Pima County Public Library Resources available to UA Students
Library Cards | PCPL Locations | Finding Books & more | PCPL Databases/Online Resources | Other Resources
Library cards
Anyone with a current address in Tucson/Pima County is eligible for a free Library card from Pima County Public Library. This will allow you to check materials out from any PCPL branch, and to have remote access to most of PCPL's online resources.You may fill out a paper application for a PCPL library card at the Information Commons Desk on the 1st floor of the UA Main Library. Or you may go to any PCPL branch and apply in person. See http://www.library.pima.gov/services/cards/ for more information.
PCPL Locations, phone numbers and hours
List of PCPL locations with hours and phone numbers
Himmel Park Branch (on Treat Ave. a block south of Speedway) is the closest to the UA campus. Don't worry if the branch near you doesn't have the book or other item you want. If it is available for checkout from any PCPL branch, you can click the "Reserve item" link in the PCPL Library Catalog and have it delivered to your chosen branch.(They cannot be delivered to UA Libraries, however.)
Finding books, DVDs, CDs and more at PCPL
When searching the UA Library Catalog you can also initiate the same search in the PCPL Library Catalog by clicking on the PCPL button at the top.
In the PCPL Catalog, you can click on the Reserve Item button, select any PCPL branch to pick it up, and enter your PCPL card number and PIN. They will email you when it's ready to pick up.
You can also search the PCPL Library Catalog directly at http://librarycatalog.pima.gov/search/X.
Databases/Online Resources
Pima County Public Library makes available a number of databases and other online resources that are not available from the UA Libraries, for example, the popular language learning program Rosetta Stone. PCPL databases can be accessed remotely either with your PCPL library card number, or you may apply online for a database access code. Go to http://librarycatalog.pima.gov/selfreg to apply. (Note that a few online resources require a full service library card for access.)
For complete list of available PCPL databases, see Databases by Subject or Databases by Title.
For help with PCPL databases, go to http://www.library.pima.gov/research/databases/help.cfm.
Note: Resources that require software installation cannot be used on UA Library computers.
Some PCPL resources not available from UA Library include:
| Audio and Video Resources | Digital Downloads - includes the following:
In addition, DVDs, CDs, Videocassettes and Audiocassettes containing audiobooks, music, movies and TV programs are also available for checkout, and can be located by searching authors/performers, titles or keywords in the PCPL Library Catalog. |
| Business | Career Information Center - Job summaries, descriptions, and up-to-date salary information. |
| Culture & Countries | America the Beautiful - State-by-state history & current events. |
| Ebooks | NetLibrary - Digital audiobooks and ebooks. |
| Encyclopedias | Encyclopedia Americana - In-depth encyclopedia for adults & older students. |
| Genealogy | HeritageQuest - Genealogy database. |
| History | American Decades - Analyzes periods of contemporary American social history. |
| Language Learning | Rosetta Stone - Learn to speak, read, and write in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Russian & Spanish. In addition, many language learning materials are available on CD, Audiocassette or as audio downloads from NetLibrary or OverDrive. These can be located by searching the language, limited to desired Format, in the PCPL Library Catalog. |
| Law | LegalTrac - Law reviews, journals, and legal newspapers. |
| Science | Computer Database - Computer news and reviews. |
| Society & Current Events | Encyclopedia of Disability - Disabilities A to Z. |
| Test Preparation | LearningExpressLibrary - Practice tests for SAT, GED, ASVAB & more. |
Other resources
Grants and Nonprofit Information Center (Pima County Public Library) - This is a special collection of print and electronic sources of information and knowledgeable staff serving nonprofit and community organizations in Pima County, located at the Main (downtown) TPPL library. Also included are several grants databases available to library users on location in any PCPL branch library, including Foundation Directory Online and Foundation Grants to Individuals Online.
Homework Help - Online Homework Help is available from live tutors at Tutor.com (This requires a full service library card for access.)
Information Guides including various topics in Business, Education, Government & Law, Grants & Nonprofits, Health and Money matters.
Leisure reading - Find the latest bestsellers and books by popular authors. Just search the PCPL Library Catalog by the authors or titles.
Lists of New Titles added each month can be viewed online.