Finding Library Materials

How do I find a book in the library collection?

To find a book in the library collection, select the 'In the Hope-Western Libraries' link on the library webpage. The new window will prompt you to search by Keyword. You may also search by Title, Author, Subject, or Journal Title. The 'Advanced Search' button will enable you to use more search options. The search results will tell you an item's status, call number, and location. The 'Help' button in the upper left hand corner of the screen will provide you with specific examples of searches.

How can I find articles in your collection?

Individual journal articles can best be found by searching the ATLAReligion database. A link for this database can be found on the library webpage. It is also possible to search using the Religion Index One print volumes located in the Reference collection

After using these sources you will need to determine if the journal containing the article(s) is located in Beardslee Library. ATLAReligion displays a Western Theological Seminary icon for journals found in Beardslee Library. Titles of individual journals can be searched in the library catalog. Current journal issues are displayed on the first floor in alphabetical order by title. Back issues of journals are on the second floor and also in alphabetical order by title.

How can I read a book or an article that is not in your collection? Do you have interlibrary loan?

Select in 'World Cat' under 'Book' to search 'First Search.'

You may request books or journal articles through interlibrary loan if they are not available at Beardslee Library or the Hope College Libraries.

When you find an item in FirstSearch that neither WTS nor Hope College owns, click on 'borrow this item from another library.' A form will display requesting your information. When you finish, click 'submit.'

If you cannot locate the record within FirstSearch, you may fill out an interlibrary loan request form available at the circulation desk.

Interlibrary loans are free to WTS faculty and full-time students. Guests are charged $10.00 per book or article.

Does the library have access to e-journals?

Beardslee Library currently has direct access to e-journals through the American Theological Library Association's ATLAS program and EBSCO Subscription Service. Under 'Articles' go to 'In E-journals' to select ATLAS, EBSCO or Journal Table which list all accessible e-journals. Access will vary depending on your location and student or faculty status.

Does the library have access to electronic databases in areas other than religion?

Beardslee Library offers its faculty, students, and staff access to several databases through OCLC's FirstSearch service. They include, among others, WorldCat, Wilson SelectPlus, GPO, ArticleFirst, and ERIC.

How do I find Bible commentaries in your collection?

To find Bible commentaries in the collection, do a Subject search in the catalog and enter your information using the following formats:

1. Bible O.T. Genesis Commentaries
2. Bible O.T. Kings 1st Commentaries
3. Bible N.T. Matthew Commentaries
4. Bible N.T. Corinthians 1st Commentaries

Most commentaries are located on the third floor of the library arranged by canonical order.

Circulation Questions

How long can I check out a book?

Most items can be checked out for 28 days and can be renewed two times if not requested by another patron. Some materials, such as reserve or audio-visual items, have different loan periods. Ask at the circulation desk for more information.

How many books can I check out at one time?

Western Theological Seminary students may check out up to 50 books at one time. Clergy and guest patrons may check out up to 15 books.

How do I create a PIN and view my account?

To create a PIN and view your account:

1. Begin at the library homepage and select 'In the Hope - Western Libraries' which will bring you to our catalog.
2. Click on 'view your account' and enter the barcode from the back of your library card.
3. Enter your PIN, if you have one, and then click 'submit.'
4. If you do not have a PIN, leave the line blank and click 'submit.' You will then be prompted to create your own PIN.
5. Next, choose to view your checked out items and renew if desired.

How can I renew my books?

To renew your books:

1. Begin at the library homepage and select 'In the Hope - Western Libraries' which will bring you to our catalog.
2. Click on 'view your account' and enter the barcode from your library card. Enter your PIN and click 'submit.'
3. Click on 'checked out items.' Then choose either to renew all items by clicking 'renew all' or select specific items to renew and click 'renew selected items.'
4. Most items are allowed two renewals. If an item can be renewed, a new due date will display. If an item cannot be renewed, an explanation will display and the item will need to be returned.

How can I view a list of books I have checked out in the past? Can I view my reading history?

To view a list of books that you have checked out in the past:

1. Begin at the library homepage and select 'In the Hope - Western Libraries' which will bring you to our catalog.
2. Click on 'view your account.' Then enter the barcode from your library card and your PIN. Click 'submit.'
3. Click 'My Reading History.' If you have not done so before, you will need to click 'Opt In.'
4. Once you have opted in, a log of past borrowing will be recorded here. You may 'Opt Out' at any time, which means that your reading history will no longer be recorded or displayed. You may also delete unwanted items from your list at any time.

Please note that this list is confidential and that it is only accessible by you.

The book I want is checked out; how do I place a hold?

When you search for an item in the catalog and there is a due date in the status column, this means that another patron has the item checked out.

If you would like the item, you may place a hold on it by clicking the 'Request' button.

Enter the barcode from the back of your library card and your PIN. The item will no longer be able to be renewed but may be kept until the listed due date.

When the item is returned to the library, you will be notified by email or by phone and it will be held for you for ten days.

I'm enrolled in the Distance Learning program; can I borrow materials from your library?

Yes, distance learners may check out materials at any time. Begin at the library homepage and under 'Course Resources' click 'DL student request loan form.' Complete the form providing as much information as possible about the item. The item will be sent to you by postal mail with directions on how to return it. If you have any questions, contact the circulation supervisor, Glenda McKinley, by email (Glenda.McKinley@westernsem.edu ) or by phone (616-392-8555 ext. 139).

I'm a guest; can I use your library?

Yes, anyone from the community is welcome to use the library. If you would like to check out books and are an adult from the greater Holland area, you must register for a guest borrower card for $20.00 annually. With your card, you will be able to check out items from Beardslee Library and the Hope College Libraries. Ask at the circulation desk for more information or to register for a card.

Other Questions

How can I get help with my library research?

Under 'Research Assistance' the 'Starting points for theological study' link on the library webpage gives helpful information on reference books and other sources in a variety of theological subject areas.

Reference assistance is available from the library director, Paul Smith, during his established reference hours. Appointments for reference help at another time may also be made by contacting the director by email (paul.smith@westernsem.edu) or by phone (616-392-8555, ext.143).

How can I make a general suggestion or suggest a purchase?

Begin at the library homepage and select 'In the Hope-Western Libraries.' Click on 'Suggest a Purchase' and complete the form. You may direct purchase suggestions to the library director, Paul Smith, at anytime by email (paul.smith@westernsem.edu) or by phone (616-392-8555, ext. 143).

Are your computers available to guests from outside the seminary?

Computers in Beardslee Library are available to seminary guests for limited periods of time when not in demand by seminary students. Guests are expected to end their computer use if required by a seminary student or library staff. Guests must abide by the library's policy on computer use.

Are the Hope College Libraries available to me?

The Hope College Libraries are available to any registered patron of Beardslee Library. You may check out materials at the college libraries with your Beardslee Library card. The college's main library -- Van Wylen Library -- is located on College Avenue between 10th and 12th streets. The Music Library is located in the Music Building in the central campus area adjacent to the DeWitt Center. Information on the college libraries can be found at www.hope.edu/lib/.

What hours are you open?

Library hours during the academic year are:

Monday - Thursday: 7:30am to 11:00pm

Friday: 7:30am to 5:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am to 4:30pm

Sunday: CLOSED