Library Catalog Article Search Journal Locater Site Search Quick Search
Advanced Search  Course Reserves  Universal Borrowing
Topic: Bicycle Lockers
Description: On the west side of Murphy Library are bicycle storage lockers. Outdoor Connection rents them out by the academic year, semester, or intersession. For more information stop in at the Recreational Eagle Center.
Link(s): None
Topic: Book Sales
  Murphy Library generally has one book sale in fall and one in spring. Items for sale may include books, periodicals, audio-cassettes, LP records, and videos that have been removed from the collection or donated. Proceeds are used to support the collection and activities of the library. Book sale announcements appear in campus publications.
Link(s): None
Topic: Building Problems
Description: Please report the exact location of building problems such as ventilation, plumbing, emergencies, etc. to the Circulation Desk.
Link(s): None
Topic: Bulletin Boards
Description: The bulletin boards in the basement and on second floor are located near the elevator. The bulletin boards in the basement and in the lobby kiosks are to be used for announcing campus-wide events, meetings, official university functions, and other educational information. Personal ads will be removed. However, personal ads may be posted on the 2nd floor bulletin board but the library reserves the right to remove any posting at any time.
Link(s): None
Topic: Cell Phones
Description: Please limit cell phone use to the lobby in the library as a courtesy to others.
Links: None
Topic: Color Printing
Description: Low-volume color printing is available from the computers designated for Guest Access, for a fee of 50¢/page.

Color printing is available to UW-L students, free of charge, at the ITS Support Center - Help Desk - Wing 103. 
Links: Computers for Community Users
GCA Printing Information
Topic: Community Patrons
Description: Members of the community are welcome to use Murphy Library. A Community Borrower card for checking out materials is available at the Circulation Desk for a $25.00 processing fee. We ask for community users to limit time on computers and to vacate workstations if university users are waiting. Interlibrary loan is not available to community users. 
Links: Circulation Department
Topic: Computer Diskette Sales
Description: As a service to patrons who wish to download electronic files, the Circulation desk sells DOS pre-formatted 3.5" diskettes for $1 each.
Link(s): None
Topic: Computers
Description: For up-to-date information on computers and general computing access labs in Murphy LRC, including lab hours, see:
Link(s): General Computing Access
Topic: Computers for Community Users
Description: Murphy Library maintains two computers designated for Guest Access.  These are located in the Reference area, along the wall adjacent to the Circulation desk.  No computer login is required.  Black and white printing is available for 10¢/page; color printing is available for 50¢/page.
Link(s): None
Topic: Copiers
Description: The library provides photocopiers and microform reader/printers available for patron use.  Photocopiers are located on the first floor near the Periodicals Office and cost 10 cents per page.  Microform reader/printers are in the microform reading room near the Periodicals Office and cost 15 cents per page.

Most of Murphy Library’s photo and microform copiers utilize the tower tender system that allows students and staff to use their ID card to make copies. To use this system, you need to activate your account and make a deposit. (Cartwright Center room 221) Library fines can also be paid with your Tower Card.

Campus departments and UW-L employees can set up a tower tender account at 221 Cartwright during open hours. Faculty and staff need an ID with a magnetic stripe when setting up an account. A new ID card can be obtained free of charge at Cartwright 221.

Department Document Services cards cannot be used in library card readers.

If you are unable to get to Cartwright 221 during open hours, please call Pat Hansen at 785-8885 to make other arrangements.

Please refer questions regarding department, faculty, and staff accounts to Pat Hansen, 221 Cartwright, 5-8885.

Link(s): None
Topic: Copyright
Description: Copyright Information
Link(s): Copyright Information
Topic: Delivery Access to the Library
Description: Access via 16th Street is restricted to campus mail, maintenance vehicles, and bindery delivery. All others will be ticketed. Parking is available in meters in the Cowley Hall parking lot east of the library. Temporary parking stickers for this lot are available from Protective Services on East Avenue. On street parking is also available.
Link(s): Campus map
Topic: Display Cases
Description: The three display cases on the first floor are available for scheduled use by campus groups for one month intervals. Content should be of general interest to the university community. Request forms are available on the library forms web page.
Link(s): Display Case Form for procedures and form
Topic: Disruptive Patrons
Description: Library patrons have a right to study and research in a quiet environment. Areas not in the vicinity of service desks or group study rooms are intended for quiet study. Please report the exact location of individuals who are being loud and disruptive to the Circulation desk for appropriate action. Please also see Cell Phones.
Link(s): Cell Phones
Topic: Donations of Books
Description:  Murphy Library gratefully accepts donations of books or other materials. Donations are reviewed by the appropriate Collection Development librarian and added to the library collection as appropriate, made available to other libraries, or are sold at library book sales.  Please see the "Gifts" section of the General Library Collection Management Policy for more information.
Link(s):  General Library Collection Management Policy - Gifts
Topic: Donations to Murphy Library Endowment Fund
Description:  The Endowment Fund supports special purchases beyond what can be acquired with the traditional university budget. If you wish to contribute to the excellence of Murphy Library, donations may be sent to the Chair, Murphy Library. Make checks payable to the UW-L Foundation, Murphy Library Endowment Fund. Thank you! 
Link(s):  Murphy Library Endowment Fund
Topic: Emergencies
Description:  When the fire alarm sounds, assume it is the real thing and exit the building. If it is necessary to take cover in the basement due to a tornado warning, an announcement will be made on the PA system. 

Please refer all situations needing immediate attention to the Circulation desk.

If the library receives a phone call saying there is a family emergency for a person who is studying or researching in the library, Circulation staff will announce this on the PA system. 

Link(s):  Floor plan of library for exit information
Topic: Extended Study Room
Description:  Check the library hours calendar for details. 
Link(s): Library hours
Topic: Faculty Study Carrels
Description:  There are 4 faculty study carrels. Faculty may request use of a carrel for 1 semester by completing the Faculty Carrel Application. The carrels are available on a rotating basis. Faculty may use a carrel for consecutive semesters if there are open carrels after the second week of the term. 
Link(s):  Faculty Carrel Application (PDF File)
Topic: Fax Machine
Description:  The University Bookstore in Cartwright Center has a public fax machine. There is a charge for this service. 
Link(s):  None
Topic: Food and Drink Policy
Description:  No food or drink is allowed in Murphy Library except in spill proof bottles. Food and drink damages library materials, equipment, and furnishings; attracts insects; and makes additional work for the custodians. We ask for everyone's cooperation to ensure a pleasant study environment. 
Link(s):  None
Topic: Friends of Murphy Library
Description:  The library offers opportunities to share library and cultural interests, to strengthen library activities and programs, and to help develop special collections and information resources. If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive information on programs, please contact the Administrative Office at 785-8520. For information on how to support the mission of the library through gifts, please see the Library Endowment Fund web page. If you would like to support the library by volunteering to help with book sales, special projects, etc., please contact the Administrative Office at the above phone number.
Link(s):  Murphy Library Endowment
Topic: Graduate Study Carrels
Description:  Private study carrels are available in the lower level of Murphy Library for graduate students working on theses, seminar papers, and other research projects. Carrels are assigned on a semester by semester basis. Carrel assignments are restricted to graduate students the first  weeks of Fall and Spring term. Thereafter, graduate or undergraduate students will be assigned in the order of application date. Application forms are available online. 
Link:  Graduate Carrel Application (PDF file)
Topic: Group Study Rooms
Description:  Group study rooms are located on the second floor & basement of Murphy Library. See the floor plan for the exact location. Rooms are available on a first come first serve basis. Priority is given to groups as well as UW-L students, faculty, and staff.  Group study rooms must be vacated 10 minutes before the library closes.
Link(s):  Library floor plan
Topic: Honors Classroom (Room 12)
Description: Priority is given to Honors classes and students. If not in use by the Honors Program, the room can be used for group study
 
Topic: Individual Study Rooms
Description:  Carrels 35 - 44 in the basement are available for UW-L students, faculty, and staff to use during open library hours. Rooms are available on a first come first serve basis. See the floor plan for the exact location. 
Link(s):  Library basement floor plan
Topic: Laptop PCs
Description:  Fourteen wireless laptop PCs are available for checkout to UW-La Crosse Students, faculty and staff at the Reserve Desk. The laptops are loaded with MS Office applications and allow Internet access. They may be used in the library facility only for two hours (with one renewal depending upon availability).
Link(s):  Laptop PC Loan Program and Use Policy
Topic: Lockers
Description:  Lockers are available for library patrons at the east end of the lobby for 25¢ per use. There is an additional charge for lost keys. 
Link(s):  None
Topic: Lost and Found
Description:  The Circulation desk maintains lost and found items for the building. Items not claimed are turned over to the University Police Department Information Center. 
Link(s):  None
Topic: Mutilation/Theft Policy
Description:  Mutilation or theft of library materials will result in penalties of fine, probation, expulsion, or imprisonment:
UWS 17.03 (3) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code
UWS 17.03 (5) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code  
UWS 18.06 (41) of the Wisconsin Administrative Code
Link(s):  None
Topic: Parking for Murphy Library
Description:  Parking meters are available in the Cowley Hall parking lot to the east of Murphy Library. On-street parking is also available around the campus. Bicycle racks are located on the east & west side of the building. Permits are available at the Parking Office in the Information Center on East Avenue for a nominal fee.
Link(s):  Campus map
Topic: Personal Safety
Description:  You have a right to feel safe in Murphy Library. Please report any suspicious behavior and/or activities to the Circulation desk immediately. 
Link(s):  None
Topic: Quiet Study Areas
Description:  Several areas in the Library are posted as a "Quiet Study Area." Individual study carrels in the basement are available for use during normal library hours. On the second floor, quiet areas include the southwest and southeast section. If there are situations of noisy groups in the "Quiet Study Area," please notify library staff at the Circulation Desk.
Link(s):  Library floor plan
Topic: Room Scheduling
Description:  For specific information on scheduling a room in Murphy Library for a University class or meeting, please see the LRC Room Scheduling Policy. 
Link(s):  LRC room scheduling policy
Topic: Services for Students with Visual and Learning Disabilities
Description:  Room 26 in the lower level of the library is the Assistive Technology Room that houses an adaptive workstation for students with visual and learning disabilities. Disability Resource Services identifies students who can benefit from this technology and trains them in its use.
Link(s):  Library Services for People with Disabilities | Disability Resource Services
Topic: Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco
Description:  The entire building is designated as smoke free in recognition of the hazards of first and second hand smoke. Smokeless tobacco is also prohibited due to its health hazard and the mess it causes for the custodians. 
Link(s):  None
Topic:  Student Employment
Description:  Murphy Library employs 75-80 work study and regular student assistants during the regular academic year with fewer employees hired during summer session. The application form is on the library web page and accepted on a continuous basis. Students must have their semester class and activity schedule when completing the application. All applications must be emailed as listed in the instructions. The wage scale is graduated. Applicants are evaluated on library experience, data entry/retrieval background, public relations experience, ability to make a long term commitment, and class/activity schedule. Applications are kept on file for the semester and openings filled from this applicant pool as vacancies occur. 
Link(s):  Student Employment Application
Topic: Suggestions
Description:  We invite your feedback on library services, collections, and the facility.  Please make your suggestions via our web form.
Link(s):  Virtual Suggestion Form
Topic: Telephones
Description:  Pay phones are located at the west entrance to the lobby. Campus phones are located at the east entrance. An emergency phone that is connected directly to the University Police Department is located inside the Extended Study Room east of the door to the lobby. 
Link(s):  None
Topic: Theft (Protecting Personal Valuables or Property)
Description: Please do not leave valuables unattended! Coin-operated lockers are available in the clerestory. If a theft does occur, please report it to the Circulation Desk and the University Police.
Topic: Typewriters
Description:  A typewriter is available for student use in the Student Activities and Centers Office, 212 Cartwright Center. 
Link(s):  None
Topic: Volunteering
Description: There are opportunities for volunteers to assist Murphy Library in a variety of capacities, depending upon your experience, educational background, time available, and interest. Examples of library volunteer activities are:
  • Correcting OCR text for library digitization projects
  • Assisting with semi-annual library book sales and other special events
  • Developing library displays
  • Working on special inventory or cataloging projects
  • Working on fundraising campaigns

If you are interested in volunteering at Murphy Library, please submit the Volunteer Information Form to the Library’s Administrative Office or call 785-8520 for more information.

Link(s) None
Topic: Wireless Network
Description: Patrons with valid UW-L computing accounts (UW-L students, faculty, and staff) can use their own Windows and Mac laptops (with wireless network cards) to gain access to the campus network and beyond.  Instructions on configuring wireless network settings are available at the ITS website.
Link(s) Wireless Network Help and FAQs from ITS