The library is a great place for college students looking to lock in on studying or to find sources for a paper, and Azusa Pacific University’s libraries offer a variety of academic and personal resources for students that inspire them to be creative and collaborate with others. APU has three libraries. Marshburn Library is located on East Campus while Darling Library and Stamps Theological Library are located on West Campus. Each location has resources, unique collections, and study spaces, and they’re all overseen by knowledgeable librarians who are more than happy to help students on their academic journeys.
Students have access to physical books on campus as well as ebooks and books from other libraries and universities via APU’s online library. Using the online databases, students can find sources to help them with their class work, find out where the sources are located, and request books or articles for interlibrary loan. “The data bases are helpful when doing research because you can get results that are subject specific and peer reviewed,” said Jennifer Blair ’05, MSLIS, MA, associate professor, librarian, and head of user services for University Libraries. The online library also gives students access to research guides. These guides are created by librarians for specific classes to help students find sources for their projects and papers.
APU’s librarians are knowledgeable and ready to help students succeed. Students who have gotten help from librarians on assignments have reported an improvement in their grades. Blair encourages students to connect with the librarians for projects and research based papers. “We welcome students to utilize us as a resource,” she said. “Visit the library or email us and get the help you need. We’re here to support you and help you grow as a scholar.” APU’s online library also has a 24/7 chat feature that students can use to connect with APU librarians quickly and remotely. If it’s after hours for the library staff, students will be connected with librarians from around the country and even around the world. “Take time to talk to the librarians," said Amaryllis Bellinder ’28, a circulation assistant and social sciences and honors humanities double major.
They can help you figure out what you’re looking for rather than just searching online, and that’s a great long-term time saver. It’s such a blessing to our campus to have such knowledgeable librarians, so take advantage of their expertise.
Another popular feature of APU’s libraries are their wide range of study spaces with various levels of noise tolerance. Marshburn library has three floors. The main floor is a quiet space, so talking in a whisper or low tone is perfectly acceptable. However, the bottom and top floors are perfect for those looking to really focus on their work because they’re both silent floors. Each library also has study rooms that single or groups of students can book up to 24 hours in advance. These are great for group projects, Zoom calls, Honors College writing groups, or for those who need to be focused when they work but want to get outside of their living area. Stamps, the smallest of the three libraries, is known as the quiet library and is also a great place to study for those who need absolute silence when working.
Besides being a great place to study or research for a project, Marshburn Library also has spaces for students to get creative. Last spring, APU introduced a self-guided, self-paced MakerSpace, a place where students have free access to supplies ranging from paint and Cricut machines to a laser engraver and sewing machine. “We have practically everything students need to create unique items here,” Blair said. The librarians have also created libguides on operating some of the more challenging equipment so that any student can use them. “The MakerSpace has all kinds of resources that are fun and helpful outlets for students who may not have those items with them while living on campus,” Bellinder said.
Marshburn Library also has a fully functioning filming and recording studio. The room is equipped with sound boards, a universal tripod made for any camera or phone, lighting and sound equipment, and green, blue, and black screens. “This is not something that many libraries have,” Blair said. “We want students to know that they’re welcome to use this room as a resource for school work or personal use.” The room can be reserved by any student on the library’s website. In addition to the filming room, Marshburn also has a computer lab that classes and students can access.
As the head of user services, Blair engages students in the library through artistic and reflective activities. Once or twice a semester, Blair will set up a quiet faith-based arts and crafts or reflection question activity in the entrance of the libraries. “It’s self paced, and students can participate as much or as little as they’d like,” she said. “They’re silent activities, so you won’t disrupt anyone that’s studying. These activities encourage students to engage on multiple levels when they come into the library, not just about what they’re reading or working on for class, but about their faith and how they can impact the world as a difference maker.”
APU’s libraries are more than just places for books. They inspire creativity, collaboration, and community. “Whenever I walk around the library, I always see students helping each other,” Bellinder said. “There’s a strong sense of community here when students are working together, focusing on the same thing, and helping each other, especially during the first semester of the year.” Students are encouraged to utilize the University Libraries’ in-person and virtual resources available to them and to connect with the librarians to get the most out of their learning experience.