Pius XII Memorial Library

Pius XII Memorial Library
Type Academic Library
Established 1959 (1959)
Location 3650 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis MO 63108
Other information
Director David Cassens
Website http://libraries.slu.edu

The Pius XII Memorial Library is an academic library located on the Saint Louis University Frost Campus. Named after Pope Pius XII and built in 1959, it occupies 215,000 square feet and houses over 1.3 million volumes, including more than 20,000 rare books. It is the home of the Vatican Film Library.[1] During the fall and spring semesters, students use the library 24 hours a day Sunday through Friday.[1]

General

Pius XII Memorial Library works to collect and maintain past and present ideas and issues. The collection of information is used for teaching and research. The collection of information available demonstrates the Jesuit mission of the pursuit of knowledge. To achieve this part of the Jesuit mission, Pius XII Memorial Library works to implement technology to gather and preserve information from its own collection and from other libraries and sources around the world. Pius aims to provide digital and physical places for students and faculty to find information at Saint Louis University.[2]

Technology

There are 87 public computers available and wireless access throughout the building.[1] Students may print on one of four printers using Billiken Bucks.[3] To find online sources, students can use SLUth Search Plus on the library’s website.[4] This feature searches through all of the materials that Pius has access to, both in the library and in databases online.[4]

Wifi coverage and wired Ethernet cords are available throughout the library. The Emerging Technology Committee was created so technological developments are always being considered. There are also plans to update the website for use on mobile devices.

Another resource available online to students is the Ask-A-Librarian online instant messaging.[5] During library hours, librarians respond to questions regarding research or finding materials.[5] Texting is another method to ask a librarian questions.[5]

Services

Interlibrary Loan

Pius has the ability to offer students resources that the library does not have through an interlibrary loan program called ILLiad. Through an online account, one may use ILLiad to place, track, and keep a history of loan requests. One may also use ILLiad to access electronic copies of articles as PDFs.[6]

Another interlibrary loan service Pius uses is MOBIUS, the Missouri Bibliographic Information User System.[7] This service allows students to gain access to books in Missouri that are not presently available in Pius library.[8]

University Writing Services

University Writing Services (UWS) has peer consultation appointments located in the library. The goal of the program is to advance students' writing through peer review, writing groups, and workshops.[9]

Pius offers writing services to both undergraduates and graduates by appointment.[10]

Research Assistant Program

The Research Assistance Program (RAP) aids in identifying and using library resources for research needs. Pius offers research assistance and strategies through the help of research librarians. Undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff who are working on research projects are able to make appointments with research librarians online through SLU Appointments, located in the Tools tab in mySLU.[11]

Vatican Film Library

Pius XII Library also houses the Vatican Film Library, established in 1953 with help from the Knights of Columbus. It is unique to SLU and the only other collection is in Rome. This collection is the only one in the Western Hemisphere for Vatican Microfilm Collection. It contains more than 37,000 microfilmed manuscripts from the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. Among its outstanding manuscripts are some of the oldest copies of the Bible in Greek, the works of Virgil, illuminated manuscripts of Dante, works of medieval philosophers, theologians, historians, classical Latin and Greek authors, and Renaissance humanists.[12][13]

Citation Guides

Pius also offers access to citation guides to help cite sources in AMA, APA, Chicago, Legal, MLA, and Turabian styles. These style guides are available in all of the University libraries.[14]

Events

The library holds numerous events and exhibitions throughout the year. The library brings in food trucks throughout the year, and notifies the students through social media. Another event the library holds during finals is “Puppy Love at Pius.” During this event, the College of Arts and Sciences brings therapy dogs into the library to help reduce students’ stress levels and give them a study break.[15]

The library also hosts educational talks and conferences for students and community members. It also hosts book signing events.

Past events in 2013 included an exhibition on The Ballets Russes in 2013 and a guest lecture and discussion about the Saint Louis Exorcism of 1949. The Vatican Film Library hosts a medieval and Renaissance manuscript studies conference every year.[16]

Social Media

Pius uses social media including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to inform students about events and activities the library offers.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Pius XII Memorial Library Facts". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  2. ↑ "Strategic Plan - Mission, Vision, Values". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Printing at Pius and MCL Libraries". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  4. 1 2 "Saint Louis University Libraries".
  5. 1 2 3 "SLUth- Search Plus" (PDF).
  6. ↑ "Interlibrary Loan". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  7. ↑ "Request Materials Through MOBIUS". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "MOBIUS". MOBIUS. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  9. ↑ "University Writing Services". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  10. ↑ "Student Services in the Library". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  11. ↑ "Library Instruction & Tours". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  12. ↑ Anonymous. "Vatican Film Library, St Louis University." Old English Newsletter. University of Tennessee, Department of English. 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2014 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1667751861.html
  13. ↑ "Vatican Film Library". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  14. ↑ "Reference Portal: Style Guides and Manuals". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  15. ↑ "Puppy Love at Pius". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  16. ↑ "Events & Exhibitions". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
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