WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

location at Sidney. The Alliance Public Library shelves WNCC materials for Alliance students’ use.
The library collection at each location contains both print and electronic resources, computer
stations, and other learning support services designed to primarily support the curriculum. The
library also serves as a resource for Chadron State College students who are taking classes at a
WNCC site.
Library staff members participate in the international interlibrary loan network through the Online
Computer Library Center, a service available to both faculty and students. The Library also
subscribes to several on-line databases to provide users a broad range of resources. As
previously mentioned, faculty members are encouraged to recommend or specify books or
materials that support instruction in their classes. Library staff members place materials on reserve
at the request of an instructor, so that the book, DVD, or article can only be checked out for use
inside the facility and access is strictly controlled by a Librarian.
As of the latest report (2008), the WNCC library system (all 3 locations combined) holds 42,751
print books, 36,076 E-books, and subscribes to 126 different journals or series publications. Each
library branch collects information on daily traffic and usage (See also Institutional Snapshot). In
2009, over 4,700 different types of materials were checked out through the system, demonstrating
the extent to which the Library is used by students, faculty members, and people from the
community. The Library space serves a vital function as a study space because it is quiet and
accessible, and a bank of computers is also available for student use. At Sidney, the Library
contains computers as well, and tutoring takes place in the rear of the room in a designated space.
Even though the Scottsbluff Public Library is a good one, many community members also use
WNCC library resources, both for research and for enjoyment or general interest. An example
appears below of the usage based on circulation for the 2008-2009 academic year:
Table 7-43 Circulation by Patron Type
USERS
Yearly Total
WNCC Students 2337
WNCC Employees 1274
Other Students 71
Community Borrowers 1236
Intercampus Loans 198
Music Facilities
Because the study of fine arts and music are important components of a complete education, and
because even those who do not perform can enjoy and learn from musical presentations and
shows, the College robustly supports musical events. The instrumental and vocal music area has
a range of instrumental music necessities like percussion instruments, keyboards, pianos, plus
vocal equipment like choral and band risers, music stands, props, a complete sound system, and a
CD/DVD burner. Multiple practice rooms are available in the music area and residence halls. The
music area was remodeled in 2006 to increase storage for instruments and the music library
materials, and new furniture was added to accommodate the large choir sessions.
Western Nebraska Community College Page 119