Visiting the Library
As a private facility, library spaces and resources are intended primarily for the use of current students, faculty, and staff of California Lutheran University. Visitor access is granted on a limited basis as determined by Library staff. Please consult our patron categories below to see how you can gain access to the Library.
To see a list of patron privileges according to patron type, please consult the patron types chart here.
This category includes:
- current employees designated as adjunct faculty, administrative staff, faculty, and staff
- students currently enrolled in any Cal Lutheran academic program including undergraduate programs, graduate programs, post-graduate programs, or continuing education programs
Your current CLU ID card will be required to enter the Library. You have full access to the Library's electronic resources and WiFi.
This category includes former CLU students who have:
- completed 24 undergraduate units
- completed 12 graduate units
- graduated from the institution
You will need to get a new ID card from Campus Safety that identifies you as alumni. Your old student ID card will no longer grant you access to the Library. You have access to WiFi and limited access to the Library's electronic resources. Please consult our Alumni Resources Guide for additional information on alumni priveleges.
This category includes retired professors who received Emeriti status as approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.
You have full access to the building and electronic resources.
This category includes the following categories:
- students currently enrolled in the ELS/Non-Student Foreign Exchange Program
- members of Kingsmen Shakespeare troupe
- staff associated with the CTY John Hopkins Summer Program
- seasonal hires
- staff associated with the Upward Bound Summer Program
You have full access to the building and will need to acquire an ID card from Campus Safety in order to enter. You are not entitled to access the Library's electronic resources.
The following categories of visitors are entitled to free building access. Please note that patrons falling under these categories are not entitled to access any of the Library's electronic resources or WiFi. If you are in need of these services, you will need to visit your local public library.
- Faculty currently affiliated with a participating SCELC institution. You will need to provide your institutional ID and an authorization form signed by your home institution to apply for borrowing privileges (see home institution for authorization form). No access to electronic resources or WiFi can be granted. These privileges are not transferrable and do not include Interlibrary Loan services.
- Local clergy and teachers confirmed as current employees of any local or private K-12 school. Access is limited to the building and physical collection. No access to electronic resources can be granted. You will need to fill out a Library Membership Application Form at the Library.
- Any current University Village resident. Please bring verification of your current residence. Access is limited to the building and physical collection. No access to electronic resources can be granted. You will need to fill out a Library Membership Application Form at either University Village or the Library.
- Any current Community Leaders Association (CLA) member. Please bring verification of your active membership. Access is limited to the building and physical collection. No access to electronic resources can be granted. You will need to fill out a Library Membership Application Form at the Library.
- Anyone seeking to access the Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement, Fellowships and Archives. If you wish to view the replica office of former Rep. Elton Gallegly, please visit Campus Safety at the Welcome Center. Campus Safety can issue visitor badges for access Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm or Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Issueance of a guest pass/badge does not grant library privileges at the Pearson Library.
Adults aged 18 and older who do not fall under any of the previously described categories are eligible to apply for a fee-based library membership. Please note that patrons falling under this category are not entitled to access any of the Library's electronic resources or wifi. If you are in need of these services, you will need to visit your local public library.
- The annual cost of a membership is $120.00. The membership is good for the calendar year (January-December), and the cost is prorated $10.00 each month of the calendar year. Payment can be made in cash or checks made out to CLU or Pearson Library.
- Applications are accepted Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. After visiting the library to apply for membership, applicants will need to visit the Registrar's Office to be entered into the campus database and assigned an ID number. After being assigned an ID number, applicants will then need to visit Campus Safety to obtain their ID card.
- Community memberships and library access expires each December. You will need to go through the application process described above each year.