GWLA Share Policy
Since July 1, 2009, OU Libraries has participated in the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) On-site Reciprocal Circulation Program with other libraries in the consortium. This program allows faculty, staff, and students to borrow on-site library materials at other participating libraries. We hope this service will be helpful for OU Online Learning faculty and students living outside the Norman area. This policy outlines the procedures for using this service.
GWLA Participating Libraries
Not all the 39 GWLA Libraries participate in GWLA Share, but most do. Contact information and participating libraries can be found on the GWLA website for the program.
Eligibility
You are eligible for reciprocal borrowing if you are a faculty, staff, or student with a valid identification card from a cooperating institution. "Valid" identification is defined by the host library. Participants must be in good standing with their home library (for example, no lost or long overdue items).
OU Members – How to Borrow from Other GWLA Libraries
Each library you visit will verify your affiliation with OU and confirm that your library record is not blocked. You will need to show your OU ID card or digital university credentials. You will be asked to log into your OU Libraries' account to verify your current registration and show that your library record is not blocked and has no outstanding bills or fines. In some cases, there will be a delay while the library you are visiting contacts us or sets up your account. There are at least two libraries that will charge a small processing fee for a borrower's card; however, most will not charge.
If you plan to participate, you can email the Circulation Services Manager before you leave in order to talk about the requirements of the library that you will visit.
OU Visitors – How to Borrow from OU Libraries
OU Libraries on the Norman campus, which includes Bizzell Memorial Library and the branches, but NOT Law, are participating in this program. Please come to the Bizzell Memorial Library Circulation Desk to apply for your borrower card. We will ask to see your photo ID from your home university. Additionally, we will ask that you provide proof of current registration (students) or proof of current employment or retiree status (faculty and staff), and proof of being in good standing at your home library. You can do this by logging into your library account and/or institution’s registration database. An alternative is to ask that the GWLA contact at your home institution correspond with the OU Libraries contact in advance of your visit. If you come in after business hours, there may be an overnight delay while we set up your OU account. You will be able to check out up to 5 items (books and AV only) for 30 days with one renewal. Interlibrary loan, laptop borrowing, and off-campus database access are not included in this service. You may apply for a guest account at the Bizzell Circulation Desk to use databases and other electronic resources in the building. We will not charge GWLA guests for participating in this program, but other charges, such as printing, will apply.