Library Information: About Ryan Library

Community Users

Please take note of the following policies regarding community use of library computers:

• Library research computers are not intended for recreational use; however, community users are invited to conduct research, search online employment listings, or briefly (20-minute maximum) access their email accounts.
• PLNU students, staff, and faculty are always the library’s top priority.  At busy times, community users may be asked to relinquish a computer terminal for student use.
• Members of the community using research computers for social networking, general Web surfing, online games, illegal purposes, or any purpose deemed inappropriate in light of the University’s emphasis on grace, truth, and holiness will be asked to leave the library.

Read the Ryan Library Community Users Policy.

A digital scanner with email capability is available in the library reference area.

Click to view a list of all of the Ryan Library's Research Guides, or to search for the one you need. 

Circulation Area

• Circulation Desk
  • Check out books
  • Find items on Reserve
  • Check out Group Study Room key

Reference Area

• Research Help Desk
• Reference books
• Digital scanner
• Current periodicals
• Study areas
• Librarians' offices
• DVDs/BluRays
• Access to computer labs

Lower Level

• Books (call #'s 000 - 299.999)
• Paper cutter, pencil sharpener
• Individual study desks

Middle Level

• Books (call #'s 300 - 699.999)
• Group Study Rooms (check out key at Circulation Desk)
• Study areas

Upper Level

• Books (call #'s 700 - 999.999)
• Individual study desks
• Quiet study areas
• Restroom

WorldCat is the tool you need to research books (and more)::

• Books and media materials at PLNU
• ebooks available through PLNU
• Articles from some of our most-used databases
• Books available through WorldCat at other institutions (request through Interlibrary Loan)

A few things you should know:

• For books found in Ryan Library, the check out period for PLNU students and staff is 3 weeks, with an option to renew for an additional 3 weeks.  The check out period for faculty is 6 months, with no opportunity to renew.
• For books borrowed through InterLibrary Loan, loan periods may vary. 
• You can renew books online by logging in and using the "My Library Account" link in the upper right of the screen.

Chat with a librarian here! 

You can also connect via text message at 619-592-8884 or by email.

Circulation (Front) Desk: (619) 849-2312

Research Help Desk: (619) 849-2337

The Research Help Desk at Ryan Library welcomes both in-person and digital research questions from members of the PLNU community (faculty/staff/students).

"Ask A Librarian" Hours

Chat and email services will be limited during holidays and school breaks.