Visitors and Alumni

Library Searching | Copiers, Computers, Printers | Wireless | Borrowing | Reference Service | Other Services


Visitors and alumni are welcome to use the collections of Murray Library . While our primary clientele are the current students, faculty and staff of Messiah College, and occasionally we may need to ask others to yield to the needs of these primary users, nevertheless we also invite others to use our resources as well. We are glad to make the Library available for quiet study, for searching and using our print and online resources, and for borrowing (as outlined below). We do hope that you will find a hospitable environment at Murray Library.

Note, please: The Library does reserve the right to refuse access and privileges to any person who fails to observe library policies.

Library Searching

The Library maintains two kinds of public search stations (PACs), both of which provide access to the Library’s catalog and databases: For visitors, alumni, and others who do not have a current Messiah ID, we have PACs that do not require log-in and password but do not have printing capability (NOTE: Items can be saved to flashdrives or e-mailed to users’ home accounts.) For users holding current Messiah College IDs, there are search stations that require a username and password, allow access to the campus network, and have printing capability.

Copiers, Computers, Printers

Wireless Access

Wireless access is available to community readers, alumni, and visitors to the Library. To gain access, guests need to sign in at the Library's main desk and will then be given guest username and password for using within the building. Click here for login instructions.

Borrowing

Community readers (14 and older) may borrow books for an annual fee of $25.00. This yearly fee extends privileges to Community readers’ immediate families and is transferable, making additional registrations for eligible family members unnecessary. Registration fees--payable by check only--are accepted at the Circulation Desk in the Library. Community readers may have up to 25 items checked out at any given time.

In addition to our own current students and employees, the following are exempt from paying the annual fee:

• Faculty, staff and students from ACLCP member colleges (with a photo ID from their    institution)
• Friends of the Messiah College Library (with membership cards or from membership roster)
• Alumni with an alumni card (issued by Falcon Services)
• Clergy (with identification)
• Pathways Institute members (with identification)
• Evangelical School of Theology faculty and students (with identification)

Messiah College Photo ID Card. While Community Readers are issued a borrower’s card from the Library, they are encouraged to obtain a Messiah College Photo ID card from the Falcon Services Office located on the second floor of Eisenhower Campus Center. With this, a debit card account can be established, which will allow photocopying at a reduced rate in campus copiers. This ID can be used in the Library = s photocopiers and microform printers, in all other photocopiers on campus, in all campus vending machines, and at sales locations. Photocopies made with the ID card on the photocopiers cost 5 cents each; copies made on the microform printers cost 10 cents each. Please note that Falcon Services charges a $5.00 fee for a photo ID card. For details, call Falcon Services at (717) 691-6052.

Loan Periods/Renewals/Fines for Community Readers
(Note: up to 25 items checked out at any given time)

Resource	Location	Loan Period
Books	Main Book Stacks	21 days (with 1 renewal)
Juvenile Books	Main Book Stacks	21 days (with 1 renewal)
Curriculum Materials	Main Book Stacks	21 days (summer only) (with 1 renewal)
Sound Recordings	Listening Room	Library use only
Videorecordings	Technology Support Services	Library use only (2 hours)
Periodicals, Magazines	First Floor	Library use only
Reference	First Floor	Library use only

Recalls. Any book is subject to recall after the initial loan period, requiring return within 3-5 days.

Fines. When a library item becomes overdue, the borrower has 21 days to return the item before a fine is charged. If the item is not returned after this period, a fine of $10 per item is charged. If the item is not returned withn 60 days of the original due date, the borrower will be billed for replacement of the item plus a nonrefundable $20 processing fee.

Reference Service

Reference assistance is primarily provided at the Reference Desk on the main floor of the Library. Telephone reference assistance, generally for simpler information requests, is available by calling (717) 691-6006 x3910.


Other Services

We regret that the Library is unable to offer the following to Visitors, Alumni, or Community Users:
   • FAX service
   • Interlibrary Loan service