Skip to Main Content

Services for Community Members

A banner with the heading that reads 'Services for Community Members'. There is an image of five smiling people together, and a clipart image of a book. The image uses red and gold colors, representing Alvernia University.

Services for Community Members

As local community members you have access to the following library resources:

Circulation Policies

 

Library Cards

Alvernia University alumni, residents of Berks County, and students, faculty and staff of ACLCP colleges are entitled to borrowing privileges.

  • Alvernia Alumni and Community members may register for a library card at the main desk by presenting a photo ID.

  • ACLCP patrons must present a valid college ID to receive an Alvernia University library card.

You must present this card whenever you want to check out materials. You will be held responsible for all materials checked out on your card, including any unauthorized use, until the library has been notified that the card is lost or stolen. You will also be charged for any lost or damaged materials. You must replace a lost card (at a nominal replacement cost) to continue borrowing library materials.

 

Loan Periods

The loan period for circulating books is 30 days. Patrons may check-out: general collection books, DVDs, and children’s books. Patrons may not check-out: Bestseller books, and items in the Italian-American collection.

 

Renewals

Items may be renewed once, either in-person or by phone.

 

Overdues

Items more than 1 month overdue are considered lost. Patrons with a lost item that is billed will not be allowed to check out materials.

Online Resources for the Community

The library electronic subscription-based databases are not available to alumni or members of the public. This is for several reasons: the university uses a closed network (only current students, staff, and faculty can access), and pricing is based on current enrollment figures.

That being said, there are several open access databases that are freely accessible to the general public where users can find published scholarly literature. Check the links below for some relevant resources!