News & Events
September 26-30 is Pacific University Libraries Week
August 25, 2021
September 26-30, 2022 is Pacific University Libraries Week
As you settle into Fall Semester, we want you to know that the Libraries are here for you!
We’re more than books: from helping you study or write a paper, to finding answers to tricky questions, to streaming movies, to just being a nice place to chill when you need a break from your own room or workspace.
Stop by the Tran Library in Forest Grove and the Hillsboro Campus Library in Creighton Hall in Hillsboro September 26-30 for:
- Crafts!
- Snacks!
- Useful information!
- Tours!
- Exciting prizes!
Every weekday during Libraries Week in the Tran Library, we will be holding staffed open house hours between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., where you can learn more from experts about:
- Requesting new things for the library (including ebooks!)
- Borrowing from us and other libraries
- Peer tutoring
- Using the Boxer Makerspace
- Getting research help (including using our Archives!)
- Figuring out how to use Moodle
If you’d like to learn about any of these things at the Hillsboro Campus Library, stop by any time between 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Come get to know us (or just grab a mystery bag)! We hope to see you soon!
Remembering Santha
July 21, 2021
Santha Zaik, an employee of the Pacific University Libraries and Music Department for over 40 years and a steadfast supporter of innumerable students and colleagues, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021.
At the library, Santha was the music specialist and cataloging assistant. She had a passion for music, as a performer and instructor. At the libraries, she was the architect of the music collection and liaison for the music faculty and students. If you have picked up a music book, score, CD, or LP at the library, chances are good that Santha selected it, added it to the library catalog, and made sure it would sit in the right place on the shelf.
However, her reach was even more extensive: if you have used any physical library material, it likely passed across Santha’s desk at some point, for selection, receiving, cataloging, processing, mending, inventory, shifting, or one of the countless other aspects of making resources available for the university community.
She also provided music reference and instruction for faculty and students; found books and music for coursework, teaching, research, and performance; and made countless other contributions to the library. Some of the amazing resources she selected and curated can be found here: https://pacificu.libguides.com/music
In addition to her role with the Libraries, she also organized the Music in May camp and festival for high school band, orchestra, and choir students, and taught French horn to students in the music department. She was also instrumental in organizing the annual Pacific University College of Optometry Northwest Residents Conference.
In the future, the Libraries will be celebrating Santha through gatherings and displays to honor and remember her legacy and many contributions. She will be deeply missed.
For more information and to leave a tribute, please visit: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/21675422/santha-zaik
How can Interlibrary Loan help?
February 18, 2021
Whether you’re on one of Pacific’s campuses or studying/teaching far away, Pacific University Libraries can get you the materials you need (free!) through Interlibrary Loan.
If you need an article or book chapter you can’t access for any reason, use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to request it and it will arrive to you, free of charge, as a PDF.
Interlibrary Loan borrows books/videos/physical library items from other libraries for you! If you’re learning remotely, ILL will send you the items with free shipping and free prepaid returns.
ILL is great for harder to find items, especially those not available via Summit, including dissertations, conference papers, older/obscure works, and more! Current textbooks are one of the few resources difficult to obtain using ILL as not many libraries have them to lend.
Arrival time varies, but articles may take 2-3 days. Physical loans can take 10-14 days, depending on where they come from. Please plan ahead!
Request Article Request Other Items
Need help getting started or have any questions?
When placing an Interlibrary Loan request, you will use an online system called ILLiad. Please see our ILLiad Guide which includes step by step screenshots or email ill@pacificu.edu with any questions.
Update on Physical Course Reserves
January 19, 2021
The Libraries are planning to resume physical course reserve services as of Summer Term 2021. At that point, we anticipate that improved public health and increased availability of on-site staff to process reserves will permit us to manage the short-term loan reserves collection safely and efficiently for students.
Faculty are encouraged to continue working with the Libraries to identify digital formats (if available) for required books and media in order to provide the broadest possible access to students studying both in-person and online, but for Summer Term 2021 and Fall Term 2021 faculty are welcome to submit new physical reserve requests starting now. Requests may be sent to libraryhelp@pacificu.edu.
For Spring Term 2021, the Libraries will offer limited access to course reserves for students, both to provide access to current library collections that have not been available for the past 10 months and to test the use/benefit of short-term check-outs in the COVID environment. The following guidelines are in place for Spring Term 2021:
- Only items that are currently on the Libraries’ reserves shelves (at both the Tran Library and HC Library) are available for checkout. We are not accepting requests for new items to be put on reserve for Spring Term 2021, but if items already on reserve need to be updated, please contact libraryhelp@pacificu.edu for assistance.
- Reserve items may be checked out for up to 2 days; when they are returned they will be quarantined, after which point they can be checked out again. This may cause some delay in the availability of materials.
We appreciate your patience as we gradually return to regular in-person services; we hope (along with you) that by Fall 2021, our services and facilities will look more familiar again!
Let us know what you think!
November 13, 2020
We are conducting a survey this month to gather student feedback. Please consider taking 15 minutes to complete the survey and provide us with feedback on how we can continue to improve our resources, our services, and your experience using the library.
At the end of the survey, there will be an opportunity for you to enter a separate raffle drawing to win one of (10) $50 Visa gift cards.
For more information on what will be done with the information you share, please visit the Libraries’ website.
Libraries Update Privacy Policy
November 4, 2020
We’ve recently updated our privacy policy. We are committed to respecting users’ privacy and acknowledge the role privacy plays in our mission to advance critical inquiry, collaborative learning, and knowledge creation.
This policy’s purpose is to inform users about:
- How the Libraries handle personally identifiable information that may be collected
- Actions the Libraries take in order to protect users’ privacy
- Users’ rights while engaging with Libraries’ resources
We hope the update increases transparency so that users can make informed decisions about privacy when using library resources.
New Way to Display
October 5, 2020
Have you noticed the new displays in the library windows lately?
Because of COVID-19, we haven’t been able to put out our typical book displays for people to browse, so this year we’re doing something a little different. The windows on the west side of the Tran Library (facing Trombley Square) now feature printouts of library materials and information about different topics. For each window display, we have an online guide where you can find all the resources featured.
September 15th-October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month.
Pacific Votes supports the efforts of the The McCall Center for Civic Engagement to make sure students have the resources they need to vote in this November’s election.
Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg highlights the life of the late supreme court justice.
Student Picks features books and DVDs from students who work at the Tran Library and is updated as students make new recommendations.
We’re also regularly updating a small physical display of new library materials that can be seen as you enter the building. Its online guide also includes new ebooks.
All display guides can be found at pacificu.libguides.com/librarydisplays. Look for QR codes in our window displays to easily access the guides from your smartphone (most phones now have a QR reader built-in directly to the camera app).
Have a question about something featured? Want to suggest a theme or additional materials? Let us know at libraryhelp@pacificu.edu.
Constitution Day & Citizenship Day
September 17, 2020
Thursday, September 17, 2020, is Constitution Day & Citizenship Day! We participate in the federal commemoration of the signing of the United States Constitution and those who have achieved United States citizenship. We have a wide range of resources on the history of the Constitution and the United States, as well as the history of U.S. citizenship. Check out some of these interesting documents, books, and videos in our virtual exhibit.
Reduced Hours for Labor Day
September 4, 2020
For Labor Day, September 7, 2020, Tran Library will be open from 7:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Hillsboro Campus Library will be closed. You can still access journals, databases, and more in the meantime!
Welcome Students!
August 21, 2020
Welcome to all our new students and welcome back to those of you returning! We have a short video to show you what to expect at Tran Library this year.
Reserve Study Space!
August 17, 2020
You can now reserve study space in either the Tran Library or Hillsboro Campus Library! Our goal is to provide you with a safe and healthy study environment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- You must have a reservation to use study space. Seats are spaced for social distancing and the number of reservations available is based on revised building capacities.
- You will need to wear a face covering and follow social distancing guidelines while in the Libraries.
- A BoxerID Card is required to enter the Tran Library and Hillsboro Campus Library.
- You will need to check in at the front desk.
- Food is not permitted, covered drinks allowed (with straws for under-mask use).
- We follow Pacific University’s COVID-19 health guidelines.
If you make a reservation, you will get an email with check-in information and instructions.
There are several different types of spaces available:
- Computer stations for desktop use and printing.
- Study seats for individual use in various areas of the Libraries.
- Study rooms for individual use on the 2nd floor of Tran Library.
- Study carrels for individual use at Hillsboro Campus Library.
- Standing desks for individual use at Hillsboro Campus Library.
You can make reservations at https://pacificu.libcal.com/r
Contactless Library Pickup
July 9, 2020
Starting Monday, July 6, Pacific University students, faculty, and staff can place requests for print books and media from Pacific’s collections for pickup at the Tran or Hillsboro Campus libraries. For more information, visit https://www.pacificu.edu/about/media/contactless-library-pickup.
Upcoming Website Update
June 8, 2020
Our website will be updated on Sunday, June 14. We’re excited to share a new look based on feedback from the campus community. We hope you’ll find the update even easier to use than our current site.
Tips for Remote Research
March 30, 2020
We’ve got plenty of options for accessing research remotely:
- Use the library’s databases to find articles, ebooks, and more.
- If we don’t have an article or book chapter, request it for digital delivery with interlibrary loan.
- If there is a book you need and it’s only available in print, request it through interlibrary loan – if it’s under $50, we will mail it to you and you can keep it!
If there is an ebook or streaming video that you think the library should own, request that we buy it.
You can chat with us if you have any questions Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Expanded Online Access
March 26, 2020
Many publishers are temporarily expanding access to their content and new educational resources may be available to support your curriculum. See New/Trial Databases and those labeled COVID-19 Special Access in the databases list.
Library & Makerspace Events Cancelled
March 16, 2020
Our library and Makerspace events are cancelled. If you need assistance, please get in touch with us via chat or email.
Learn Laser Cutting & Engraving
March 11, 2020
Join Andy Dawes for the Basics of Laser Cutting and Engraving on March 16 at 3:00 p.m.
Start Printing in 3D
March 5, 2020
Learn the Basics of 3D printing from Steve O’Day in the Boxer Makerspace on March 10 at 4:00 p.m.
Try Tinkercad for 3D Design
February 22, 2020
Join Tyler Brumfield in the Boxer Makerspace to learn Tinkercad on March 4 at 4:00 p.m. You can use Tinkercad to create 3D models, then print them with our 3D printer (and some training, of course)!
Scan in 3D
February 10, 2020
Join Steve O’Day and the Boxer Makerspace for Introduction to 3D Scanning on February 18, at 2:00PM.
Learn to Letterpress
January 31, 2020
Learn to use the Boxer Makerspace Letterpress on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at noon. Join us for the first crash course of the semester!
The New Student Guide to the Library
September 22, 2019
Are you a new student wondering how to use the library? Check out our New Student Guide, written by a student for students. If you have any questions, feel free to visit and ask us!
System Maintenance – Sunday, September 22
September 20, 2019
We’ll be doing system maintenance on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at 6:30 a.m. Some library systems will be unavailable for about 45 minutes. We apologize for any inconvenience!
Boxer Makerspace Open House
September 16, 2019
Join us Wednesday, September 18, 2019, from 3 to 5 p.m. for an informal open house and tours of the equipment in the new Boxer Makerspace. Explore the 3D printers, Glowforge Laser Cutter and Engraver, Mayku Formbox Vacuum Former, 1891 Golding Pearl Letterpress and more, plus find out how you can learn from the experts how to make the most of this new creation space in the Tran Library.
Work with us!
September 3, 2019
We’re looking for Pacific University students to work with us. If you’re self-motivated and detail-oriented, we invite you to apply!
See detailed job postings at https://pacificlib.design-active.com/student-jobs/
Linking Google Scholar to the Library
Google Scholar is a freely accessible search engine that indexes scholarly literature across various publishing formats and disciplines. Some articles are available in full-text from Pacific University’s journal subscriptions via the Get full text article link.
Use the Google Scholar option available on the Libraries’ Database A-Z page to start.
If no full-text is available, expand the >> to open No full-text; see option for the interlibrary loan option. This option is not available for every result.
Closed for Labor Day
August 30, 2019
The Pacific University Libraries are closed Monday, September 2, 2019, for Labor Day. We will be open on September 3, 2019 on the normal schedule.
Library Open House Thursday, August 22nd, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
August 12, 2019
Enjoy refreshments and meet some of our library staff, student workers and CLASS (Center for Learning and Student Success) tutors.
Forest Grove Newspaper Archive moves to Tran Library
July 30, 2019
Pamplin Media has donated the archive of the Forest Grove News-Times, Washington County’s oldest continuously published newspaper, to the Tran Library. Issues dating from the late 1880s to the 2000s will be available for public use.
Explore the lunar landing and history with FedFlix
July 16, 2019
July 20, 2019 is the anniversary of the 1969 lunar landing! Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first two people to walk on the Moon 50 years ago.
How was this momentous occasion represented at the time? Watch Moonwalk One, a circa-1970 NASA-affiliated film to see.
You can also explore the Internet Archive’s FedFlix collection for a wide range of public domain videos over the decades.
Welcome MFA Program!
June 14, 2019
Tran Library welcomes Pacific University MFA students, faculty, and staff back to campus June 14-21. Stop in and check out the display or a book! Please see our friendly staff at the front desk for any questions you may have.
Boxer III has new home in the Library
April 11, 2019
A new bronze statue is sitting on a velvet cushion in the Tran Library. The one-and-a-half foot tall statue, “Boxer III,” is a careful reproduction of the original Ming Dynasty statue that became Pacific’s mascot. Although it was cast just a few months ago, it is steeped in Pacific lore.
The original Boxer was a bronze incense burner that was probably created in China during the Ming Dynasty. It was a qilin, a mythological creature that symbolizes good luck, prosperity and fertility. Like a griffin or a unicorn, the qilin mixes together the characteristics of several animals: the legs and antlers of a deer; the scales of a carp; the tail of a lion or an ox; the face of a dragon. The original statue had a hinge under its neck so that the head could swivel down, and incense could be placed inside. When it burned, smoke would come out of its nostrils.
A Pacific alumnus named Joseph E. Walker bought the statue in Shaowu, China and brought it to Pacific in the 1890s. It was given a place of honor in the university’s chapel, but it did not reside there for long. Students stole the statue from the chapel as a prank in the fall of 1899. Soon afterwards, the statue acquired the nickname “Boxer,” after the Boxer Rebellion. Abducting the statue from the chapel was the beginning of a long tradition of stealing, “flashing,” hiding and brawling over Boxer by generations of Pacific students. Over the course of decades, the original Boxer was literally ripped apart and welded back together multiple times. When the original was last seen in 1969, it was missing its two front feet, ears, horn, and tail. Some of these fragments have since been returned to Pacific by alumni, and are also on display in the Tran Library.
Boxer’s original body has not been seen in public for fifty years. A replica named Boxer II was created in the 1980s, but it has likewise been missing for over ten years. Though many in the Pacific community hold out hope that these two statues will be found again, this new incarnation, Boxer III, is a new symbol of our old traditions.
To create Boxer III, alumni from the late 1960s called on the same sculptor who created Boxer II, Patrick Costello. The Pacific University Archives supplied him with many high-resolution historic images which he used to recreate Boxer as he appeared in his early days. The Tran Library is proud to be the home for Boxer III on permanent display in the lobby.
CETCI After-Hours Event
April 1, 2019
Join us on Wednesday, April 10, from 5-6 p.m. in the Tran Library for the penultimate event of the CETCI AfterHours Pedagogy Series: Teaching from the Margins: Identity, Integrity & Transformation with College of Education professor, Anil Oommen. Anil will present about strategies and approaches to teaching that encourage and validate identity, and transform the experiences of students and teachers alike. In addition to intriguing ideas, useful strategies, and the good company of faculty from across the university, you will get free wine, cheese, and appetizers!
Spring Break Hours at Tran Library
March 18, 2019
Spring Break is right around the corner! We’ll have limited hours March 22 -30, 2019.
Friday 3/22
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Normal hours resume March 31, 2019.
Zotero replaces RefWorks
February 11, 2019
Check out our new Citation Tool, Zotero! It’s a great open source alternative to RefWorks. You can store, track, and cite your sources with Zotero. For help contact Lynda Irons.
Inclement Weather – Limited Hours Saturday
February 9, 2019
The Tim and Cathy Tran Library will be open from 10am – 2pm today, 2/9/19, closing early in anticipation of icy conditions. The 24-hour study space and computer classroom are available via Boxer Card access during closures.
The Hillsboro Campus Library will be accessible via Boxer Card during its normal hours today. Staffing will depend on the ability of employees to travel safely to and from campus.
Zotero replaces RefWorks
January 25, 2019
Check out our new Citation Tool, Zotero! It’s a great open source alternative to RefWorks. You can store, track, and cite your sources with Zotero. For help contact Lynda Irons.
Last Chance for RefWorks
December 13, 2018
RefWorks ends December 31. Check out our new Citation Tool, Zotero! It’s a great open source alternative to RefWorks. You can store, track, and cite your sources with Zotero. For help contact Lynda Irons, Eva Guggemos or Angela Lee.
Website Update
We’re updating the library website! This semester, we gathered feedback from students and we’re incorporating it into our new design. We hope this will make the website easier to use.
You can access all the same great databases, BoxerSearch, eBooks, and more from the website. If you need help finding anything, just let us know!
Finals Study Breaks
December 3, 2018
Let the Libraries help make finals just a little easier this term! The Libraries will be hosting a finals week de-stress event for Pacific students with snacks, activities, and de-stress kits nightly starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 11. Stop by the first floor of Tran Library (near the Learning Commons/Gallery) for study breaks to enjoy delicious treats and unwind with creative and fun activities – absolutely free! Good luck to everyone on their finals from your friends at the Pacific University Libraries!
RefWorks Retires in December
October 23, 2018
Effective December 2018, the Libraries will be cancelling our subscription to RefWorks, the citation manager that we currently provide for the university. While students, faculty, and alumni are able to continue using RefWorks until December, we want to allow ample time for a transition to a new platform. We will be promoting and supporting the use of Zotero instead, which is a freely available, open source platform.
We are encouraging students, faculty, and alumni who currently use RefWorks to migrate their data to Zotero (and we will help you do so). To support this transition, we are providing online tutorials with step-by-step directions, as well as in-person instruction—both individual and group—as needed or requested by faculty/students. Learn more …