Click on the links below for basic library information.

Check-out Procedures
To check out library materials, present a valid Allen ID card at the circulation desk. Library staff will scan the ID and barcode on each library material to check them out to the patron in accordance with the policies of individual collections listed below. Library staff will then write or stamp the due date given by the system on each loaned material.
Circulation of Materials
Regular books (that are not on Reserve) in Barrett Library may be checked out for the two weeks unless a recall is issued on the item in question. Onsite borrowers of recalled items have two days and distance education borrowers have seven days to return a recalled item. Measures will be instituted as necessary to secure recalled, lost or missing items. Graduating seniors will not be allowed to graduate unless all books are returned before graduation. Journals in Barrett Library should be photocopied in the library and students should never remove any issues from the library. The librarian reserves the right to assess fines and replacement costs for lost items.
Library Collections

Barrett Library

Barrett Library, located in the Barrett Forum at Allen College, serves as the information center for nursing and health sciences programs (radiography, diagnostic medical sonography, medical laboratory sciences, occupation therapy, public health and medical imaging). Local holdings include books, journals, video recordings, online databases, NCLEX study materials, career/educational resources and more.

If you need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click here.

Reference Assistance
Barrett Library can provide informational and research assistance for academic papers or projects required in distance course. To use Barrett Library reference services.
Computer lab & Photocopy
The Barrett Library Computer Lab presently contains 15 computer stations. Students may utilize Office 365 (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint...) on all the computers. Each computer also has internet access. The computer lab is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Information Request Procedures
This service is available for faculty, staff and team members who are employees of UnityPoint Health – Waterloo.
Library Services for Allen College Distance Learners

Allen College students that live over 35 miles from the Allen College campus and do not attend any classes on the Allen College campus may request library staff to photocopy and send materials. Billing for these services is as follows:

  1. Students will be billed $0.10 per page photocopied.
  2. Students will be billed by library staff for time spent by library staff for this service:
    • 1 – 10 pages - $2.50   
    • 11 – 20 pages - $5.00
    • 21 – 30 pages - $7.50
    • 31 or more - $10.00 
Inter-Library Loan Procedures

When you submit an Interlibrary Loan request, library staff will perform a search of thousands of other library catalogs to find the item you need. We make every effort to obtain the material free of charge. If a title cannot be located in a library which lends materials free of charge, you will receive an email notification of the cost. You must agree to pay the charges before the title is ordered.  

Once the item is located in another library's collection, we will submit your request in compliance with the library's requirements.