Update: September 28, 2009
Hi Fred,
I am glad you responded so that we have the opportunity to tell you a bit more
about the issue of alumni access to the databases.
The issue with allowing alumni access is actually a limitation of the
contracts with our database vendors. The current contracts allow access to
currently enrolled students, faculty and staff only. We are investigating
allowing alumni access to the databases, but are in the beginning stages of
this process.
Most universities do not allow their alumni to access their databases,
actually. The databases that they allow in-state alumni to access are usually
provided free, or at a greatly reduced cost, to the university by the state;
these are the same databases alumni can get at their public libraries. Most
out-of-state alumni do not have access to their university's databases unless
they come to the university. Some universities allow their alumni to purchase
access to the university databases; this usually involves a fee paid in
addition to membership in the alumni association.
We are working on discovering how many alumni are interested in ongoing access
and how to go about providing it, if it is feasible. If this is something you
feel strongly about, I recommend letting the Walden U alumni association know.
They are an important voice in this discussion.
In the meantime, we can help you find resources in your area. Many states
provide their citizens with databases which you can access from your home. If
there are any colleges in your area, you may be able to use their databases as
a resident of the community. Note that this access is based on community
residency, not alumni status. Community residents have much more access to a
university library than out-of- state alumni of that same university. This is
because public universities are required by law to provide library access to
their community and are given state funds to do so. As Walden does not
receive any state or federal funding, it is more difficult for us to provide
access.
In any case, we can help you find other resources for your ongoing studies.
If you let us know where you live and what you are interested in, we can help
you find libraries that can support your research.
Please feel free to ask us any other questions about our alumni policy or
anything else. You may also contact the Director of the Library, Sue
Davidsen, if you desire. You can reach her at:
susanna.davidsen@waldenu.edu
Thank you for your question and input, and please let us know if we can help.
Best,
Lisa Raymond
Coordinator or Reference Services
September 28, 2009
Rebekah:
I am glad we are having this dialogue. Walden prides itself on its library resources, and I agree. The Walden library appears to have countless references that are peer-reviewed, and common to the need of its graduating professionals. Walden prides itself on Social Change. There are many other Universities and Colleges that allow its graduates access to its library resources. Many of these Universities and Colleges give access to their alumnist on campus (walk-in). Walden would put itself above the others if it allowed its resources to be accessed by its graduates online.
I believe these are the questions of countless Walden aluminst: Where is Walden's demonstration of Social Change?What does Walden gain by denying its graduates access to their library resources? What would Walden gain by allowing its graduates to access its library resources? How would Walden's academic creditability increase by allowing its graduates to access its library resources online? Is this really too hard for Walden University?
I will post this on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ under the Walden title that exist.
Original E-mail
From: library@waldenu.edu
Date: 09/28/2009 12:46 PM
To: fred.nance@waldenu.edu
Subject: Library Question - Answer [Question #4822582]
Hi Fred,
I’m just checking in with you to see if you have any additional questions. Is there anything else we can help you with at this point in the semester? Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Rebekah
-----------------------
Question History:
Patron: I have achieved my Ph.D. in Human Services. Of course, I am not enrolled in any program. Have I lost my privleges to access Walden Library resources?
Librarian 1: Hello. Thank you for your question. Congratulations on earning your degree!
Currently, Walden is not able to offer alumni access to the databases. However there are other opportunities for you to use online library resources.
Many state and public libraries offer online database access to local residents. You can usually use these online resources with your public library card. We can help you find local library resources if you wish.
You may also want to ask the librarians at your local public library if there are any more online resources available for your community.
If alumni database access is something you feel strongly about, you may want to mention it to the Walden Alumni Association. You can find information about the Alumni Association here:
http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Services/UniversityServices_7143.htm
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions or if we can help with anything else.
Dan
Reference Librarian
Walden University
1-800-930-0914
Librarian 2: Hi Fred,
I’m just checking in with you to see if you have any additional questions. Is there anything else we can help you with at this point in the semester? Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Rebekah
Walden University Library
library@waldenu.edu
800-930-0914
