Libraries

U of A Libraries

The University library has two major branches: the Main Library and the Science and Engineering Library. The Main Library houses the general reference and periodicals sections, general literature, map collection, special collections, and the reserve section. The Science Library has a scientific periodicals section, science circulation and reference, and several CD-ROM and on-line searchable databases like GeoRef and Quicksearch, which find references to papers and books based on keywords/authors/etc. Unfortunately, the UA libraries do not have most of the NASA Technical Memoranda (these are often useful references). Materials are loaned to grad students for 180 day periods but can be recalled at any time. The recall system allows you to get a book within a week, but this means that if your book is recalled, you have a week to return it before accumulating $1 a day fines. If you leave town for more than a week, return your books or have someone watch your mail for recall notices! If you find that a book you need is on loan, simply ask at the circulation desk for a recall. Both UA library catalogs are contained in the electronic filing system SABIO. SABIO terminals can be found in both libraries and can be accessed remotely through the Library Sabio site.

The LPL Library

The department has its own LPL library that is not explicitly connected with the UA libraries. It is located on the fourth floor (room 409) and is accessible with your building key. It carries journals like Icarus, JGR, Nature, Science, etc., most of the Space Science Series books, and some texts. It also has a good reference section. The books are sorted by topic which can be more helpful than looking for specific titles in the main library (e.g., if you're looking for books on atmospheres, they are all close together). The main LPL library webpage also has a catalog search option if you're looking for a specific item.

Julie Jacobs is the LPL librarian with a degree in library science and a long history of working in STEM-field libraries. She is very happy to help people find the material they are looking for and can access copies of titles that you want, even if you're having trouble finding it. She can also perform inter-library loans to get materials from elsewhere on campus. Please don't hesitate to ask Julie for help - it's why she's here and you should never feel the need to purchase a book or journal - it can always be acquired through the library system! Julie can be contacted at PG4gdWVycz0iem52eWdiOndud25wYm9mQG5ldm1iYW4ucnFoIj53bnducGJvZkBuZXZtYmFuLnJxaDwvbj4= and is typically in the library Tuesday/Wednesday from 0900 - Noon.

LPL has an archive of historical documents which are not in the library, but can be made available upon request. These documents include items such as Kuiper's notes and old atlases of the moon. Reach out to the librarian if you are interested in using these for research. 

Checkout of library materials is on an honor system: sign the book card with your name and phone extension and leave it on the front desk. Also on the front desk is a bin with all the cards of books that are out. If you can't find a book on the shelf, check this bin to find out who has borrowed the book. Current journals can be signed out overnight, books for 6 months.

The library can also be used as an informal meeting space for taking zoom meetings, working on homework, holding your TA office hours, etc. There are dedicated spaces both toward the front and back of the library. For more info on the LPL Library, you can see the department's dedicated webpage: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/library

Student Lending Library

There is a collection of course materials, class notes, and fellowship application materials archived by past students for current and future students. The collection currently resides in Kuiper Room 331 (the 3rd floor printer room).