About

History

The ACU Library is named after Dr. Richard S. Beal. Dr. Beal was one of the founders of ACU and was a well-known leader in the Conservative Baptist movement. He pastored First Baptist Church of Tucson from 1918-1969. While he served as pastor, the church grew in membership from 200 to over 3,000.  Dr. Beal wrote and published several books during his lifetime, including ten volumes of sermons titled Rivers in the Desert. Dr. Beal passed away in 1989 at 102 years of age. In 2004, R. Beal Jr., Dr. Beal’s son, published a book about the life and ministry of his father titled A Modern Barnabas: The Ministry of R.S. Beal of Tucson. Dr. Beal Jr. donated his impressive Entomology collection to ACU’s science department.

Library Policies

By using the ACU Library, you agree to follow all ACU Library policies and rules, as well as other ACU policies and rules.

Library Hours

Library hours are posted on homepage of the ACU Library Catalog.

Library Staff

Robert Oliverio, M.A.L.I.S.

Head Librarian

Office Phone: (602) 489-5300 x1110 | Toll-free: (800) 247-2697 x1110 | Fax: (602) 404-2159
[email protected]

Rob Oliverio loves to help people find information. That’s why he became a librarian. If you ask him a question, he will do whatever he can to meet your need. In the meantime, he works behind the scenes to ensure that you can find books and other resources in the ACU Library’s catalog and on the shelf. He also offers instruction in how to do research and creates Pathfinders and handouts to empower you as an independent researcher. He strives to save you time and to lead you to success in your studies at ACU.

Rob is a Phoenix native who likes philosophy, theology, and church history most among his wide-ranging interests. After getting a solid, Biblically integrated education from Grace Christian High School, he obtained a B.A. in Integrative Studies with a Minor in Religious Studies from Arizona State University. His undergraduate education gave him a broad background in the liberal arts, especially philosophy. In fact, he even pursued graduate study in philosophy at Purdue University for a year before realizing his passion for librarianship. An internship at the Phoenix Seminary Library convinced Rob to seek an M.A. in Library and Information Science from the University of Arizona; he graduated in December 2014. Rob enjoys serving at Northwest Community Church and spending his free time with his wife Stefani (an ACU alumna) and their three children.

Randi Baltzer, M.A.L.I.S.

Reference and Technical Services Librarian

Office Phone: (602) 386-4117 | Toll-free: (800) 247-2697 x1129 | Fax: (602) 404-2159
[email protected]

Randi loves researching and learning about new topics. She’s passionate about information in its many forms and enjoys digging deep to find interesting works of historic or academic significance. If you need help developing a research subject, finding resources, or brainstorming your research subject, she’s happy to sit down and meet with you! Or, if you just need help in general, she’s here to aid you in your quest.

Randi is from Phoenix. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a Certificate in Literature and a Minor in History at Northern Arizona University. In 2021, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Arizona. When Randi is not working, she enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, painting, and observing God’s beautiful creation. She also spends time with her three siblings, their families, and her parents. Randi enjoys reading fiction and history books, and she’s happy to recommend reading in either genre. Her favorite Bible verses are Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 41:10.

Valerie Stirek

Library Technician

Office Phone: (602) 489-5300 x1130 | Toll-free: (800) 247-2697 x1130 | Fax: (602) 404-2159
[email protected]

Valerie is a native Phoenician, born and raised in the west valley. She has been married to her wonderful husband Scott for over 32 years. They have one grown son, Ben, who also lives in the Phoenix area. She has over 18 years of experience in both private and public education environments, with the main focus being in libraries as a library technician and a library assistant. Valerie enjoys helping people of all ages and backgrounds and sharing her knowledge and faith. She is excited to be here at ACU, and she looks forward to meeting you and assisting you soon.

Angela Rockstead

Library Assistant

Office Phone: (602) 386-4117 | Toll-free: (800) 247-2697 x1117 | Fax: (602) 404-2159
[email protected]

Angie was raised in Texas and moved to Arizona in 2022. She worked in the education sector for 30 years, retired, and now enjoys working part-time. When she is not working at the library, Angie can be found volunteering at a local animal shelter, reading, or exploring Arizona. She also enjoys hiking and is training for a 500-mile El Camino hike in 2025. What brings her the most joy, however, is visiting Texas to spend time with her two grown sons, young granddaughter, and extended family.
 
Angie is always learning, sharing what she learns with others, and looking for ways to serve others. She is excited about working at the library and serving the Arizona Christian University community.

Library

Arizona Christian University
1 W. Firestorm Way
Glendale, AZ 85306

Hours:
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  Phone:
(602) 386-4117
Toll Free: (800) 247-2697 x1117

  Email:
[email protected]

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