Research
Research
The most extensive theological library from Philadelphia to Chicago, Barbour Library gives users access to several hundred thousand books and microforms and many online databases, as well as a rare books room housing a priceless collection of classical theological works from the Reformation period, including books by John Calvin published during his lifetime, and a several-thousand-piece hymnology collection.
Services
Services
Barbour Library extends reciprocal privileges to borrowers from a number of partner institutions and lends its volumes generously through interlibrary loan. The Library houses several public access computers and offers free public wireless access throughout the building. Printers, copiers, and microfilm/microfiche readers are also available for public use, and staff offer help with thesis-binding requests.
About
About
Dedicated in 1964, The Clifford E. Barbour Library is named after the former Seminary president who oversaw the consolidation of Western and Pittsburgh-Xenia seminaries to form Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Among the Library’s extensive holdings are The Warrington Collection of hymnology volumes, The Newburgh Collection of mostly 17th- and 18th-century theological works, and The Grier Collection of incunabula, early 16th-century imprints, first editions of many literary giants, and more. Artifactual treasures in Barbour Library include the desk, chair, and memorabilia of 20th-century Reformed theologian Karl Barth.
Help
Help
Barbour Library offers online topical research guides to streamline navigating the Library’s collection and to facilitate paper- and thesis-writing. Online resources also include tutorials for exam/ordination-exam preparation, as well as writing and citation helps. Webpage answers to many frequently-asked questions add to the many resources available to on-site and online Barbour Library users.

Archives and Special Collections

About the Archives

The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is the result of several mergers following the founding of its earliest antecedent, Service Seminary, in 1794 by the Associate Presbyterian Church. The documents recording those mergers as well as the records of seminaries past and present, are housed in the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Archives. The primary purpose of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Archives is to provide for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use, and disposition of records. Records administration covers the management of records, regardless of age, to meet the administrative, financial, legal, and historical needs within the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s offices and departments.

The PTS Archives contains Seminary and antecedent seminary institutional records, manuscript collections, personal papers, photographs, and artifacts. Other materials housed in the Archives document the histories of the Associate, Associate Reformed, United Presbyterian, and Presbyterian (U.S.A.) congregations, synods, and general assemblies.

HOW DO I VIEW AN ITEM FROM THE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS OR ARCHIVES?

Current PTS staff, faculty, students, and alumnae/i are already eligible to view the special collections and archives. Non-PTS library users must have a library account in order to view the special collections and archives. A $30 (for non-clergy) or $15 (for clergy) annual fee is required for a library account, which will include the ability to view special collections and archives, as well as the privilege of checking out books from the general collection.
Materials from the special collections and archives may be viewed Tuesday 2:00-4:00 p.m., Thursday 9:00-11:00 a.m., or by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact Reference and Instruction Librarian Mark Russell at mcrussell@pts.edu or 412-924-1393.
A Pittsburgh Theological Seminary ID card, Barbour Library Card, or other photo identification must be presented at the time of viewing.
Items must be viewed in the library research room. No food or drink is permitted in this room. No backpacks, briefcases, or other luggage are allowed in the research room.
Photos of materials may be taken only with permission of library staff. It is possible that scans or copies may be made of materials by library staff, depending on the condition of materials and copyright restrictions.

COLLECTION GUIDES AND FINDING AIDS

FINDING AIDS/COLLECTION GUIDES

A list of our archives collections with links to full finding aids. Access Finding Aids/Collection Guides

PTS DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

PRESBYTERIAN BEGINNINGS: EARLY DOCUMENTS OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CHURCHES

PTS received a digitization grant from Atla in 2024 to digitize historical documents from Presbyterian Churches throughout Pennsylvania, with a large portion in Western PA. This digital collection features church history in various forms such as pamphlets, sermons, church records, forms, and other documents related to Presbyterian Church history in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond. Access Presbyterian Beginnings: Early Documents of Western Pennsylvania Churches

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

The Library also houses a variety of special collection materials, the most significant being:

The John M. Mason Memorial Collection, consisting of rare theological works dating from the Reformation.
The Warrington Collection, comprised of several thousand valuable hymnals and song books from the estate of James Warrington of Philadelphia, and provides rich research materials for scholars of American and British hymnody.
The Louis N. Grier Collection, received in 1975 and containing approximately 1,120 titles including two incunabula, early 16^th century imprints, 17^th and 18^th century British publications, first editions of British literary volumes, books on bookbinding, and examples of fine bookbinding.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

ATLA DIGITAL LIBRARY

Through the Atla Digital Library, a free and searchable database, find archival, historical, and special collections in religion and theology from libraries, religious institutions, and archives around the world. Types of documents include: historical sermons, manuscripts, letters, and other documents; digital reproductions of photographs, religious artifacts, paintings, and other artistic works; and much more. Access Atla Digital Library

INTERNET ARCHIVE

Searchable database of full text digitized seminary publications such as catalogs, journals, and scrapbooks. Access Internet Archive

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