Frequently Asked Questions

Library FAQs

How Can I Get Help From a Librarian?
Call us at 602.639.6641 or Toll Free 800.800.9776 ext. 6396641, send an email to library@gcu.edu , see the "Live Chat" function on the right-side of this page to chat live with a Librarian, or visit us in the Library. .

Where is the Library building?
The Grand Canyon University Fleming Library is building #23 on campus maps.  It is located just east of the security guard station at the 33rd Avenue entrance to campus.

How do I access the Library online?
From any web browser, go to http://library.gcu.edu. In the Angel classroom, click on the Library tab at the top of the page. 

What is my Login and Password?
Your Library user ID is your MyGCU ID (including any numbers) that you use to login to your courses. Your password is your MyGCU password. If you forgot your username or are having trouble logging in, contact Technical Support at 877.428.8447 or 602.639.7200, via email , or Chat

Why do I get an error message?
If the error says that your username or password is incorrect, contact Technical Support at 877.428.8447 or 602.639.7200, via email, or Chat

If the error states that the session timed out, refresh the page and log in again if necessary.  Also try turning off pop-up blockers. If you are using AOL's browser and are having difficulties, switch to Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer. If the error states that your browser's cookie settings need to be changed, instructions for doing so can be found here: Click here.  

Searching for books and more
How Do I Find a Book, DVD, streaming video or other multimedia?
Click on the "Find Books & More" link on the Library's web site at http://library.gcu.edu
Enter your keywords in the search box and click "Search." 
On the left-hand side of the screen, you will see links that allow you to limit your search to various formats.  Most of the Library's resources are electronic and can be accessed directly on the web site.

Can I borrow items from the GCU Library?
Any GCU Affiliate* may use any library resource, print or electronic.
* GCU Affiliates are defined as: Current GCU students, alumni, faculty, staff, community card holders, and pastors who can present proof of current service at a local church.  Students are defined as being currently enrolled for the semester. Faculty and staff are defined as being currently employed by the University.

How do I borrow items?
Most of the Library's resources are electronic and can be accessed directly from your computer via the Library's web site, http://library.gcu.edu.  Electronic books can be found by clicking the "Find Books and More" link; electronic journals and articles can be accessed by clicking "Find Journal Articles".
To check out items from the Library's physical collection, GCU Affiliates can present a valid GCU ID to the Library Help Desk.  If you're an online student or not able to come into the library, call us at 602.639.6641 or Toll Free 800.800.9776 ext. 6396641, send an email, see the "Live Chat" function on the right-side of this page to chat live with a Librarian, or visit us in the Library.

How long can I check items out for?
Books - 3 weeks.
DVDs and Video Games - 3 days.
Reserve materials - 2 hours, inside the Library only.

How do I renew?
Call us at 602.639.6641 or Toll Free 800.800.9776 ext. 6396641, send an email to library@gcu.edu , see the "Live Chat" function on the right-side of this page to chat live with a Librarian, or visit us in the Library. . Books and DVDs can only be renewed once.

Fines

How Much Are Late and Lost Fees?
Books - 25 cents per day per item.

A: DVDs and Video Games - $1.00 per day per item. 

A: InterLibrary Loan items - determined by lending institution

Lost fees:

General books - $40.00 or the actual cost of the item

Nursing / Medical books - $100.00 or the actual cost of the item

Interlibrary Loan items - determined by lending institution

Student theses - $100.00

Multimedia items - $50.00 or the actual cost of the item

InterLibrary Loan (ILL)

I found a citation to an article/book that the GCU Library does not own! Now what? 
First, double-check the Library's resources.  For books, go to the Library's web site, http://library.gcu.edu, click "Find Books and More" and enter your keywords. 

If you have the full citation for an article or want to search by journal title, go to the Library's web site http://library.gcu.edu, click "Find Journal Articles", then "Browse by Journal Title".  Enter the journal title or search by citation to see if the Library can provide access to the issue that you need.

If we do not own the book or journal, the Library offers Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service.  Fill out the Interlibrary Loan form on the Library's web site to request items.  Or you can consult http://worldcat.org to find libraries in your area that have the item.

How do I request ILL items?
Fill out the Interlibrary Loan form on the Library's web site to request items. Books can be picked up at the Library or mailed to you.  Articles can be picked up, emailed, faxed, or mailed to you.

How Much Does ILL Cost?
Usually, there is no cost for this service. However, sometimes a lending library charges a fee. If there are fees involved, the Library will inform you before continuing to order the item.

How Long Does the ILL Process Take?
The Library has many reciprocal sharing agreements with libraries throughout the country.  As we contact them and make borrowing arrangements, the process can take a few days up to a few weeks.

How do I search for an article?
Click on the "Find Journal Articles" link, from the Library's web site, http://library.gcu.edu.  Click on a subject or browse databases by title to locate a database; enter your keywords in the search boxes.  If you are searching a general topic, or do not know which databases to choose, three great multidisciplinary databases are Academic Search Premier, ProQuest Central, and Wilson Omnifile.  Alternately, you can use the Library's OneSearch option to search through all of our databases at once.

I didn't get any results!
Check your spelling or revise your search by using fewer, broader, or other related terms.  Contact the Library for help! You can call us Toll Free at 800.800.9776 ext. 6396641, email us at library@gcu.edu, chat with a Librarian live at our web site, http://library.gcu.edu, or visit us in the Library.

How do I know which database to use?
You can access the Library's database list by clicking on "Find Journal Articles" from the Library's web site, http://library.gcu.edu. You can browse by subject or by database title.  If you are searching a general topic, or do not know which databases to choose, three great multidisciplinary databases are Academic Search Premier, ProQuest Central, and Wilson Omnifile.

What if I need help using the databases?
 Contact the Library for help! You can call us Toll Free  at 800.800.9776 ext. 6396641, email us at library@gcu.edu, chat with a Librarian live at our web site, http://library.gcu.edu or visit us in the Library.

How do I find a specific article or journal? I have a citation. 
 If you have the full citation for an article or want to search by journal title, from the Library's web site http://library.gcu.edu, click "Find Journal Articles", then "Browse by Journal Title".  Enter the journal title or search by citation to see if the Library can provide access to the issue that you need.

 I Can't Find Full Text Articles, Just Abstracts!
 Click the Full Text option in the Limit section on the database search page before clicking the Search button. Your results will be Full Text. Click on HTML, PDF, or Linked Full Text to view the entire article. Some of the Library's databases contain only the citations for articles, rather than the full text.  If you find a citation and would like the full text of the article, fill out the Interlibrary Loan form on the Library web site to request items.

What is a scholarly peer reviewed article and how do I find one?
A scholarly peer-reviewed article is one that has been reviewed by experts in the subject area to make sure that it contains reliable, authoritative information. On the individual database search pages you will see a peer reviewed or scholarly journals check box.  Make sure that it's selected when you do your search.

Where can I find help with formatting my paper?
The Center for Learning and Advancement (CLA) can help!  Check out their web site. Information on APA Style can also be found in your classroom under the "Student Success Center". Also, go the the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University for additional resources:  http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Many of the Library's databases have a "Cite" tool that will generate citations for you.  Look for a "Cite" icon or link after clicking on an article title.The Library also provides access to RefWorks, a bibliographic management tool.  Click on the RefWorks link on the Library's web site.
Contact the Library for help! You can call us Toll Free at 800.800.9776 ext. 6396641, email, see the "Live Chat" function on the right-side of this page to chat live with a Librarian, or visit us in the Library.

Where can I order my textbooks?
The library does not carry textbooks.  Please contact the Bookstore for textbook information at Toll Free 877.866.8917 and through their web site.