1. Important Links 

Library homepage and catalog (http://library.whitman.edu)

Phone number 509-527-5192

Staff directory (https://library.whitman.edu/contact_librarystaff/)

Library FAQ (https://library.whitman.edu/library_services/) 

2. Penrose Library Hours 

Library hours can be found on our website and reflect our most up-to-date information. Whitman ID is needed for Library access past 8 p.m. Hours are more limited over breaks. For questions related to accessing the Archives, please email [email protected]. 

3. Research Assistance 

Librarians are available to help you with your research needs, whether personal or work-related. Please contact any of the Research Librarians for assistance.  

4. Penrose Library Catalog & ARMINDA (https://arminda.whitman.edu/) 

Use Sherlock to search for material in the Penrose Library and beyond, and to access your library account. ARMINDA is a repository of scholarship, photographs, historical documents, and other materials produced at Whitman. 

5. Databases & Indexes 

Found on the Library’s website Subject Guides lead to subject-specific resources. Check the Database A-Z to find a specific database. Many of the articles that are available through library database subscriptions can be accessed through the Articles scope in Sherlock. 

Off-Campus Access All digital Penrose Library resources may be accessed from off-campus. Simply log-in using a Whitman ID and password. Please refer questions or problems to [email protected]. 

Streaming video (primarily documentaries, foreign & classic films) is available through multiple databases in the Library’s collection, and can be found in Sherlock. See our streaming guide for more information. 

6. Circulation 

Staff may check out books for 6 weeks and DVDs/videos for 6 days, with one renewal. Whitman ID must be presented in order to check out materials. 

Staff can also request Whitman-owned items using the Request for pickup at circ desk link in Sherlock. If the item is on the shelf, the requestor will receive a notification when the item is ready for pickup, usually within 3 business hours. Items remain on the holdshelf for 7 days. If the Whitman-owned item is not available or checked out, placing a Summit or ILL request is recommended.

7. Summit & Interlibrary Loan (ILL) 

When additional items are needed, Summit & ILL provide access to the world’s resources. 

Summit: Summit is a borrowing system that allows users to search and request over 35 million items from Oregon, Washington and Idaho academic libraries. Request Summit items through Sherlock. Requested items arrive within 3 to 7 business days. Summit physical materials check out for 6 weeks with one renewal; visual and audio media for 6 days and may be renewed once. Journal articles are not available through Summit. 

Interlibrary Loan (ILL): If an item is not available in the Penrose Library or through Summit it may be requested through ILL. Journal articles usually arrive within 1-2 business days; other items may arrive within one to three weeks.Summit & ILL physical materials check out for 6 weeks; visual and audio media for 6 days; NO RENEWALS. 

8. Spaces

We are happy to provide tours of the library to individuals or groups. Contact [email protected] if you would like to schedule a tour. 

We welcome staff to the library looking for quiet spaces. Our keyed study rooms are for student use only. The classrooms and large spaces are not available for outside booking.

9. Collection Development 

Discuss collection needs with Roger Stelk (x5909 or [email protected]). Staff may recommend titles for purchase through our suggestion form. Criteria for adding to the collection can be found in our Collection Development Policy.

10. Scanning and Printing 

On the main floor of the library, there are 4 Wepa terminals for printing, one terminal is desktop style for accessibility, a self-service overhead book scanner, and a copier (10￠a page). A fax machine is available behind the circulation desk. There is also a WCTS help desk staffed by students for technical support.