Using Pickler Memorial Library as a Visitor or Researcher

You do not have to be a Truman State University student to make practical use of Pickler Memorial Library.

The important thing is understanding that visitor access has several separate layers:

• entering the building;
• borrowing;
• guest computers;
• guest Wi-Fi;
• licensed databases;
• Special Collections.

Those are not all the same privilege.

Check the live hours first

Pickler's hours change with the academic calendar, weekends, breaks and holidays.

Do not rely on one semester's opening and closing times.

Use the live library-hours page before traveling.

Visitor parking

Current library guidance says guest parking is available on the west side of Pickler.

Two 30-minute spaces are available without a longer-term permit.

Visitors staying longer should follow Truman's current Parking Services rules.

Community Borrower cards

Missouri residents age 16 or older may currently apply for a Community Borrowers card at the Library Service Desk.

That gives outside users a way to borrow eligible library material.

It does not create a full Truman student account.

Borrowing restrictions can differ by material type.

MOBIUS visitors

Students and employees from qualifying Missouri MOBIUS institutions may be able to use their institutional identification under MOBIUS rules.

That is separate from the Community Borrowers program.

Guest computers

Current Pickler visitor guidance says visitors can obtain a Guest Account at the Library Service Desk by providing photo identification and a phone number.

Guest accounts are used on designated visitor workstations.

The current access period is one hour, renewable for one additional hour.

Those limits can change.

Guest Wi-Fi

TrumanGuest provides temporary wireless access for visitors.

Current guidance gives guest wireless access for 24 hours.

The important limitation is licensing.

Most library subscription databases are not available through the guest Wi-Fi network.

Database access is different from Wi-Fi access

Visitors may currently use most subscription databases onsite through designated Guest Account computers.

That means:

guest Wi-Fi = internet access

guest workstation = internet plus broader licensed-library access

Do not assume connecting a personal laptop to TrumanGuest unlocks the same resources as a library workstation.

Printing

Current visitor guidance lists printing from guest workstations at 10 cents per page, with pickup at the Library Service Desk.

Verify the current rate for a large print job.

Special Collections is a separate research environment

Pickler also houses Special Collections and University Archives.

That area has its own hours, handling rules and research procedures.

See Researching Kirksville History Through Truman’s Special Collections and University Archives.

For an ordinary visitor, the key is simply to know what kind of access you need before arriving.

A library card, Wi-Fi password and archives call slip solve three different problems.