The mission of Moody Library is to provide the information resources, services, and physical spaces that support the educational and research mission of Houston Christian University, encourage learning, and promote spiritual and intellectual growth.
Age Limits of Users: All users under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent.
Alumni Association: HCU Alumni and former students are eligible for library privileges. The alumni card (mini-diploma) is used as proof of status.
Audio Visual: VHS tapes, audiocassettes, and LPs are housed in the AV Area, 1st floor. CDs and DVDs are at the Circulation Desk. Non-reserve VHS tapes and DVDs check out for one week. CDs are for building use only. Late charges will be imposed.
Books: Arranged in Library of Congress Classification order.
Change: The library does not make change.
Checking Out Materials: Checking out library materials requires a valid University ID, TexShare card, or alumni card. All users must register at the Circulation Desk before items may be checked out. All materials must be checked out by ten minutes before closing time. See the Circulation Policies Page for more information.
Circulating Books: Located on the 2nd floor. Books may be checked out for 3 weeks, with 2 renewals. Renewals can be made in person and online, but not by phone. Late fees are $.25/day.
Computers: Most of the computers are for HCU student use and require log-ins. A few computers are designated for the general public and do not require log-ins.
Curriculum Collection: This collection contains state-adopted K-12 textbooks and is located on the 2nd floor.
Electronic Library Materials: The library’s electronic materials include the online catalog, indexes, online periodicals, electronic reference books, other electronic books, and other genres. Off campus access is available to HCU constituents with the HCU e-mail username and password. NetLibrary (e-books) accounts must be created on HCU campus computers.
Food and Drink: Consumption of food is not permitted. Drinks in spill proof containers are allowed (e.g. water-bottles with caps, coffee cups with spill-proof lids). Soda cans are not spill proof.
Group Study Rooms: UNAVAILABLE FOR THE 2020-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR. /// Available for HCU affiliates only. Make reservations at the Circulation Desk, 281-649-3304.
Interlibrary Loan: Interlibrary loan is available for all HCU students, faculty and staff. See the Reference Librarian or call 281-649-3181. Loan requests may also be made using the forms on the InterLibrary Loan page.
Internet Access: Available on all library computers. Wireless internet access is also available in all areas of the library. See the Wireless Network and Laptops in the Library page for more information.
Noise: In most parts of the library users can work together in quiet collaboration, but staff and users should respect the rights of others to study in peace and should refrain from making excessive noise in study areas. Areas of the 2nd floor are designated at quiet study areas, with no collaborative study allowed.
Periodicals: Periodicals can be in one or more of three formats: paper, microform, or electronic. All paper, microform, and many electronic periodicals are listed in the “Periodicals Holdings” books and the online catalog. Bound periodicals are on the 2nd floor, current journals and microform periodicals are on the 1st floor, AV area. All electronic journals available are listed in the Electronic Journal Locator.
Photocopiers: 1st floor reference area, AV Room, and on the 2nd floor near the main stairway. Costs: $.15 per copy with cash or $.10 per copy using a VendaCard.
Printing from Student Computers: A network printer is available from which HCU students can print. Pages are charged to their student account. If you need to add additional funds to your account or need additional information, you can visit the HCU MyPrint web site.
Printing from Public Computers: Non-HCU library users can purchase a Vendacard at the Circulation Desk. The cards themselves cost fifty cents. The card machine accepts bills only. For the first Vendacard, you can place whatever amount you wish on the card minus the fifty cents for the cost of the card. You can add more to the Vendacard in the future, then 100% will go on the card. Vendacards can also be used for the copy machines.
Quiet Study Areas: Areas of the second floor are designated as quiet study areas.
Reference Services: Available most of the hours that the library is open at the 1st floor Reference Desk. Call 281-649-3180.
Reference Books: 1st floor reference area, non-circulating.
Reserve Items: Items which say “Reserve” in the catalog, usually placed on Reserve by a professor. Located at the Circulation Desk. Check out times vary, and late fees accrue substantially.
Special Collections: Bradley, Hicks, Linder, and Special. Located in the 2nd floor group study rooms. All items are for building use only. See the Reference Librarian.
Telephones: HCU has no public telephones. Quiet cell phone use in the library that is considerate of others is permitted except in designated quiet areas. All cell ringers must be placed in vibrate or quiet mode.
TexShare Cards: Used to check out materials from other participating libraries. Inquire at the Reference or Circulation Desk.
Vendacards: Cards to be used for computer printing and photocopying may be purchased at the Circulation Desk. The card machine takes bills only and no change is given. The card costs $.50 and can be re-encoded. Copies cost $.10 with the card.
Youth Collection: Located on the 2nd floor next to the Curriculum Collection.