Chapman University Library serves as the central intellectual hub for students, faculty, and researchers, offering curated collections, collaborative study spaces, and expert research guidance. This resource-rich environment supports academic excellence across all programs at Chapman University.
The library combines traditional print materials with cutting-edge digital tools, ensuring that users can access authoritative sources, scholarly databases, and multimedia resources from on-campus labs or remote locations. Its evolving services strengthen information literacy and support innovative teaching across disciplines.
Library Core Services at a Glance
| Service | Description | Primary Audience | Access Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Consultations | One-on-one support from subject librarians for topic selection, search strategy, and source evaluation | Students, faculty, staff | Online booking or in-person |
| Study Spaces & Group Rooms | Quiet floors, collaborative tables, reservable group study rooms with technology support | Currently enrolled students | Room reservation system |
| Digital Collections & Databases | Thousands of e-journals, streaming media, primary source archives, and discipline-specific platforms | Students, faculty, alumni (remote) | Username authentication off-campus |
| Course Reserves & Interlibrary Loan | Instructor-placed materials, rapid requests from partner libraries, and document delivery | Students, faculty | Library catalog and ILL form |
Information Literacy Curriculum
The Chapman University Library integrates information literacy across the curriculum, embedding librarians in courses to guide students through source evaluation, ethical research practices, and effective use of digital tools. These collaborations help students build confidence in locating, analyzing, and communicating complex information.
Workshops cover critical areas such as database searching, citation management, research design, and data literacy, with tailored sessions for graduate theses, undergraduate projects, and faculty scholarship. By aligning with disciplinary standards, the library ensures that information skills become a tangible asset in every academic program.
Research Support & Specialized Collections
Subject-Specific Librarians
Each college at Chapman University Library assigns dedicated liaison librarians who understand the nuances of specific disciplines, from business and film to nursing and public policy. These liaisons curate collections, create research guides, and offer expert consultations that align library resources with program learning outcomes.
Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Scholarship
The library’s archives and special collections preserve institutional history, rare materials, and primary sources that enrich classroom exploration and scholarly inquiry. Digital scholarship initiatives support data visualization, digital storytelling, and collaborative research projects, fostering innovative approaches to knowledge creation.
Technology, Spaces, and Study Environment
Modern study environments include collaborative worktables, quiet reading areas, technology-enhanced group study rooms, and assistive tools for accessibility. High-speed Wi-Fi, printing and scanning stations, and reservable equipment ensure that students can work seamlessly from planning to presentation.
The Chapman University Library continually evaluates emerging technologies, such as virtual collaboration platforms and assistive learning tools, to create an inclusive and future-ready campus experience. Flexible spaces accommodate both individual deep work and dynamic team-based learning.
Library Policies and Community Impact
Chapman University Library policies are designed to promote equitable access, protect user privacy, and support academic integrity. Clear guidelines around borrowing, study space usage, technology, and respectful environment expectations help maintain a reliable and welcoming space for the entire university community.
- Use Chapman University Library resources ethically and in compliance with copyright and licensing terms
- Reserve study spaces and group rooms in advance to ensure availability for coursework and collaboration
- Engage with subject librarians early in major research projects to strengthen search strategy and source selection
- Leverage remote access tools and digital collections to maintain productivity off-campus
- Participate in workshops and information literacy sessions to build skills that support every course
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I request a research consultation with a subject librarian?
You can schedule a research consultation through the library’s online appointment system, selecting your subject area and preferred time. A librarian will then meet with you to discuss your research question, search strategies, and relevant resources.
Can off-campus students access the library’s databases and e-journals?
Yes, currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff can access digital collections remotely using their university username and credentials. The library provides secure VPN and single sign-on options to ensure safe off-campus use of licensed content.
What should I do if I need a book or article that Chapman University Library does not own?
You can request materials not held in the collection through interlibrary loan. Simply provide the full citation via the ILL form, and the library will seek a loan from a partner institution, typically delivering the item within a few business days.
Are group study rooms available for reservation, and what technology do they include?
Yes, group study rooms can be reserved online through the library’s room reservation system. Many rooms are equipped with displays, video conferencing tools, whiteboards, and power outlets to support collaborative class projects and team meetings.