Rate theological libraries

I've been at a number of theological libraries at seminaries, universities, and private libraries. Some are clearly better than others. Liberty's library is terrible. It has more volumes on theological studies than other disciplines but it is still thin and unusable beyond undergraduate work. When I was attended Liberty for my undergrad I would frequently go to UVA or another school in the area to utilize their library.

As for the other two, I've never been to (or really heard of) PIU, but SEBTS library was okay. It wasn't the best of the six SBC seminaries. I found that SWBTS' library was quite thorough and really had a good time working in that library while I was doing my MDiv. Often I would go over the TCU's Brite Divinity School library, which was okay, but only because they were open until about 3 am whereas SWBTS closed at 11 pm. Sometimes I'd head over to DTS and check out their library occasionally and found it to be a decent library. However I'd stay at SWBTS primarily for research. With the addition of the IBR on campus it has deepened SWBTS library.

SBTS also has a great library. Though I've only occasionally used it, when I have it has always been thorough and helpful.

If I am looking for a good theological library in Atlanta I've gone to Emory's Candler School of Theology and their library. It is also rather good and has a good layout. Due to the nature of Candler theologically they'll have a broader array of resources than others.

One private theological library which I've visited twice now is located northwest of Houston and is the Lanier Theological Library. It occupies a sizable piece of land outside the city and is relatively close to the major international airport for Houston. It is a good private library that focuses on biblical studies and has a lot of Jewish literature as well. The beauty of the library and its adjoining buildings cannot be underestimated. It is a must visit for anyone interested in checking out theological libraries.

Other schools who have really great theological libraries abound, honestly I was still impressed at Harvard's library. Princeton Theological is really outstanding as well.

If I were doing a PhD and wanted to have an excuse to travel beyond the school I was anchored at I would certainly go off and visit these various schools libraries.

 

I am curious, do you know how many volumes SWBTS has in their library? The library in Prague has something over 70,000 volumes and is said to be the largest English language theological collection in Europe. The oldest book I remember was published in the 1600's. It is on infant baptism and the author is against it.

 

My daughter is at Liberty, I have to say their library is spotty.

Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University) is even smaller.

I'm spoiled though - Princeton University's Theological Library is vast.

Rob

 

The hope for Liberty's library is that they are building a new (it is going to be massive) facility that will overcome their current limitations.

However I can only hope they hire better trained librarians to administrate the holdings. The challenge for any school and library is ensuring you have requisite funds to pay for journals, new texts, and electronic subscriptions. Liberty's institutional myopia (I am an alum) often has been a hindrance to bringing quality work to their students. We'll see if the new library will handle proper volumes of theological study.

 

As the rector and academic dean at IBTS in Prague says, "The library is the heart of the institution. Without an excellent library the institution will never achieve academic excellence.

I hope Liberty will improve. I have no first hand knowledge of that library. But from what you say it would seem they need to concentrate on the library. It will be a very expensive task.

 

I love looking at special collections. SEBTS has the John R. Rice papers (eventually to go to Southwestern) and the Francis Shaeffer papers.

Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale, PA, has an excellent collection of old Bibles and old books and journals (some back to the 18th century, I believe) with articles about the Bible, translation, etc.

 

Whhhaaaaa - - - Lansdale, why that's almost in my backyard!

I've never heard of it - I've gotta look that one up and go there someday soon.

Rob

 

Quite a number of old and ancient theological books are available on the Net free.

Here is a good place to start your search:

http://library.fuller.edu/library/research_help/online_books_journals.asp

 

It's an accredited independent Baptist school. My son got his M.Div. there.

 

Thanks! Looks like fun. :thumbsup: