Jessica E.
Yelp
I have been waiting to write this review for 3.5 years!!! This will be very thorough since I have literally been at this library every day during those years.
---A little background--- Payson Library is the only library on "main campus" of Pepperdine University. In the whole campus, there are two other libraries (Drescher Library & Law Library). Payson is 99.9% undergraduate students and has the most hours out of all the libraries.
---Layout--- Walking into the library you will have two options: upstairs and downstairs. From experience, I would say upstairs is definitely more for talking or group work since it is mostly tables (no cubicles). Upstairs we have what is called the ACE Room, where all the computers that have photoshop etc. all those programs that not everyone uses. There are only about 6 study rooms upstairs which are usually always booked (book online). There are three other rooms upstairs that are more hidden towards the back. These rooms are great but there is one problem, there are little to NO outlets. It is 2015, we need electrical outlets to study now!! Thats why these rooms/areas are usually avoided. Downstairs now: where most of the printing occurs (although there is printing upstairs), most of the public computers, the couch area for mid-day napping, the "new" room, and the cubicles. The "new" room was installed in 2015 or 2014 (can't remember) but it is beautiful and relatively small but great for group work since each has a large tv screen with HDMI to display what is on your personal computer screen to a group of people. The cubicle area is where the ocean view is and its GREAT. It is the quietest area. My favorite part is that I can sunbathe inside the library while studying and looking at the view. The downside of this area is that it is pretty packed and it again, NEEDS MORE PLUGS. Only about half the cubicles have plugs. Under the library there are more study rooms but those are to be avoided... Most of those rooms are very cramped (best if its just 1 person) and the white boards are completely trashed, some of them you cannot even write on them.
---Services/Rentals--- Obviously, its a library, so there are a ton of books. Honestly, its hard for me to say how great of a selection it is, since there is literally no time to have pleasure/leisure reading. If you're looking at articles there are many large databases available to you from the library which has been great. There is a service that if there is a neighboring college that has the book you need, you can have it shipped to Pepperdine. I have not done this but from what I heard you need to put in the request way in advance because it takes a while. Besides books, there is large selection of DVDs. To rent (only to stay within the library) are headphones, earphones, certain books, computer chargers, phone chargers, and calculators. These services are incredible and LIFE SAVING when you forget all your cords. Now to talk about the writing lab/speech lab. The writing lab is available only by appointment (to be made online). The times are very limited from what I have experienced. The writing lab is run by usually junior/senior writing and english majors who are very helpful! Almost every paper I have written has been read by the writing lab people. Also, the writing lab has an online option conducted through google doc. I have done this once and it was GREAT. Get on the google doc at the same time and watch them make changes and use the chat feature to ask questions. Problem with this--- this is almost NEVER available. This has such great potential but isn't being utilized!! I want to be able to get the writing lab experience while I'm in bed!! Make this happen! Lastly, the speech lab is also available to practice your speeches in front of someone and have them critique you. I have done this once as a requirement for a public speaking class but never again.
---Printing System--- If you want to print in this library, you have to have an ID card... I don't think there is anyway else to do it. I would love to see a change made in how to print here. I think they need to make it an option to pay directly from a debit or credit card. Sometimes it is such a hassle to have to put your money onto your ID, just to use your ID. Printing is way expensive for color!
---CHANGES THAT NEED TO BE MADE/ SUMMARY FOR SUGGESTIONS---
-Consider expanding the library
-Add in a vending machine or mini cafe!! I would love this.
-Extend the hours on the weekends since they are vary limited
-Change the printer system to use credit/debit cards directly
-MORE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS EVERYWHERE PLEASE
- Fix boards in underground study rooms
- Make the writing lab online options more available !! Probably best for after 6pm
In conclusion, I am sorry this was so long. I am a Payson Library expert. Bonus: I have heard this semester that there are rumors of Payson getting a full makeover after I graduate in 2016. This wou
rumor they will be redoing.
