This year's Banned Books Reading is available online.

Missouri Western's 24th annual Reading of Challenged and Banned Books in recognition of the American Library Association’s National Banned Books Week is now available via streaming video .

Missouri Western students and faculty are joined by members of the St. Joseph community to read from books that have been either banned or challenged in U.S. schools in recent years.

The event is sponsored by the Department of English and Modern Languages, the Department of Education, the Missouri Western State University Library, Prairie Lands Writing Project and SNCTE.

For more information, contact Dr. Michael Cadden, 816-271-4576 or Sally Gibson, 816-271-4369.

https://youtu.be/9rPV43UnUm0

During Fall 2020, we will offer material holds and curbside pickup for Missouri Western students, staff, and faculty. Place holds on items in our KC-Towers catalog and we will send you an email when your items are ready to pick up. Call us at 816-271-4360 when you've arrived to pick up your materials and a library staff member will bring them to the south (street) side of Hearnes Center. See further details below.

MWSU Library Frequently Asked Questions

What are the library’s COVID-19 procedures?

You can find these procedures on our guide MWSU Library and COVID-19.

Are face coverings required in the MWSU Library?

Yes, face coverings are required in the MWSU Library.  You are also asked to observe physical distancing of at least six feet.  Seating has been arranged to encourage physical distancing. For more information, please see our guide MWSU Library and COVID-19.

Where can I return my books?

Any item you’ve borrowed through the MWSU Library can be returned anytime on campus at our book drop on Downs Drive or our book drop on the north side of the Hearnes building.  You can also return items inside the library during open hours.

Is the MWSU Library open?

The MWSU Library is open with revised Fall hours for MWSU students, faculty, and staff only. The library is also offering virtual services and curbside pick up of physical materials through the Fall of 2020. Please check our library calendar for library hours.

How does curbside pick up work?

Please check our Curbside Pick Up guidelines for information on using this service.

What are the MWSU Library’s hours?

Please check our library calendar for library hours.

What is my MWSU Library Account login?

To log into your MWSU Library account, enter Your Name and your Unique Campus ID.
Your Unique Campus ID is your G number plus "MW" Example: G12345678MW. Help Document 

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

When the MWSU Library does not have the materials you need (article, book, video, etc.), you can request the material through the MWSU Library’s Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service.  The MWSU Library will request the material from another library for you to borrow. You can submit an interlibrary loan request here.

How do I find an article?

To find an article you can search one of our many databases. Our most popular database is Academic Search Complete (ASC). ASC covers multiple disciplines, so is great for any class assignment. View a tutorial

How do I cite my source in MLA, APA, or Chicago (Turabian) citation style?

Consult our Citation Styles library guide for help on various citation styles.

Can I access MWSU library databases and eBooks off campus?

Yes! When accessing electronic resources off campus you will be redirected to a login screen. Enter your MWSU credentials (i.e. Goldlink/Canvas username and password) and you will then have access.

What if I can’t log into the library’s electronic resources?

If you are unable to log into library databases but can still access Goldlink, try changing your password.  Instructions for changing your password can be found here. If you’re still having issues, librarians are available to assist you with your troubleshooting needs.  You can virtually reach a librarian by chat, email (refdesk@missouriwestern.edu), text (816-398-8542) or in person during open MWSU Library hours. For more information consult our Ask-A-Librarian page.

How can I reach a librarian for assistance?

Librarians are available to assist you with your research needs.  You can virtually reach a librarian by chat, email (refdesk@missouriwestern.edu), text (816-398-8542) or in person during open MWSU Library hours. For more information consult our Ask-A-Librarian page.

How can I access eBooks available from MWSU Library?

MWSU Library has over 250,000 eBooks available to our patrons.  Visit our eBooks library guide for access to reference, academic, non-fiction, and fiction titles. If off campus you may need your MWSU login credentials to access. If you have any problems, please contact us.

How can I access streaming video from the MWSU Library?

MWSU Library’s Films on Demand product offers educational films from a wide array of reputable producers. If off campus you will need your MWSU login credentials to access. If you have any problems, please contact us.

I’m searching the open web (Google, Bing). How can I tell if MWSU Library has a resource I come across?

Our Library Access browser extension will alert you when a resource you find on the open web is available through the MWSU Library.  Click here for more information on Library Access.

How can I connect my Google Scholar search to the MWSU Library?

Google Scholar settings allow you to link your search results to the MWSU Library. Instructions on linking Google Scholar to MWSU Library.

What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

When the MWSU Library does not have a book, film, article you need for your research, it will borrow/obtain it for you from another library.  Fill out an interlibrary loan form, by logging in with your  MWSU Library Account.

Try the Library's full-text finder tool. Library Access is a browser extension that alerts and points users to full-text resources, available through the Library's subscriptions, while browsing the web. MWSU users can download the free browser extension from https://www.leanlibrary.com/download/. Add it to Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or any browser you use. After downloading, you'll be on your way to easier access to online scholarly information. Watch an introductory video and reach out to us if you have questions by emailing refdesk@missouriwestern.edu.