Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to use this service?
Currently, only Distance Education students are eligible to use the services outlined on these pages. A Distance Education student is defined as one who is currently enrolled in a class that uses non-traditional transmission methods (such as two way interactive video, satellite, television and the world wide web) to make its course offerings available OR a course that is offered through WVU Morgantown at a remote site. Additionally, the student must reside outside of a 25 mile radius from Morgantown. If you live or attend classes in the Morgantown area, you are not generally considered a Distance Education student.
Is there any charge for Distance Education students to get books and articles?
There will be no charge to receive books via Distance Education Library Services. Up to 30 articles, per semester, are provided free of charge. After 30 articles, there is a fee of $3.00 per article.
Is there a limit to how many items I may request?
There is no limit to how many books may be requested each semester. However, only the first 10 books (WVU owned and ILL combined) will be sent to the patron at no charge. After 10 books, the patron will be responsible for postage. There is no limit to the number of journal articles that may be requested, but after the first 30, the patron will be charged $3.00 per article.
How long will I be able to keep books I borrow?
Book that are borrowed from WVU's collection have the same loan period that on-campus users receive. Loan periods vary according to the status of the borrower, which library is loaning the book and what type of material is being loaned. Materials that do not circulate, such as Reference materials and rare books, cannot be borrowed by a Distance Education student. For complete information on borrowing policies, see the Borrowing Services site.
Can I renew my books?
Yes. To renew books borrowed from WVU, follow the renewal instructions for MountainLynx. Books that have been recalled may not be renewed. Renewals for books that were borrowed through Interlibrary Loan may be requested by email to the ILL Department, but the lending institution must approve all renewals so the process can take longer and renewals are never guaranteed upon request.
Do I have to own a computer?
No, but you need to use a computer to access our electronic databases The services we offer can be accessed via any computer with Internet access, such as your local public library.
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