Building Information

The DeWitt Wallace Library is located at the heart of the Macalester campus, next to the Old Main building. In addition to housing physical collections and providing a central access point to virtual collections, the library provides seating/study space for one-third of the student body at any one time. 24x7 study space is located in the "Link" which connects the Library to Old Main. The library was designed as a community gathering space and hosts a variety of campus events.

Offices also located in the Library building include the Center for Scholarship and Teaching and the Web Services office, both on Level Three.

Computing Facilities

Research workstations are located on the main level in the Reference Area. The Lower Level houses the Library Computer Lab, a general computing facility containing both Macintosh and Windows machines, as well as specialized facilities for imaging and web page production. A wireless network is accessible throughout the building. Printers are available on both the main level and lower level.

Go to our Library Computer Lab web site for more information about computers, printing, and technology in the Library.

Collections

• Lower Level - Bound Periodicals Collection; Microforms; Lower Level Index Collection
• Level 1 - Reference Collection; Reserves Collection; Current Periodicals; Newspapers; Harmon Current Reading Collection; (bestsellers, hot topics), Greats Collections; Sound Recordings; Small Popular DVD Collection
• Level 2 - PR-Z call numbers, General Collection Stacks; Oversize and Super Oversize Collections; Wood (Children's/Juvenile) Collection; Archives & Rare Books (limited access, by appointment only)
• Level 3 - HM - PQ call numbers, General Collection Stacks
• Level 4 - A - HL call numbers, General Collection Stacks

Please see our Collections web page for more detailed information.

Food and Drink

Food is allowed on the main and lower levels of the library, on levels 2 and 3, in the Link, and in staff work areas. Food is not allowed on level 4, at Public Service Desks, in Rare Books and Archives, and in the library instruction classroom (except for special event situations). Drinks are allowed throughout the building, with the exception of the Rare Books and Archives areas. The library respectfully requests the use of spill-proof, reuseable containers.

Please see the Library's Responsible Use Policy.

Hours

During the Academic year, regular hours are:

Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 12:00 midnight
Friday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Macalester students, staff and faculty only with ID from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.)
Sunday 10 a.m. to midnight.

Extended hours are offered during Final Exam periods. Hours will vary during breaks, holidays, and summers.

Go to our Library Hours and Events Calendar to view a daily list of hours and information about special events in the library.

Listening Equipment

Facilities for listening to CDs and cassettes are available in the Greats Room (Level 1, North end.) Headphones may be checked out from the Reserve Desk.

Lockers

Lockers are available for students who wish to have a place to store personal belongings. Lockers are located in the Link between the library and Old Main. Sign-up for lockers begins on the first day of classes. First priority for lockers will be given for students living off-campus and students with special needs. Lockers are assigned for the semester. Locks are checked out from the Circulation Desk. The library is not responsible for items stored in the lockers.

Photocopy Services

Two copy machines are located on the Lower Level, across from the Information Desk. One machine is on Level 1, near the Reserve/Circulation Desk. Copies may be made using cash or a copy card. Copy cards allowing copying at a discount and may be purchased by Macalester students at the Reserve/Circulation Desk. Faculty and staff may obtain copy cards that will be charged back to their departments at the Circulation Desk. Copying from microforms is also possible using special equipment in the microform area on the Lower Level.

Security

Security phones are centrally located on each level. Picking up the phone will cause the emergency phone to ring at the Circulation. Please keep your possessions with you at all times, and report any cases of theft to library staff at the Circulation Desk. Personal possessions (including library laptops) may be confiscated by library staff if they are found left unattended. Please report any problems with personal security immediately to the library staff at the Circulation Desk. The library cooperates with the campus Safety and Security Office to distribute information related to safety and security to the community in a timely manner.

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