Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Library card?
Your ID badge will act as your card, and it is required for checking out materials. You will first need to register in person at the Circulation Desk. A barcode will be affixed to the back of your badge, transforming it into a Library card. If you are a member of the community and wish to have access to the print collection (bound journals and books) at Carpenter Library, you can obtain a community membership for $50.00 per year. This membership will entitle you to full circulation (checkout) privileges.
Back to the top.
Where is the Library?
Carpenter Library is located within the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The Library is located on the first floor of the Gray Building, just down the hall from Davis Chapel, around the corner from Creative Communications and directly across from the Hawthorne Street pedestrian bridge.
Driving Directions to the Library
From West of Winston-Salem: From I-40, take Business 40 to the Medical Center exit (Cloverdale Ave). At the red light, proceed straight onto Medical Center Blvd. and park in visitor's parking, located to the left. Enter at the Ardmore Tower Main Entrance to the Medical Center. Follow the signs to Gray Building. The library is located on the first floor, just down the hall and to the left of Davis Chapel.
From East of Winston-Salem: From I-40, take Business 40 to the Medical Center exit (Cloverdale Ave). Take a right off the exit ramp and proceed to the next red light. Turn left onto Medical Center Blvd and park in visitor's parking, located to the left. Enter at the Ardmore Tower Main Entrance to the Medical Center. Follow the signs to Gray Building. The library is located on the first floor, just down the hall and to the left of Davis Chapel.
From North/South of Winston-Salem: From U.S. 52, take the Business 40 West exit. Take Business 40 to the Medical Center exit (Cloverdale Ave). Take a right off the exit ramp and proceed to the next red light. Turn left onto Medical Center Blvd and park in visitor's parking, located to the left. Enter at the Ardmore Tower Main Entrance to the Medical Center. Follow the signs to Gray Building. The library is located on the first floor, just down the hall and to the left of Davis Chapel.
Medical Center Maps and Directions
Map to the Library
Mapping and Driving Directions Sites
Back to the top.
Do you close on holidays?
The Library does close on holidays and has special hours of operation during the Christmas holiday season. See this link for Holiday Closings and the Library's hours.
Back to the top.
Where are your books and journals?
Current journals (paper) are now shelved in the stacks, at the end of the bound journals by title.
Bound Journals -- stacks, floors 1 -5
Closed Reserve Books -- behind Circulation Desk
Reserve and Reference Collection -- through the Upper Reading Room, turn right into the Commons Building area
Books -- stacks, 6th floor
Audiovisuals -- Learning Resources Center
If you are having trouble finding materials, please ask for assistance at the Circulation, Learning Resources Center or Reference Desks.
Back to the top.
Can I check out journals?
Circulation of materials is as follows:
Books: 30 days, renewable an additional 7 days
Journals: Bound: 3 days, renewable an additional 3 days; Unbound: do not check out
Slides, Slide/Tape: 7 days, renewable an additional 7 days
Audiocassettes: 7 days, renewable an additional 7 days
Videocassettes: 7 days, renewable an additional 7 days
Models and Charts: 7 days, renewable an additional 7 days
CDs: 3 days, renewable an additional 3 days
The Library does have an overdue fine system to provide timely access to the collection for all patrons. For all items, notices will consist of one overdue notice followed by a bill after ten days. Fines begin accruing after the due date (the first day is a grace day) and will be 50 cents per day. Bills are issued 10 days after fines begin to accrue and will be for the replacement cost plus a $25.00 service charge per item. Upon the return of materials the $25.00 service charge and the replacement charge are dropped and the patron will be charged a fine of 50 cents per item per day for the entire overdue period. When a patron notices a discrepancy regarding a returned item for which the patron has been billed, the staff will check the records and search the shelves for one month. If the item is not found, financial restitution remains the responsibility of the user. Library borrowing privileges will be revoked if the patron fails to comply with borrowing guidelines and payment of library fines. For more information about circulation policies or overdue fees, please call (336) 716-4414.
Back to the top.
Can I use a computer in the Library?
Computers are available in the Learning Resources Center (LRC) to Medical Center faculty, staff, and students. These computers feature the Microsoft Office Suite of products plus a variety of other applications and the Internet. The Library, also has over 100 wired connections to the Academic Network for students, and a guest wireless LAN for visitors bringing their own devices. For more information, please call (336) 716-4240.
Back to the top.
How can I obtain access to the catalog? To Medline (PubMed)?
Remote access to the library catalog, is available via the Internet here.
To Medline (PubMed) and other Electronic Resources?
Access to Medline (PubMed) and other electronic resources is automatically available from the WFUBMC campus and the WFU Reynolda campus. To access these resources from home or other remote locations, you must be affiliated with the Medical Center. In order to use CCCL’s proxy server, you must have a Medical Center user ID & password ( For the email address *jdoe@wfubmc.edu, the user ID will be "jdoe" and the password will be the email password). During each browser session, you will be prompted for your ID & password on the first attempt to visit one of the resource sites. Each time a resource site is visited, you will be routed through the proxy server and appear as though you are on the WFUBMC network. For more information on the library's proxy server, see this page.
What resources will be available through the CCCL proxy server?
See the following web pages:
Online Databases
Electronic Journals
Electronic Textbooks
The Reference Desk can answer any questions you might have.
Back to the top.
Where can I get an email address?
Information Services handles this for the Medical Center. You may call (336) 716-HELP or go to their registration page on the Medical Center's InfiNet.
Back to the top.