We look forward to working
with you!
This Library 101 page is designed to help you identify the key services and resources
that will assist you during your first quarter here at Cal State LA.
The University Library is…
An extensive collection of resources (in
a variety
of formats) including over a million print volumes and thousands of
electronic journals and more that you can access online from anywhere!
A place to study, to work on a computer, get help, relax, and learn!
A staff of 60+ helpful library faculty, staff, & student assistants who are here to support your
research needs.
Where should you start?
Come to the Reference & Information Desk (it's the first desk you see
when you walk into the entrance of Library North) for directions, answers to
your questions,
or to get help with your research. Right next to the Reference &
Information Desk you'll see the
Circulation Desk (look for the blue
wall) where you can check out books and access materials your professor has
put on reserve for your class.
NIS login is now required to use
Library Computers
When you walk into the south entrance
(The Palmer
Wing), you'll see the
ITS Help Desk. This is where you can get a printout with your
NIS
Account information. You will use this "user name and password" to
login to the computers in the Library and campus computer labs. You'll
also use your NIS login to access library resources from home.
Finding your way around
You can get a good overview of how the Library is organized by
looking at our
Floor Plan Maps. Like most
university libraries,
the books in the Cal State LA Library are organized using the Library of
Congress call number system.
Need help finding things in the Library?
Click Here
Want to take a quick "virtual tour" of the Library?
Click Here
Exploring our resources
The Library has almost everything you'll need for an outstanding
academic experience:
library catalog
for books, media, & more
Use our
article databases page to find articles in journals,
magazines, & newspapers
Use a
library computer
OR
bring your laptop and
go
wireless
in the Library
& other spots on campus
Learning how to do research
Here is an online guide to doing research that contains lots
of good information to help you with your research and writing papers.
Welcome to Cal State LA & have a great
first year!
