Library Services

Director of Library Services
Erin Barta
Telephone (805) 679-6143
E-mail: ebarta@pacifica.edu
Fax: (805) 969-1686

Introduction

The Research Library houses collections with subject foci in depth psychology, mythology, religious studies, clinical and counseling psychology, as well as the humanities and related fields.  In addition to materials available, the Library offers a number of services designed to meet your research needs; these include Circulation Services, Interlibrary Loans, Reference assistance, and Special Collections access.  Library staff also offer in-class, small-group, and individual instruction to facilitate academic inquiry.  A number of auxiliary resources are available to students with disabilities, details of which can be found on the Library Accessibility page.  You are encouraged to explore the opportunities afforded to you by the Library and we welcome your questions or concerns.

Books: Students and faculty may check out an unlimited number of books within reason. The loan period is six weeks.

Audiotapes and Videotapes: Students may check out an unlimited amount of tapes within reason. The loan period for audio- and videotapes is six weeks.

Journals and Reference Books: Journals and reference books, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, cannot be checked out. Journal articles, book chapters, and other non-circulating items may be photocopied by students (there is one photocopier in the Library) as long as the U.S. Copyright Law is followed. Information regarding the Copyright Law can be found in the student work areas of the Lambert and Ladera Libraries. Library staff will photocopy items for students on request for 20¢/page.

Students can renew their materials online through their individual library catalog accounts.  Overdue items or items with wait lists (reserves) cannot be renewed and must be returned to the library by the original due date.  We recommend renewing in advance to ensure timely return of items and to avoid the accrual of overdue fines. Renewal requests may also be made in person, by phone, fax, or e-mail.

Students may reserve items that are already checked out via the library's online catalog. To place holds or requests from within the catalog, students must be logged in to their library account.  Staff will notify students when requested items are returned, and either hold them at the Library for pickup, or mail them (shipping fees apply).  Reserves and holds may also be placed in person, by phone, fax or email.

The Library will deliver Library items to students via UPS or through the mail (US Mail Priority Service) and expedited service such as  FedEx upon request. The charge for the first item delivered is $5.50 and each additional item is 50¢. Papers, articles, etc (small items) are delivered at a reduced rate of $1. The additional cost of expedited service, if requested, will be added to these fees. If articles or book chapters must be photocopied by Library staff, an additional charge of 20¢ per page is assessed. For items not held by the Library, please see Interlibrary Lending and Commercial Document Delivery Companies below.

Overdue books accrue fines of 50¢/day per item and $1/per day per audiotape, videotape, thesis, dissertation, or items from the Library’s interlibrary loan service (see below). If and when the Library must replace items, students will be charged the replacement cost plus a $20 processing charge per item.  Students are advised to inquire at the Circulation desk about overdue fines for psychological assessment materials, which accumulate hourly.

Reference staff are available when students are on campus as well as by phone, Fax, or e-mail. Staff includes Mark Kelly and Richard Buchen. Replies to reference questions sent by mail, Fax, e-mail, or left on voicemail are usually provided within 24 hours. Appointments may be made for private consultations and tutorials with the reference staff any time.

First year Pacifica students are usually provided a library tour and orientation during their first session. Optional and required library classes are provided to students and faculty throughout the academic year as part of the academic curriculum in every program. Faculty may request collaboration with library staff in offering classes any time. The following are examples of classes offered.  Library staff are happy to develop training workshops on topics requested by faculty or students.  Please contact the Library Director to schedule trainings or workshops.

Training Classes:

The Special Collections Librarian is available to assist faculty, students and visiting scholars with research related to rare and primary materials.  General tours and orientations are available, though appointments are requested for in-depth research in order to allocate sufficient time for document retrieval and preparation.