Allen Memorial Library

Director for Library Services 

Allen Memorial Library 113
Tuya Dutton, MSLIS

Front Desk: (701) 845-7277 | (800) 532-8641 | Email: library@vcsu.edu | http://library.vcsu.edu/AMLHome 

Library Services

In support of the Valley City State University mission, Allen Memorial Library provides research and instruction services, access to information resources, study spaces, classrooms, flex lounges, student engagement events and more. Feel free to reach out with questions about research and library services via email, online chat, or phone. 

The Library was named after Carlos Eben Allen, the 3rd president of Valley City State University, and opened its doors in 1951. It's located at the heart of the VCSU campus, between McFarland Hall and the Student Center. The Library's online resources are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Physical resources and library spaces, including study rooms, are available when the building is open. Regular semester hours are 7:45 am to 9:00 pm Monday - Thursday, 7:45 am to 4:00 pm Friday, and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday; however, hours vary during breaks and holidays. Check the library website for the most current information.

The Library's website provides access to resources, including a single search for print and online resources, state and federal government document collections, eBooks, course reserves, and journals. Access to online resources is authenticated using your NDUS login and password. VCSU students are strongly encouraged to call, chat, or email the Library if they need assistance with accessing online resources, the research process, citations, or any other questions. Research consultation service is available in-person and virtually. Visit the library website to book an appointment in advance. 

Students studying from a distance can obtain any physical resources owned by Allen Memorial Library by completing a Distance Loan Request form located in OneStop. These students can request resources from other libraries through the interlibrary loan service, but, to reduce wait time and shipping costs, are encouraged to check local library holdings in their own community before submitting a request. 

Library Spaces 

The Library provides a collaborative and innovative learning environment by providing study and social engagement spaces. It houses two classrooms, two flex lounges, four study rooms, a Music & Media Station and a Quiet Zone. VCSU Community members are invited to study and work in a casual setting on the first and second floor areas of the building, where conversation and social interaction are encouraged. Cell phone use is permitted in all areas except the Quiet Zone on the lower level; however, cell phone users are encouraged to step away from study areas during extended conversations to respect the needs of others. In general, food and drinks are allowed within reason. We ask our users to be considerate of others who may be sensitive to smell and sound, and to avoid consuming food items that create messes, spills, or noise.

Allen Memorial Library houses several special collections:

  • Curriculum Library supports the University's teacher and library education programs
  • North Dakota Collection
  • Larry Woiwode Manuscript Collection
  • James D. Ployhar Score Collection
  • VCSU Archives