Mission | Services | Collections | Hours | Donations | Contact Information

Ikeda Library Mission Statement
The mission of the Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda Library at Soka University of America (SUA) is to offer student-centered library services in support of SUA's mission. Ikeda library strives to meet the information needs of the SUA community by providing resources in various formats with personal reference services and information literacy instruction.

Soka University of America Mission Statement
The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.

Soka University of America Values
Soka University is founded upon the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life.  Educational objectives are fostered at the university through the commitment to rigorous academic endeavors, free and open dialogue, and an appreciation for human diversity. In the Buddhist view, education is an integrating process in which students gain an awareness of the interdependence of themselves, others and the environment. Wisdom, courage and compassion – values treasured by the university – do not exist in isolation. They emerge in individuals as they learn the importance of service to others, to the natural world around them, and to the great cause of peace and freedom.

Research Help:
Please ask for assistance with research at the reference desk on the main floor (second floor) of the library. If you are a Soka student overseas or cannot make it into the library, you can request reference assistance via email at library@soka.edu.

Reserves:
Faculty often put specific readings for classes on reserve in the library. Ask for these at the circulation desk on the second floor. Faculty can make a reserve request with this form.

Interlibrary Loan:
Interlibrary loan is a system by which we can borrow materials from other libraries if we do not own them. Students, faculty and staff may request interlibrary loan items through the library website. The norm is 7-10 days for delivery. Upon notification, pick up the item on the second floor of the library. Visit the ILL page for more information.

Instruction:
Through collaboration with the faculty, the library is pursuing its mission of promoting information literacy. The instruction is imbedded into two required classes: Writing 101 in the first year and Writing 301 in the third year of the undergraduate program. Research sessions are also available to all other scheduled classes, and they are tailored to the research needs of the class. For more information, contact Lisa Polfer (lpolfer@soka.edu 949.480.4108) or go to http://ikedalibrary.soka.edu/instruction.html

Soka students attend formal information-literacy instruction imbedded into your first and third-year communication courses. Faculty can request a research session for your class. Please fill in the Request for Library Instruction and contact Lisa Polfer (lpolfer@soka.edu 949.480.4108) at least one week in advance. All research sessions are tailored to the research needs of the class.

• 70,000 books +/-
• 350 paper journals +/-
• 1,400 VHS/DVDs +/-
• 380 Audio CDs +/-
• 15,000 full-text electronic periodicals included in 100 databases
• Electronic book (E-book) reference collection is actively developed.

Donations of materials that enhance the library collection are welcomed. They become the property of the Ikeda Library, and the items not added to the library collection are offered to other institutions, sold at book sales, or discarded if in poor condition. Income from book sales is used for the University's benefit.

Because of the high cost of cataloging, processing, and storage, the library is unable to accept all donations. Donated materials will be reviewed by the librarians to ascertain if they meet collection development criteria before being added to the collection.

In general, we accept items that support the current and evolving curriculum as well as those that support the research needs of students and faculty as long as they are NOT:

• Outdated titles
• Titles already owned by the library (unless they are in high demand)
• Scattered issues of periodicals (unless they fill gaps in the library collection)
• Popular trade paperbacks
• Popular magazines
• Materials in poor condition

Since cataloging and processing new books and rush orders are Cataloger's priority, it would likely take a long period of time before making the donated titles ready for circulation.

A prior arrangement with the Library Director is required before delivery of gifts is made. Contact Interim Director of the Library, Saeed FakhriRavari at sfakhriravari@soka.edu (949) 480-4230

Upon delivery, Gift Receipt form (Word / PDF) needs to be submitted.

Receipt of Gifts – Gifts to the Library are acknowledged by the Development Office after approval by the Director of the Library and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. For the Development Office to create a correct receipt acknowledgement, donors are asked to provide a description of the gift items upon delivery. It is recommended that a detailed inventory be prepared before the delivery. 

Gift Valuation - Ikeda Library does not appraise gifts. Determination of the fair market value of a gift to the Library for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. Book appraisers may be identified in the local directories.

Financial Contribution – Gifts of money should be sent to the Development Office at the University. The Soka Education Fund helps support the library and other needs of the University. A tax receipt will be sent to the donor from the Development Office. More information is available at: http://www.soka.edu/page.cfm?p=178 and the staff can provide assistance at (949) 480-4073 or development@soka.edu.

Ikeda Library
Soka University of America
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4105
library@soka.edu

Circulation, Reserves, and Interlibrary Loan
Tel: (949) 480-4205 Fax: 949-480-4110

Reference/Research Help
Tel: (949) 480-4105

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