Researchers are welcome to use the study spaces, computers, and collections. However, during times of very high use by Columbia students, researcher services and access may be limited.
Study rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for daily use. Again, during times of high use by Columbia students, researchers’ access to study rooms may be limited.
The computers in the library are for use by Columbia Theological Seminary students, faculty, staff, alumni, researchers, and special guests of the Seminary. Library researchers may use computers for library applications but for limited periods.
Printing, scanning, and photocopying are available in the library. Scanning is free. Printing and photocopying are free for current students, faculty, and staff. Alumni and researchers may print and photocopy for $.10 per page/side.
Researchers may inquire about obtaining a library card to borrow library resources. See below for more information about patron categories and circulation policies.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the building, including an adult present with them in the Griffith Children’s Library.
Library Access and Services 2023-2024
The library is open to CTS students, faculty, staff, alumni, and researchers.
Library Hours (while classes are in session)
• Sunday 3pm – 7pm
• Monday through Thursday 8:30am – 7:00pm
• Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
The building is accessible via a building access card. If you do not have an access card, please schedule an appointment with Bob Craigmile.
Lost building access cards must be reported immediately to ctslibrary@ctsnet.edu. A lost building access card exposes users to possible security issues.
The replacement cost for a lost building access card is $10. The replacement card fine will be placed on your library account and can be paid for through your library account. To replace a lost Library/Building Access card, please schedule an appointment with Bob Craigmile.
The replacement cost for a second lost building access card is $100. Building access cards can ONLY be replaced twice. If a Library/Building Access card is lost a second time, the user must access the building only through appointments.
Requesting Scans or Sections of Books
Students who are residential or live in Greater Atlanta* are responsible for all their own copying, scanning, and printing needs. Library staff are happy to help you get acquainted with or reacquainted with the library computers and copy/scan machines.
Students in online degrees (ThM) may request scans from books needed for classes and research. Email ctslibrary@ctsnet.edu with a detailed description of your requested scans (course name, book title, page numbers/chapter titles), and our staff will do their best to get back to you within a 48-hour timeframe. Please note that the library can only provide limited scans of required textbooks while students are procuring their own personal copies.
Please remember that the copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material, and library staff must abide by this law. The library staff reserves the right to refuse a copying request if, in their judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve a violation of copyright law.
Faculty may submit scan and copy requests via the Faculty Administrative Support JotForm found on Employee eCampus. Please provide as much information as possible regarding your requests.
Requesting Books
If you are a degree-seeking student or have graduated from a CTS degree program and you live outside of Greater Atlanta* but within in the United States, we can mail requested books to you via USPS. Please send a list of requested items and your mailing address to ctslibrary@ctsnet.edu.
Returning Items
Physical items may be returned by mail (CTS Library, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031). Patrons are responsible for return postage costs, but they may select the most cost-effective shipping option.
Online Materials and Tools
The CTS Library has an extensive collection of online resources available to current students, faculty, and staff from any location and to any patron using the library’s public computers. Alumni patrons receive access to a specially tailored set of digital resources that they can access remotely.
Library Catalog: After executing a search, use the filters on the left-hand side of the search results screen to limit results to ebooks or electronic resources.
eResources: The content of this collection is available fully online. It contains eBooks, reference books, and full-text journals.
GALILEO: GALILEO is an interdisciplinary database with content ranging from theology to science, education, history, etc. Here you will find research starters, articles, eBooks, and many other useful digital items.
Articles: Atla is the main repository for journals and articles published on topics related to theology and religion.
Research Guides: Use the CTS Quick Tips and Guides, One-Minute Instruction Videos, and Research Tutorials in Moodle to help you start your research process.
Contact Us
Library staff are also available to you via:
• Phone: 404.687.4610
• Email: ctslibrary@ctsnet.edu
• Appointments: In-person or on Zoom
Please get in touch with us if you have any additional concerns or questions about library policies. If you have questions not answered here or have new ideas for how we can serve you, email us at ctslibrary@ctsnet.edu. Remember, we are here for you!