Student Life

Libraries

315 John K. Mullen of Denver Memorial Library
Phone the Information Desk for general assistance: 202-319-5070
Web: http://libraries.cua.edu/

Associate Provost for University Libraries, Kimberly B. Kelley, M.L.S., Ph.D.

In support of student research, the library system of The Catholic University of America offers the following resources and services:

Library Collections

In Mullen Library, students will find general, social sciences and humanities collections; major subject concentrations in canon law, Greek and Latin, medieval studies, philosophy, patristics, social work and theology; library science; Rare Books and Special Collections; and the Semitics/Institute of Christian Oriental Research Library. Located in other buildings on campus are the American Catholic History Research Center and University Archives and four branch libraries with collections in music, architecture, engineering, mathematics, nursing and physics. The University Libraries home page has links to descriptions of the collections, reading rooms and libraries.

Library Hours

Library schedules are announced on 202-319-5077 and on the Mullen Library Hours and Campus Library Hours Web pages.

Borrowing Privileges and Related Services

Contact Access Services to register for borrowing privileges, receive assistance with items on course reserve, checking out library material, request searches for books not in the stacks and recall books borrowed by other users. Materials may be borrowed at the circulation desks in Mullen Library and the campus libraries. A Cardinal Card (university ID) is required to borrow materials from the libraries.

The Washington Research Library Consortium

CUA is a member of the Washington Research Library Consortium (www.wrlc.org), a group of local academic libraries that share collections and services. Other WRLC members are American University, Gallaudet University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Marymount University and The University of the District of Columbia. Eligible CUA students may borrow materials from these libraries on site or through the Consortium Loan Service (see below).

ALADIN

Students have access to ALADIN, an electronic library supported by the university's WRLC membership. ALADIN includes article databases, electronic journals, Internet resources, image collections, and the online library catalog for CUA and the other WRLC members. ALADIN may be used to renew books, request materials from other WRLC libraries and the WRLC Center, and check the status of requests. Eligible students may access ALADIN on or off campus. Additional electronic resources, such as CD-ROM databases, are located in the libraries.

Consortium Loan Service

Through the Consortium Loan Service, undergraduate and graduate students may request books and articles owned by the other WRLC libraries that are not available at CUA. Articles are delivered electronically to the student's myALADIN account; students are notified when books are available to be picked up at the Mullen Circulation Desk. Submit CLS requests via the online library catalog.

Interlibrary Loan

Students may use interlibrary loan to obtain books and articles not owned by CUA or the WRLC libraries. Requests may be placed online from the libraries' home page. Charges may apply.

Print and Electronic Reserves

Books are placed on reserve at the Circulation Desk in Mullen Library and in the campus libraries. Electronic reserves (articles and other materials) are available through the Blackboard course management system and may be accessed on or off campus.

Wireless Network

Students may access the Internet through the wireless network in Mullen Library, using their own laptops or a laptop borrowed from Access Services.

Reference Assistance

Assistance with general reference questions and research in the social sciences and humanities is available at the main Information Desk in Mullen Library (202-319-5070). Reference assistance is also available in the specialized collections in Mullen and the campus libraries. Consult the directory of CUA Libraries Collections (http://libraries.cua.edu/about/collecs.html) for contact information. The library also provides an Instant Messaging Reference Service that connects directly to a reference librarian and is available more than 70 hours a week. (http://libraries.cua.edu/ about/IM.html) Students may also request a consultation with a public services librarian for instruction in how to find and use research materials.

Instruction

Reference and Instructional Services sponsors classes in library research. The sessions cover principles of library research and techniques for using research tools such as ALADIN, the Internet and article databases. Course specific instruction may be requested by faculty. Individual students or small groups may also request a consultation for instruction (http://libraries.cua.edu/instruct/instruct.html).

Services for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who require special assistance in the libraries will need to request a library consultation. Advance registration is required. A PC with assistive technologies and Internet access is available in Mullen Library (http://libraries.cua.edu/about/dss.html).

Copy Services

Copiers and copy card vending machines are located in Mullen Library and in most campus libraries.

Student Employment

Applications for part-time work in the libraries are accepted Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in 315 Mullen Library (202-319-5055).

Library Access and Use of Materials

A Cardinal Card or current photo ID is required for entrance to the libraries. Bags are checked when exiting. Students are responsible for books, laptops and all other items borrowed from the libraries and are assessed fines for overdue items and replacement fees for lost or missing items, including laptops.

Suggestions

Your suggestions regarding library services are welcome. Please contact the director of libraries with your ideas and comments at 202-319-5055, or use our online form at http://libraries.cua.edu/form/contact.cfm

There is also a suggestion box in the first floor lobby of Mullen Library. Suggestions and comments are answered on a regular basis, and the answers are posted. Student representatives are members of the Academic Senate Committee on Libraries.

Complete information on the university libraries and their resources and services can be found on the library Web site: http://libraries.cua.edu.