Services & Departments
Acquisitions / Gifts 464-5364
The Acquisitions department orders all new library materials, both print and non-print. They also do the initial review of all library donations .
Cataloging and Receiving 464-6183
Cataloging and Receiving is responsible for receiving and tracking all new library materials, including periodicals and government publications. They create the records for our catalog, keeping subject headings and classification numbers consistent and accurate. The department also prepares items for shelving and use.
Circulation & Reserves 464-5366
The main circulation desk is the nerve center of Christopher Center Library Services, staffed every moment that the library is open. Directly in front of you as you enter the 2nd floor of the library, this is where you check-out and return library materials; find Reserve materials, pick up Interlibrary Loan materials; get change for copiers; and check the Lost & Found. They also staff a second circulation desk on the first floor near Grinders. This is where a small collection of presentation media that may be borrowed by current faculty, staff, and students of Valparaiso University. Reservations for equipment loans (464-5774) are recommended. Have a library-related question? A Circulation Staff member will answer it or take you to a person who can.
Interlibrary Loan 464-5363
The Interlibrary Loan Office obtains research materials not available in our collections from other libraries. This service is available to VU students, faculty (current & emeritus), and staff.
Library Instruction Services Program 464-5023
Christopher Center's Instruction Services program provides discipline-related instruction for specific courses, enabling students to learn about the breadth of library resources in all formats available to them locally and at remote locations. Working with faculty to customize each session, the librarians design sessions that range from basic introductions to Christopher Center resources to the use of upper-level subject-specific research tools. To learn more about what we can do for your class through library instruction, contact your subject librarian. To request an instruction session, complete the Instruction Services Request form.
Research Services 464-6890
Consulting with a research librarian or assistant is often the first place to begin library research. Trained staff provide individualized assistance, helping you to develop research strategies as well as learn how to use digital and print library resources. The research service desk is located in the research area on the second floor, but when this desk is not staffed, assistance is available at the main circulation desk. Alternatively, a consultation appointment can be made with a subject librarian.
The research collection includes all types of reference resources, but an increasing number of resources are available online. The research staff maintain a number of guides to help you find the best resources for a particular project. Computers for general use are also available in the research area.
The Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources is a selective depository for U.S. government publications, including maps issued by various federal departments. As such, we provide government information to the citizens of the First Congressional District of Indiana. For help with finding government information or maps contact the Government Information Librarian.
University Archives 464-5808
University Archives, located on Christopher Center's third floor, is responsible for collecting, preserving, organizing, and describing the official records of VU. The collection includes VU artifacts, audio/visual materials, books, documents, and photographs of enduring administrative, legal, fiscal, and historical value. Contact the Archivist to request research privileges.
University Archives, located on Christopher Center's third floor, is responsible for collecting, preserving, organizing, and describing the official records of Valparaiso University. The collection includes VU artifacts, audio/visual materials, books, documents, and photographs of enduring administrative, legal, fiscal, and historical value. Contact the Special Collections Librarian at University.Archives@valpo.edu to request research privileges or assistance.