Location
The Von KleinSmid Center
University of Southern California
3518 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0048
Phone: (213)-740-1769
Email: vkc@usc.edu
Campus map code: VKC
Overview
The Von KleinSmid Center Library for International and Public Affairs (VKC Library) is a graduate-level learning center that supports the current and anticipated research, teaching, and information needs of students, faculty, staff, and alumni in political science, international relations, public administration, and urban and regional planning. The Library contains approximately 165,000 books, subscribes to more than 500 journals and other serial publications, and provides electronic access to a variety of scholarly resources. The VKC Library also manages and provides access to a substantial collection of international documents and serves as the regional depository in Southern California for all publications and digital resources of the European Union.
Library personnel are committed to providing excellent service and maintaining collections that promote a diversity of worldviews and the free exchange of information and ideas guided by the principles of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The VKC Library abides by all policies of the USC Libraries regarding borrowing privileges for students, faculty, staff, visiting scholars, alumni, and non-USC borrowers.
Directions
We invite anyone to visit our library and utilize its resources and services. The VKC Library is located on the northeast corner of campus near the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Figueroa Street (see interactive map and directions to the campus). The closest campus entrance to the VKC Library is Gate #3 [213-740-3848], located at the intersection of West 35th Street and Figueroa Street. It is open 24 hours a day. Public parking in Parking Structure X is available for $8.00 Monday through Friday. Note that parking availability may change due to special events and/or on-going construction of the Expo Light Rail Line next to campus. For more information about parking on campus, visit the USC Parking Services web site.
The VKC Library is located in the basement of the Von KleinSmid Center building and can be reached by using the northeast corner stairwell or the elevator. Entrances into the building and to the Library are wheelchair accessible with automated door openers.
Carrels and Study Spaces
The VKC Library has more than 200 reader seats to accommodate a wide range of study preferences, including both small and large group study tables as well as individual study carrels located throughout the book stacks and along the atrium. Users have access to wireless network connectivity in the open spaces surrounding the atrium and in the lobby as you enter the library.
Collection Development
Faculty within the VKC Library actively select print materials and online resources based on the research and curricular needs of the disciplines we serve. In addition, we also rely on the suggestions from our users to help build our collections. Requests to purchase books and DVDs, subscribe to new journals, or obtain access to electronic resources can be done online using the USC Libraries' Recommend-A-Book service.
Note: Faculty requesting materials for course reserves should use the ARES online request system. If you are logging into ARES for the first time you must contact the USC Libraries' Integrated Document Delivery office at idd@usc.edu or by calling 213-740-4020 to have access privileges set to the 'Instructor' level.
Research Help
During the academic year, library faculty and staff are available for in-person research consultation at the VKC Library reference desk from 1:00pm - 4:00pm Monday - Thursday or anytime by appointment. You can email any of the following faculty in the VKC Library to schedule an appointment: Linda Weber, Robert V. Labaree, Anthony Anderson, Katharin Peter. Use the Ask-A-Librarian service for general telephone, email, and live, 24/7 chat reference assistance and to find information about reference services available at other libraries on campus.
Instructional Services
The library faculty offer specialized tours of the VKC Library to anyone interested in learning more about our resources and services. In addition, we provide course-related research methods instruction in our Multimedia Room for graduate and undergraduate students in political science, international relations, public administration, and urban planning. To request an instruction session, use the online Request-A-Class service or contact any of the following faculty in the VKC Library: Linda Weber, Robert V. Labaree, Anthony Anderson, Katharin Peter.
Giving to the VKC Library
We welcome donations to the Von KleinSmid Center Library, including books, DVDs, and complete or near-complete runs of journals not already held in our collection. Please note that receipt of a gift does not obligate the Library to accept it for the collection. In cases when it is necessary to decline a gift, alternative libraries will be suggested whenever possible. To inquire about giving to the VKC Library, contact the Head of the Library, Dr. Robert V. Labaree. For more information about the history and current activities of our library, go here.