Library

The Library at Mount Aloysius College is a 31,000 square-foot facility that was opened in 1995. The collections provide users with access to more than 100,000 bound volumes, over 10,000 current print and electronic journal subscriptions, and around 10,000 audio-visual items and microforms. The facility includes the Buhl Computer Lab and Ecumenical Studies Collection on the lower level; the Main, Legal, and Juvenile Collections as well as a classroom and reading lounge are on the top level.  The first floor of the Library is a Learning Commons housing reference, circulation, tutoring and basic computing assistance.  The area is outfitted with collaborative work tables, small group study rooms, individual study areas and desktop and wireless computing.  the Learning Commons brings together academic support services for research, tutoring, and technology assistance, helping students to achieve academic excellence in their studies.

The Library provides access to its collections through Mountlink , an online catalog. To borrow books that are not available in Mountlink, patrons can use E-ZBorrow, a user-initiated statewide borrowing program for requesting books from other libraries. Access to databases is provided through the Library’s web page. The Library has high-speed Internet available at public terminals and wireless Internet throughout the facility. The Library circulates wireless laptop computers to registered students. Additional access to the collections of other libraries is provided through AccessPA, indirectly through the library’s interlibrary loan program, and through memberships in regional and national resource-sharing consortia.

The Library staff takes an active role in the instructional and research programs of the College by assisting students in the effective use of available resources. Through reference service and in-class instruction professional librarians assist students in developing and refining the information literacy skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.

The Ecumenical Studies Collection houses Pastor Gerald L. Myers’ personal library of more than 17,000 books, audio-visual materials, journals, pamphlets, and artifacts on theology, religion, philosophy, and related subjects. This collection enables understanding across denominations and religious traditions.