does not resolve your problem, you may call the Circulation Department Staff at (850) 474-2414 or send an e-mail to lcarmichael@uwf.edu
• Reference Assistance
• Ask-A-Librarian
• Online reference requests to UWF staff will normally be answered within two working days.
• Call the John C. Pace Library Reference Desk at 850-474-2424 for more immediate assistance
• International Students may call 01-850-474-2424
• For advanced, personalized assistance, patrons may request an appointment with a Reference librarian who can guide them to appropriate resources or assist with developing an effective search strategy. This appointment can be conducted over the telephone or in person. To schedule a personalized research consultation, call the John C. Pace Library Reference Desk at 850-474-2424 or the Emerald Coast Campus Library Reference Desk (850-863-6578) or contact the appropriate subject specialist directly either by phone or by email. Such requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
• Self Help
• A variety of self-directed library tutorials is available to assist with general research and writing skills, using library resources, plagiarism, legal and ethical uses of information, and similar information related to effective use of information resources.
• Databases also provide tutorials or other aids to aid the researcher with effective use of that specific database. These tutorials can be accessed easily through the database site. Beside each database title is an Information symbol by clicking on the symbol, you are guided to the tutorial or other aid provided by the database vendor.
• Research Guides aid the researcher, regardless of subject area, with suggestions for specific titles, websites and/or links to database content. These range from general information sources to specific subject sources. Research Guides are recommended as the first place to start on a research project.
• The “What’s New” section of the Libraries’ website includes descriptions of and instructions for using any newly acquired library resources and search tools.
• Answers to questions regarding access, library services and research strategies may be found on the “Frequently Asked Questions” page.

Other Options:

Distance learners living in Florida may also use a state university or community college library near where they live or work. Using a UWF Nautilus Card, a distance learner will be verified as currently affiliated with UWF and will be granted circulation privileges from that institution. Distance learners may also choose to use public libraries within the area; however, that will require a library card from that public library.

Helpful Links:

Distance learners are encouraged to review information at these links to assist them to make effective use of online resources. These tutorials are particularly helpful:

• General Library Orientation
• SFX Citation Linker
• Metalib allows users to access databases, library catalogs, journal collections, and other information resources. These resources may be searched individually through the database’s native interface or, in many cases, searched simultaneously in groups.

Suggestions for Improvement

We welcome your comments and suggestions for improving services and access for Distance Learners and for improving the information available on this page. Please use the online Suggestion Form.