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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
- History and Collections
- Library Mission and Core Values
- Library Policies
- Giving to the Library
- Library Photos and Videos
- Staff Directory
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
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- Doctor of Ministry Students
- Alumnae/i
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.
Library News
Barbour Library Health and Safety Guidelines
Mask wearing is optional at this time while Allegheny County community risk remains at low or medium levels. Per our current Phase 3b Health and Safety Guidelines, all visitors must continue using the LiveSafe Daily Health Check app and show that they have received a green checkmark in order to use the library. Room capacities are at 100 percent.
Please visit the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's page on Coronavirus Preparedness for full details on the Seminary's response to COVID-19. The Barbour Library page will address library services and resources only.
The library is fully reopen to the PTS community as well as to the general public. Patrons may enter the library, browse the collection, checkout materials at the Circulation Desk, receive in-person reference assistance (see right side of the page for more information), and use the library space for personal and group study.
Accessing On-Campus Resources
Per the Seminary's Health and Safety Plan, please note the following guidelines for visiting the library:
- Only those who receive a green checkmark from the LiveSafe app health check may come to campus. All library visitors (both PTS community members and outside patrons) will be asked to show that they have received this checkmark when they enter the building, or, directed to the kiosk in the lobby to fill out the health check.
- Social distancing of 3 to 6 feet between patrons is to be observed at all times.
Accessing Off-Campus Resources
For remote/off-campus patrons:
- Please visit the Electronic Resource Guide for links to and instructions on accessing digital library materials (PTS students, faculty, and staff only).
- Need online research assistance? Use chat reference (see the right side of the page for chat reference information), or e-mail your research questions to reference@pts.edu. You may also visit our staff directory for individual contact information.
- While remote access to our e-books and databases is not available to our non-PTS patrons, our online guides and list of recommended websites are available to all, and all patrons are welcome to use our online chat.
The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books.
Reference Assistance
Visit https://libraryanswers.pts.edu/ for chat reference or to utilize library FAQs. The chat reference window is the 'Ask a Librarian' box on the right hand side of the page (or bottom of the page in mobile view), as well as on our library guides page and our online catalog. Reference staff will be monitoring that window and also be available for in-person research assistance on the following schedule:
Spring Term Hours:
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday:
- 9:00-11:00 a.m.
- 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday:
- 9:00-11:00 a.m.
- 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- 7:00-10:00 p.m.
- Wednesday:
- 9:00-11:00 a.m.
- 3:00-5:00 p.m.
- 7:00-10:00 p.m.
- Saturday:
- 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 28: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
*In-person Reference Services are only available Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Tuesdays-Wednesdays from 7:00-10:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
**The library will be closed from April 7-9, 2023 for the Easter holiday.
You may also e-mail reference@pts.edu to contact reference staff.