Policies
Ask a Librarian
This form is used to submit questions to the Reference Librarians at the Pepperdine University Libraries. This service is available to current Pepperdine University students, faculty, and staff.
Borrowing Privileges and Responsibilities
The loan policy defines the privileges and responsibilities of all who borrow materials from the University libraries. Circulation policies and procedures are determined by patron type, format of the material, and location of the material.
Cell Phones
To foster a creative study and research environment in the University Libraries, cell phones and pagers must be set on non-audible signals within the library. Cell phone conversations are permitted only in the following areas within the Payson Library:
- The lobby at the entrance to the library next to the circulation desk.
- The lobby at the top of the stairs on the second floor.
These areas are clearly indicated by signs stating that cell phone conversations are not allowed beyond that point. Those who consistently violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
Electronic Databases
To view complete descriptions of library databases, please select a database by title, subject, or type. To go to a database directly, select it from the drop-down menu. Please check the Database Updates to see information about content updates and maintenance windows. If you would like to search a group of databases, go to One-Stop Info Search.
Filming and Photography in the Library
The purpose of this policy is to establish the terms and conditions under which University Library space may be used for filming and photography. This policy applies to filming and photography by members of the Pepperdine community, as well as to persons external to the University.
Interested parties wanting to film and/or photograph in any of the Pepperdine campus libraries must submit a written proposal to the Dean of Libraries Office for approval. All proposals will be reviewed and processed in a timely manner. Please submit your proposals as early as possible.
The written proposal must include:
- Name and contact information of the person responsible
- Date and time of filming/photography
- Locations that will be included
- Purpose and description of the filming/photography to be performed and purpose for which it will be used
Government Information
Pepperdine University is a selective depository of Federal government information. Most government documents are housed at either Payson Library or the Law Library. Both Pepperdine students and members of the general public may use all government-provided information.
Group Study Rooms
The University Libraries remind students of the availability of group study rooms in the Payson, Drescher, and West Los Angeles Libraries.
Study rooms may be reserved at Payson Library and at the Drescher and West Los Angeles Campus Libraries by groups of two or more persons up to one week in advance. Reservations may be made in-person at the Circulation Desk or by calling:
(310) 506-7273 for Payson
(310) 506-8566 for Drescher
(310) 568-5685 for West Los Angeles
A group may reserve a study room for up to two hours per day (three hours a day at Drescher). After that time, a group may continue to use the room only if it has not been reserved by another group.
Individuals may use study rooms which have not been previously reserved by a group. Individuals may wish to check the reservation schedule at the Circulation Desk before occupying a room. Groups are given priority over individuals when all rooms are occupied.
Rooms will only be held for fifteen minutes after their reserved times, after which they are considered to be open and available.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) allows current Pepperdine University students, faculty, and staff to borrow materials not available in the Pepperdine libraries from other libraries in the United States. The Pepperdine Interlibrary Loan service is not available to alumni, Friends of the Library, Crest Club members, or the general public. All other patrons should use the Interlibrary Loan services at their local public libraries. Pepperdine University Law School students, faculty and staff should submit their Interlibrary Loan requests to the Law School Library.
Library Catalog
The library catalog provides information on the print and electronic holdings of the Pepperdine University Libraries: books, videos, DVDs, microfilm, periodical titles can all be identified through the catalog. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the general public may search the Pepperdine online catalog in the library or at home through the Pepperdine University Libraries website.
Pepperdine Campus Loan
Through the Pepperdine Campus Loan service, current Pepperdine University students, faculty, and staff have access to books, periodicals, and microforms owned by all the Pepperdine University Libraries (excluding overseas campuses). This service provides next day delivery (weekdays).
