Introduction to the Library (Module I)

Introduction to the Library: Module I
Library Reference Materials: Module II
Library Non-Reference Materials: Module III
Library Research Strategies: Module IV

Navigated this page:
Affiliations
Mission of the Library
Facilities
- Main Level
- Lower Level
- Compact Room
Library Hours

Welcome to the Austen K. deBlois Library
The Library is located in the west wing of the Seminary building, and it is named after the second President of the Seminary, Dr. Austen Kennedy deBlois (1926-1936).

Affiliations
The Library is a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Theological Library Association (SEPTLA) and the American Theological Library Association (ATLA). Students from SEPTLA-member libraries can access other libraries in the consortium. A validated Seminary ID is required to gain access to SEPTLA libraries. To find out more information about SEPTLA libraries go to http://www.atla.com/septla/.

Back to top

Mission of the Library

To support the current curriculum of the Seminary.
To provide denominational resources for American Baptist Churches USA and other Baptist groups, particularly US denominations.
To support the research interests of faculty, students, and staff, as budget permits.
To provide resources for the pastoral needs of area ministers.
To support the continued development of the Library's extensive collection of Black and Hispanic studies.

Back to top

Facilities
The Library consists of two floors known as the main floor and the lower level. An additional room known as the Compact Room is located in the basement of the Seminary building.

Back to top

Library Facilities: Main Level
Download Main Level Map (pdf)
The circulation area is located at the main entrance of the Library. It holds the Library's title card catalog, two computers for database searching, and the circulation desk. The card catalog has been updated only through 1996. For more accurate and current information, consult the online catalog. Library staff offices are also located at the back of this area.

The Reference room is adjacent to the circulation area. Contains all non-circulating materials used for research, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, atlases, etc. Reference materials are only for library use.
Serves as a quiet reading area for patrons. There are several computers available at the front entrance of this room for on-line and database searches.

The Hispanic Studies section, also known as the Soto-Fontanez Hispanic Studies collection. Located at the northeast corner of the Reference room. Contains books written from a Hispanic perspective in both Spanish and English.

The Black Studies section, known as the J. Pius Barbour Black Studies collection.
Located at the northwest corner of the Reference room. It contains books written from a Black perspective.

The Korean Studies section is a very small collection of Korean books.
It is located on the bookshelf opposite Black Studies. Contains books written in both Korean and English.

The Eden Room is located in front of the Black Studies section. It holds current issues of selected periodicals available in the Library.

Back to top

Library Facilities: Lower Level
Download Lower Level Map (pdf)
The Main collection room is located immediately at the entrance of the lower floor. This area contains the majority of the Library's book collection.

A small collection of Undersize books, which are smaller than 15 cms., is located at the far back shelf of the main collection room. There is also a computer station nearby.

The Quiet-study area is located at the left front side of the main collection room. It is intended for reading and studying. It houses the MacBride Collection composed of books in the humanities.

The Juvenile room is located at the far left side of the main collection room. Books and a few games appropriate for children are located in this room.

The Periodical room is located behind the main collection area. All non-current periodical holdings are available in this area. A photocopier machine and a computer station are also located in this room. The periodical room also holds the Oversize collection. These are books that are taller than 28 cm. and cannot be shelved properly in the regular stacks. This collection is located at the left side of the periodical room entrance.

Compact Room
A storage annex outside the Library's main facilities is located in the basement of the Seminary building. Contains old, rarely accessed volumes still cataloged in the Dewey Decimal System and which have not yet been entered into the Library's online catalog.

There is also a special Collection of non-circulating old and rare books. It is not accessible to patrons. Materials in this room should be obtained through a Library staff person.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday - CLOSED

January & Summer Hours:

Monday thru Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday - CLOSED

The Library observes all official Seminary holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving (Wed.-Sat.), Christmas through New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Easter (Fri.-Sat.), Memorial Day, and Independence Day. Library hours change during semester breaks and holidays. Please call the library at 610-645-9318 for current hours. Hour changes will also be posted on the Library front door and at the Reception area.

Back to top