The Karrmann Library's Home Page for Distance Education is a great place to begin searching for either library material or specific information of interest to the distance learner. Select the "Library at a Distance" link and then "Library Services" to discover some of the finest scholarly tools and resources available on the Internet. Here you can explore the complex but organized world of government documents from local, state, and federal agencies (see the "Government Publications" link). Students who are interested in genealogy or historical facts about the university may want to visit the "Southwest Wisconsin Archives" link. Students who want to research primary or secondary educational issues might try the "Instructional Materials Lab" link.  If you feel overwhelmed by the technology, you should consider contacting the Learning Technology Center (LTC).  The LTC staff can help you understand the latest technology applications.

You may also find many items in the "Library Catalog." The electronic library catalog is easy to use.  Using the search strategies of author, title, or subject/keyword, you may search through 300,000 books and audiovisual materials housed in the Karrmann Library and university campus. Be sure to read the bulleted information on the selected screen before beginning a search.  In the event that the library does not own the title in which you are interested, the Interlibrary Loan staff will happily locate and obtain your desired item. 

If you need to access periodicals or newspapers, select the "Online Resources" link and begin exploring the 100+ general and subject-specific databases. Each database is briefly annotated for your convenience.  (Note: A first-time researcher may want to choose resources by academic discipline. For example, Criminal Justice & Law will introduce all the electronic databases appropriate for that specific subject and a whole lot more!  Note that many of the electronic databases are full text.) 

"Research Tools" is a mega site connecting you to reviewed library information such as online dictionaries, electronic journals, university libraries, Internet search engines, quotations, media reviews, and writers' resources.  This is actually an electronic reference desk, complete with hundreds of resources and services right at your fingertips.

If you need help using the Karrmann Library's services at a distance, select the "Help" link.  You will be prompted with options to contact the distance education librarian, or to submit a reference question. Librarians check the electronic reference account several times an hour to provide a quick and accurate response to your research query. 

These are just a few of the services available to you when employing the Karrmann Library at a distance. Please don't hesitate to call the Reference Desk at 608-342-1688 or e-mail the distance education librarian to let us know how we may help you in your research needs.