Yes, WGU alumni can continue to access many library resources after graduating. The WGU Library provides valuable services to support students during their time in school and wants to enable continued learning and growth even after earning a degree. There are different policies regarding library resource access for WGU graduates, but in general alumni can utilize the library’s databases, ebook collections, and other digital resources. However, some services like tutoring and physical book lending stop after graduating. Understanding what’s available can help WGU alumni maximize the library’s offerings for their continued education.
WGU Library Resources Available to Alumni
The WGU Library provides alumni with continued access to many of its digital resources and online services. This enables graduates to keep developing their knowledge and skills even after completing their program. Here are some of the key resources alumni can utilize:
Research Databases
WGU alumni retain access to the library’s extensive collection of research databases. These provide access to thousands of journals, articles, reports, and other publications covering all academic and professional fields. Whether looking to do research, catch up on the latest industry developments, or explore a topic of personal interest, graduates can search the library’s databases. Examples include EBSCOhost, ProQuest, JSTOR, and many more.
Ebooks
The WGU Library offers over 200,000 ebooks that alumni can access remotely. These cover a diverse range of subjects and provide valuable learning content. Graduates can continue reading ebooks related to their field of study or explore books for career development and personal growth. Popular ebook collections include InfoSci, Wiley, and EBSCO ebooks.
Career Resources
Finding a job or advancing your career is an ongoing process even after graduation. The WGU Library provides helpful career resources that alumni can utilize beyond earning their degree. This includes resume building tools, interview practice resources, access to job search platforms, and more. Alumni also have Lifetime Employment Services to lean on.
Alumni Library Card
WGU graduates can obtain an alumni library card after providing proof of graduation. This allows them to access additional library resources and services well beyond graduation. An alumni library card enables borrowing physical books, accessing campus libraries, utilizing interlibrary loan, and more depending on the policies of the specific library. This expands the resources open to WGU graduates.
Historical and Archival Materials
Special collections of historical newspapers, documents, photos, and other archival materials are available to alumni through the library. These unique primary sources can assist graduates in research or be interesting for personal enrichment. Alumni have remote digital access to many archival items.
Online Workshops
The WGU Library provides a variety of online workshops covering research strategies, professional skills, and more. Alumni can participate in many of these workshops for free to keep developing relevant capabilities. Upcoming workshops are listed on the library website.
| Resource | Alumni Access |
|---|---|
| Research Databases | Yes |
| Ebooks | Yes |
| Career Resources | Yes |
| Alumni Library Card | Yes |
| Historical/Archival Materials | Yes |
| Online Workshops | Yes |
This table summarizes some of the key WGU Library resources and whether alumni can still utilize them after graduating. In general, digital resources remain accessible while physical items and in-person services are more restricted.
Library Resources Not Available to Alumni
While WGU alumni maintain wide access to the library, some resources and services are only available to currently enrolled students. Knowing these limitations enables graduates to best utilize the materials open to them. Resources alumni cannot access include:
Physical Book Lending
The main library lending service allowing students to borrow physical books is not available to alumni. Only active students can utilize this service to receive books by mail. Graduates with an alumni library card may be able to access book lending at partner university libraries depending on individual policies.
Tutoring Services
WGU provides personalized tutoring services to help students succeed while enrolled. However, these specialized tutoring services are not offered to alumni after graduating. Graduates cannot access subject tutoring, writing center services, etc.
Some Databases and Ebook Collections
While alumni can use most library databases and ebooks, some may become unavailable after graduating due to licensing restrictions. Specific digital resources only accessible to currently enrolled students will be noted on the library website.
Campus Library Access
WGU maintains campus libraries at its locations, but these are only directly accessible to enrolled students. Alumni cannot physically access or check out resources from these campus libraries unless obtaining an alumni library card. Policies vary at each location.
Technology Lending
Students can borrow laptops, webcams, and other tech equipment from the university, but these are not available to alumni borrowers. Tech lending ensures students learning remotely have necessary tools during their program.
| Resource | Alumni Access |
|---|---|
| Physical Book Lending | No |
| Tutoring Services | No |
| Some Digital Resources | No |
| Campus Library Access | Typically No |
| Tech Lending | No |
This table outlines library resources and services not available to WGU alumni following graduation from their program. Access to physical items and in-person services is most restricted.
Steps for Alumni to Access the Library
As a WGU graduate, accessing available library resources takes just a few simple steps:
1. Login to the WGU Student Portal
To utilize remote digital library resources, alumni can login to the WGU Student Portal using their existing credentials, even after graduating. This grants access to restricted databases, ebooks, and other online materials.
2. Explore the Library Website
The main WGU Library website is open to the public, but alumni logging in gain access to more materials. Graduates can browse the library site to search databases, find ebooks, view workshop schedules, and discover curated resources for alumni.
3. Register for an Alumni Library Card (Optional)
Graduates interested in accessing physical library services can register online for an alumni borrower card. You’ll need to provide proof of graduation. Cards grant in-person access and limited borrowing abilities, depending on the specific library.
4. Contact the WGU Library with Any Questions
If alumni need assistance or have questions about library access, they can contact the WGU Library by phone, email, or chat. The librarians are happy to help graduates continue utilizing available resources.
Key Takeaways for Alumni
For WGU graduates, key takeaways about ongoing library access include:
– Digital resources like databases and ebooks remain available remotely by logging into the Student Portal. This allows continued research and learning online.
– Physical items and in-person library services are more limited but alumni library cards may grant some access depending on policies.
– Tutoring, tech lending, and similar student services are not available, but alumni can utilize career development resources.
– Check the library website or contact a librarian for guidance about resources for graduates. Extra support is available.
– WGU wants to enable alumni success even after earning your degree. The library makes many resources available to graduates for continued growth.
Conclusion
The WGU Library aims to provide ongoing value to students even after they graduate. While some services like tutoring stop at graduation, WGU alumni maintain wide access to the library’s digital resources. Databases, ebooks, career tools, and more are available remotely by logging into the Student Portal. Physical items and in-person services are more limited, but alumni library cards can potentially grant access depending on the specific library. Checking the library website and contacting the librarians allows graduates to maximize the resources and support available to them. WGU enables alumni to continue utilizing the library for lifelong learning and development.
