What is Prospector?
Prospector is a multi-library service that allows UW students, faculty, and staff to borrow books, articles, videos, audio CDs, and other materials from participating regional libraries under standard loan rules.
Who can use Prospector?
Most UW students, staff, and faculty can use Prospector.
Note: Prospector is not available to Distance and UW Casper college students due to the short loan periods. All of these items are available to you through the UW Interlibrary Loan Department.
How do I use Prospector?
Step 1. Access the Prospector Search window from the UW Libraries homepage. Click on "Prospector" to the right of the QuickSearch box.
Step 2. The Prospector page will display with a search box. Enter the title or author in the Search Box. Click on the arrow icon to start the search.
Step 3. Use the filters on the left side of the page to refine your search. Select an item on the search results page by clicking the "Request It" icon.
Step 4. Next, select your institution from the drop-down menu. For example, "Alliance - University of Wyoming" Click on "Submit the above information."
Step 5. Enter "Name" and your WyoOne card number (replacing the "W" with "8".) Choose your Pickup Location and click on Submit.
Step 6. You should see this message confirming your request was successful.
Why can't I use Prospector?
There are several possible reasons:
You are not a current UW student, faculty member, or staff member.
You are a UW student, faculty member, or staff member but are turned away when you try to request something.
- You are an Outreach student. Prospector loan periods don't give enough time for us to ship items to you. Instead, use Interlibrary Loan. It is fast, provides access to all Prospector libraries and thousands more, and lets you get digital copies of journal articles and book chapters.
- You have already borrowed more than 40 Prospector items. Wait until you have returned some before requesting more.
- Your library account is blocked with overdue items or unpaid fees
How do I cancel a Prospector request?
- On the UW Libraries website click on "My Accounts" in the upper-right corner.
- Click on "Library & Prospector" and login.
- Expand the drop-down menu under your name in the top right corner.
- Select "My Loans."
- Click on the "Requests" tab.
- Find the item and click on "X Cancel" to cancel your request.
Contact the Coe Library Help Desk at 766-3190 or libcirc@uwyo.edu for assistance with any Prospector questions.
