The ARS

ARS stands for Automated Retrieval System. The ARS is a gigantic machine which contains tons of books for check out. The books are stored in metal crates piled two of the library stories in height. I remember the first time I laid eyes on this colossal structure as an incoming freshman to the university. Mechanical cranes pass up and down aisles between the stacks of hundreds of crates and can retrieve the giant metal boxes and deliver them to the front of the room where library workers can sort through them and locate books requested by students. This modern machine is a brilliant way to store books while saving space for mobility within the library. The ARS is a perfect combination of old materials and new methods to enhance our researching experience. Though the library still has books in physical form, over half of them can only be accessed through computer processes. The books are tracked down by a library worker and delivered to a waiting room where they await student pick up. When a student comes to obtain their book, they simply
give their name and the worker at the circulation desk can find the book which is organized in alphabetical order. This method of checking books out is easy enough that students can continue to feel encouraged to use the physical resources.

ARS Controls (Click image for informational video)

If a student prefers to do their research using cyber materials rather than books, they simply need to access the databases on the Santa Clara University Library (www.scu.edu/library) website which the circulation desk workers offer their assistance in. Many of the sources the data bases offer up in their search results provide online PDF files for internet viewing. The beauty of these sources is they can be viewed from any location with internet services and many of them are peer-reviewed scientifically tested.

Podcast I Library Map I Introduction I Library Assistance Desks I Other Resources I Library Accommodations I Conclusion/Sources