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*The Robert L. Powell Library*: Getting Started

Discover who we are and what we can do for you at The Master's University, Robert L. Powell Library.

Welcome to the Robert L. Powell Library

The Lord has provided a rich and growing collection of traditional and electronic resources to support the programs of study at The Master's University. We are excited about making these available in support of your spiritual and academic goals. Be assured that our dedicated staff is continually seeking to improve our services and provide an inviting and resourceful place to study. Please come and let us help you in any way we can. It is our privilege to come along side you and contribute as much as possible in the development of your studies for your joy and God's glory. Take a minute and familiarize yourself with the particulars of our library.

Last updated August, 2021.

Access Resources

The Short Version:

There are two separate and distinct authenticating credentials associated with using the Robert L. Powell Library.

  1. To access the Powell Library's ONLINE RESOURCES, e.g., view ebooks, view full text articles, listen to audio books, access databases, you need to log in with your TMU credentials, the same TMU email/password used to access Canvas & Self Service.

  2. If you are attempting to access your LIBRARY PATRON ACCOUNT, you will need to sign in with your People ID number (aka System ID number) and whatever password you create. Your ID number can be found on Self Service (select My Profile then Account Information). Use all nine-digits, but do not use dashes or the "P".

For more details select the PDF link above.

Using the Library

Powell Library Video Tutorials:

 Introduction to the Robert L. Powell Library (4:16)
         A brief video introducing the Powell Library Web site.

 Sign into your Library Patron Account (3:43)
         Create your own password to access your Library Patron Account, My Personal Lists and My Saved Searches.

 Introduction to Discovery: Cite, Save, Share (3:48)
         Learn how to use the cite, link, email and save features of the Discovery catalog. 

 Introduction to Discovery: Course Reserves, Resources, Chat (3:54)
         An overview of the Course Reserves, Resources links and Chat with a Librarian features of the Discovery Catalog.

  Introduction to Discovery: Simple Search (6:32)
          Learn how to conduct a Simple Search in the Discovery Catalog.

  Introduction to Discovery: Advanced Search (4:31)
          Easily set up advanced search queries.

 Find Databases (2:54)
         Find all of the databases licensed to The Master's University Robert L. Powell Library.

 Find Journals (3:05)
         Discover what journals the library subscribes to, either physical or electronic.

Basic Research Skills (4:55)
         Learn basic research skills using the Discovery Catalog.

 Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) (2:26)
         Learn how to find and use Library of Congress Subject Headings for a more efficient and effective search.

  InterLibrary Loan (6:36)
          Acquire books and articles when the Powell Library does not have what you want.

  Seven Steps to Successful Research (8:50)
          Follow these steps and become and efficient and effective researcher.

Total minutes viewing time: 55:30.

Last updated November 2023.

More Guides About the Library

Related Research Guides

Contact Us

For more information or assistance contact:

Circulation Desk:  661.362.2278; libcircdesk@masters.edu
Circulation Manager:  Miss K. (Kyrie Sheridan); (661) 362-2272; ksheridan@masters.edu.  Miss K. will assist with anything related to your library patron accountborrowing privilegesReserve materials, InterLibrary Loan, etc. Miss Sheridan will also fulfill your requests for Book Scanning Services and Book Pick-up Service. Please submit all service request forms to libcircdesk@masters.edu.
Reference Desk:  Miss T. (Janet Tillman);  jtillman@masters.edu; 661.362.2201.  Miss T. is available for assistance with any research need and can help in selecting and searching online databases. She also should  be consulted for issues relating to accessing online resources as well as questions regarding copyright law. In addition, Miss T. can be consulted for questions on the Chicago/Turabian Style formatting.
Interlibrary Loan Service:  Mrs. Grace Kamffer; gkamffer@masters.edu. . ILL provides access to items not currently available in our own library collection or not available in full-text through our online databases. For problems concerning your ILL requests, please contact Mrs. Kamffer. See https://masters.libguides.com/il for more details. 
Library Director:  Mr. John Stone; 661.362.2271; jstone@masters.edu. Mr. Stone provides oversight, management and direction for both the Robert L. Powell Library and The Master’s Seminary Library. He is particularly knowledgeable of books and authors in the areas of Bible and theology especially those of the Puritans.

Last updated July 2023.

New Books