The Witer Learning Resource Centre (WLRC) collects vision science materials and resources that cover the subjects of Optometry, Ophthalmology, and Physiological Optics. The WLRC web site, together with the Waterloo Library Optometry Subject Guide, lists electronic and print vision science resources available at the University of Waterloo. You can search for WLRC materials and resources through the University of Waterloo's library catalogue PRIMO. Please take a look at the links below to learn more about the WLRC's collection.
Quick links
WLRC resources
Print and electronic books
Both the print and electronic book housed in the WLRC can be found by searching the PRIMO interface by title/author/keyword. If you are interested in only searching material in the WLRC, select the "Optometry only" from the drop down menu before the "Go" button.
Our electronic reference book collection is also listed on the following site: Electronic Reference Books for Optometry (Make sure to Connect from Home if not on Campus before using the E-Books.)
CDs and DVDs
There are many CDs and DVDs (PDF) within the WLRC collection available at the circulation desk. In addition to the above list, a list is available at the WLRC Circulation Desk; see the binder labelled Reserve Items List.
Course reserves
Reserve and controlled access items are kept behind the circulation desk. Items that are on reserve are listed by course number in the RESERVE ITEMS LIST at the circulation desk. Library staff will sign out this material to you. Reserve items will have one of the following loans periods: 1 hour, 3 hours, 1 day, or 3 days. You can also search for course reserves online.
Historical collection
The WLRC keeps some of its book collection in an historical area. Material in this location have the same loan periods as material in the main collection. The selection is made up of all items published before 1970 and/or materials with specific historical content. Please refer to the list of historical titles (PDF).
Journals
You can search for the optometry and ophthalmology related journal articles through the Library research databases: Subject Guides: Optometry.
You can also search by title.
Lab equipment
Any specialized lab equipment for use by Optometry students will be available on reserve from the WLRC circulation desk. Ask our staff at this desk for more information.
Slides
The WLRC has more than five thousand 35mm slides indexed within a specialized restricted database. If you are interested in images pertaining to a particular condition, please provide applicable keywords to WLRC staff. The search is usually completed by the following business day, and a list of results provided.
There are also many web accessible images listed at Subject Guides.
Standards
The WLRC keeps a collection of standards (PDF) relating to vision science. These standards represent agreed upon requirements of quality, performance and/or safety criterion required for certification within a given field.
Theses
The WLRC is the depository for the departmental copies of the School of Optometry Masters and PhD Theses. While this material is designated for use in the WLRC, brief loan periods can be provided for current School of Optometry students, faculty and staff. To borrow these items, inquire at the circulation desk.
University copies of archival theses are also available through PRIMO.
Search all University of Waterloo theses: University of Waterloo Electronic Theses and Dissertations in UWSpace, which includes all electronically submitted theses. UWSpace also includes PhD theses submitted in print between 1998 and 2002.
Videotapes
The WLRC does not currently collect videotapes. There is a collection of videotapes that may be of interest to WLRC patrons available from the University of Waterloo Instructional Technologies and Multimedia Services.
