Research

• How do I start my research?

  Try one of our LibGuides.

• How do I find a specific article?

  To access a particular article, first determine whether the library has access to the periodical (journal, magazine, or newspaper) in which the article can be found. Click on Journals A to Z and search using the title of the periodical. If the periodical is online, you will be directed to the appropriate library database. Print periodicals can be found in the Reading Room (current issues) and in the Bound Periodicals section (older issues). If you cannot find the article you need in full text, you may order it through ILL (Biola members only).

• How do I find commentaries?

  Commentaries can be found in the Reference Collection as well as on the Upper and Lower Levels of the library. Use the Library Catalog to search for commentaries. Here are a few sample searches that will result in all commentaries on a particular book of the Bible. Be sure to type the spaces in your search phrase.

  • Bible N T Romans Commentaries
  • Bible O T Psalms Commentaries
  • Bible N T Corinthians Commentaries

• How do I find dissertations?

  Many masters theses and doctoral dissertations done through Biola University are in our print collection. We also own some theses and dissertations done through other schools. They are listed in the Library Catalog by author, title, and subject. They are also listed by series. To search by series, use the KEYWORD search field and type the degree name and school. For example:

  • Theses (Ph. D.) Talbot
  • Theses (Th. M.) Talbot
  • Theses (Psy.D.) Rosemead

  Biola theses are also organized by year. For example:

  • Theses (Ph. D.) Talbot, 2010

  The library also subscribes to databases that may contain the full text of theses and dissertations from Biola and other schools. See Articles and Databases.

• Does the library have popular movies/DVDs?

  The library does have a number of movies on DVD and VHS. They are located in the Media Collection on the Middle Level of the library. To search for media items, do an advanced search in the Library Catalog and select “Media Collections” under the location field.

Library Account

• What is my PIN?

  If you have never set up your library PIN, click on My Account and follow the instructions there. If you have forgotten your PIN, click on the “Forgot Your PIN” link. This PIN is not associated with other Biola accounts; it is only used to access your Library Account.

• I’m not a Biola member. Can I get a library card?

  See Library Access for a list of options and to download a Library Card Application.

• How many books and DVDs can I check out?

  See Borrowing & Circulation.

• How do I renew an item?

  To renew an item online, first set up your library account.  Once logged into your account, you can see what items you have checked out and renew them online. See Borrowing & Circulation for more information about renewals.

• What if my book is overdue or I lost it?

  See Borrowing & Circulation for more information on renewing your book or paying fines and fees.

• How do I request that a book be held for me?

  Currently enrolled or employed Biola students, staff, and faculty may place holds on items that are currently checked out. Items with the status of "Available" in the Library Catalog may not be placed on hold. Library staff are unable to pull available books from the shelf and hold them for you. To place a hold on an item that is unavailable, first set up your library account. Then search for the item in the Library Catalog and click on "Request". When the item is returned, you will be notified, and the item will be held at the Circulation Desk.

Computers, Printing, & Copying

• How do I print?

  • Go to a library computer and print as you normally would.
  • After printing, you will receive a pop-up window. Log in with your NetID and password (same login as My.Biola).
  • If necessary, add money to your Biola ID card using the kiosk near the Reference Desk.
  • Go to a print release station and swipe your card or log in to release your print job.

  For more information, see Printing & Copying.

• How long does a print job stay in the print queue?

  24 hours

• Can I print from my laptop in the library?

  Yes, see Printing & Copying for instructions on setting up your laptop.

• Can I scan in the library?

  Yes. All the copy machines function as scanners. See Printing & Copying for more information.

• Does the library have Wifi?

  Wireless access is available to all library users through the BiolaGUEST connection. No password is required. Biola members should use the BiolaSECURE.AC connection to take advantage of the security and higher speeds it offers. For more information, see the IT website.

General

• I’m not a Biola member. Can I get a library card?

  See Library Access for a list of options and to download a Library Card Application.

• How many books and DVDs can I check out?

  See Borrowing & Circulation.

• How do I renew an item?

  To renew an item online, first set up your library account.  Once logged into your account, you can see what items you have checked out and renew them online. See Borrowing & Circulation for more information about renewals.

• What if my book is overdue or I lost it?

  See Borrowing & Circulation for more information on renewing your book or paying fines and fees.

• How do I request that a book be held for me?

  Currently enrolled or employed Biola students, staff, and faculty may place holds on items that are currently checked out. Items with the status of "Available" in the Library Catalog may not be placed on hold. Library staff are unable to pull available books from the shelf and hold them for you. To place a hold on an item that is unavailable, first set up your library account. Then search for the item in the Library Catalog and click on "Request". When the item is returned, you will be notified, and the item will be held at the Circulation Desk.

• What does a book “In Process” mean?

  The book is new and is being prepared to be shelved. It may take a week or more to become available, depending on the order record, time received, etc.  If you are a Biola student, staff, or faculty member, you can log in to your library account and place a hold on the item.  You will be notified once the item becomes available.

• How do I request materials to be purchased for the library collection?

  If you are a Biola student or staff employee you can use the Suggest a Title for Purchase link in the Library Catalog. You will first need to login to your Library Account. If you are a Biola faculty member, please follow these instructions.

• Can I send a fax from the library?

  Not at this time. Please visit the Bookstore or Duplicating Center.

• Does the library have tax forms?

  The library does not have paper tax forms. However, most commonly used tax forms can be downloaded and printed from the web.  For federal forms, visit http://www.irs.gov/and for California state forms, visit http://www.ftb.ca.gov/.

• Is food allowed in the library?

  Food may only be consumed in the Food Court or Outdoor Study Terrace. Drinks in covered containers are permitted everywhere in the library.

• May I donate books to the Library?

  Yes, see Donating to the Library.

• Can I reserve a group study room?

  Group study rooms may only be used on a first-come-first-served basis. They cannot be reserved. Please do not leave your items unattended in a group study room. More information about group study rooms can be found here.

• Where is Disability Services?

  Disability Services is housed in the Learning Center, which is located on the Upper Level of the Library.

• How can I reserve the Library Conference Room (LCR)?

  See Library Conference Room.

• How do I reserve a computer classroom or the Library Courtyard for an event or workshop?

  Make a request with Campus Coordination through the form provided in My.Biola.

• Does the library offer tutoring?

  Please visit the Learning Center, which is located on the Upper Level of the Library.

• Where are the L140 and L141 computer classrooms (PC lab and Mac lab)?

  On the Lower Level near the restrooms.  View a floor map.

If all else fails, Ask a Librarian!