The mission of the Austin Graduate School of Theology library is to:

1. Provide adequate materials and facilities to allow Austin Grad students to do thorough research on assigned classroom projects and areas of special interests;
2. Provide an adequate collection of audiovisual material to support class room instruction at the School;
3. Provide and maintain an adequate collection of materials on various aspects of Christian studies for members of the Churches of Christ and other interested individuals in the larger community;
4. Assist library patrons in finding adequate, relevant information in the most efficient manner.

DESCRIPTION

The library is located on the second floor of the Graduate School and currently has 28,000 items in its collection. The collection is highly specialized, with a focus on biblical studies, theology, church history, and practical ministry. The library subscribes to 127 journals (print and microform) and maintains an up-to-date reference collection.

Students have access to a number of computers in the library, including three iMacs and three PCs. The computers are equipped with the latest Bible search software, including Accordance, Gramcord for Windows, Logos, and Bible Windows. In addition, students have access to the ATLA Religion Database, and the full-text ATLAS database.

Professional Associations

The library has membership in the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and TexShare, the consortium of academic and public libraries in the state of Texas. Through TexShare, the students have access to numerous online full-text databases and also have borrowing privileges at most public and academic libraries throughout Texas.

POLICIES

The library primarily serves the Austin Grad community (students, faculty and staff, and friends). Others from the Austin area with an interest in theological studies are welcome to visit the library and use library materials in-house. In order to check out materials, however, a person from the community must first establish a user account for an annual fee of $15.00. The standard loan period for library materials is 21 days.

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INSTRUCTION

The library would like to assist you in understanding how to utilize the resources of the library. To learn how to use our digital catalogue (Athenaeum), search for full-text articles through TexShare or citations to articles in ATLA, full-text articles in ATLAS, or to use the Accordance Bible-search program, please contact the Librarian. We can set up an appointment and get you started toward more effective information-seeking.

DATABASES

The following databases are available for your use:

1. Link to TexShare Databases.
2. Link to full-text ATLAS database.
3. Access to the Austin Grad Library online catalog will soon be available. In the meantime, feel free to e-mail the librarian at the address below to ask about a particular title. He will respond as soon as possible.

OTHER RESOURCES

The Library also provides the following links for other resources:

1. Biblical and theological resources on the World Wide Web are abundant. For a list of useful sites, visit our Internet Resource Guide, which has been carefully edited by our library staff with Austin Grad students in mind.
2. Links to Austin-area library catalogs.
3. A list of recommended Biblical commentaries for your research needs.

Please submit comments or questions to: Jon Aho, Theological Librarian, at jaho@austingrad.edu.

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