Skip to Main Content

Library 101: Borrowing Items

Find out about our resources and services here!

Library Account

Before you can borrow (check out) an item from the library, you must first have a Vanguard Library account. Please fill out the following form so we can add you to our system.

Quick Info on Circulation Materials

Books in the Main Stacks:

Check out length: 3 weeks

Limit number: 50 items on account

Renewals: 2 renewals (if not requested by someone else)

Overdue Fines: 25₵ / day

Holds: Books on hold for you will be held for 1 week.

Note: This applies to VU Undergrad Students. The VU Faculty, Staff, and Grad Student check out length is 4 months.

Course Reserve Books:

Check out length: 2 hours

Limitations: Reserves cannot leave the Library

Overdue Fines: $1 / hour overdue

Location: Reserves kept behind the Circulation Desk, please ask for assistance.

DVDs in the Main Stacks:

Check out length: 3 days

Limit number: 3 DVDs on account

Renewals: No renewals allowed. Please return DVD before checking it out again.

Overdue Fines: $1 / day

For New Guest Accounts: Guests (non-VU student/staff/faculty) can apply for a library account. Guest must provide picture ID and utility bill when filling out application. Guest fee per year differs based on level of affiliation with Vanguard University. Please note that application may take 24 hours (Mon-Fri) for a librarian to review and approve. Guests can contact a librarian at 714-966-6382 for more information.

For Current Guest Accounts: Guest accounts are restricted to borrowing 10 books at a time.

Picture ID card acts as library card.

Headphones and Flash Drives:

Check out length: 2 hours

Renewals: 2 renewals

Limitations: Library Use Only (they cannot leave the Library premises)

Location: Circulation desk

Print Journals:

Most of our journals can be found on the Journal Portal. While most are digital, we do have a fair number of journals available in print.

If the journal you need is in print format, please note the year, volume, and issue of the journal article you are looking for. This helps the staff member find it quickly.

Limitations: Print journals cannot leave the library.

Services: A staff member will retrieve the print journal issue for you.

Copying/Scanning: Articles from journal issues can be copied or scanned to a flashdrive.

Reference Books and Pentecostal Collection:

Limitations: Reference books and Pentecostal Collection books can only be used inside the Library

Locations:

  • Reference Books: Biblical Studies Room and spanning around the left side of the west wing.
  • Pentecostal Collection Books: Locked in glass bookcases on first floor. Please ask for assistance in retrieving those materials.

COVID-19 Special Notice: We are unable to fulfill requests for books. You can request articles and book chapters. Once received, we will forward to your email address. Sorry for any inconvenience. 

Need a book or article that we don't have?

You can request an InterLibrary Loan!

How it works:

  1. Fill out the form at the following link: https://vanguard.libwizard.com/f/ILL
  2. We request the book or article from other libraries, until one accepts the request
  3. Usually it is free, but if there is a small fee, we would ask you if you are willing to pay it
  4. Once accepted, the other library sends us the book via mail or article via email and we notify you
  5. If it is a book, you return the book to us within 3 weeks, and we return it to the lending library

Please note: ILL books can take up to 2 weeks, and articles can take up to 48 hours.

Handy Links


  • Call 714-966-6382
  • Stop by  a Librarian's Office
  • Submit an Ask-A-Librarian Question Form for an email reply HERE
  • Instant message             with LibChat (below)