Statement of purpose

The purpose of the Beasley Rare Book Room is to connect students, faculty, patrons, and scholars with primary sources other documents of note, and memorabilia in their original formats to the end that they support the mission of the PTS Library and enhance understandings of the way of Jesus through the literature and history of Christian faith. The Library is dedicated to making these materials that have been entrusted to it accessible to PTS and the larger community while at the same time caring for their safety and security.

Collection Description

The library is pleased to own a collection of approximately 700 rare and valuable titles, many of which originate from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These are housed in the newly renovated Beasley Rare Book Room. Some titles of note include a 1479 Vulgate Bible, a 1529 Great Byble, and a 1596 Hamburg edition of the Polyglot Bible. Of particular interest to PTS are such Disciples materials such as Alexander Campbell’s Christianity Restored dating from 1835.

The completion of the Beasley Rare Book Room renovation was celebrated during a dedication ceremony on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Present at the ceremony were Robert Beasley and Vicki Vanderslice, of the Beasley Foundation, from Dallas, Texas, which underwrote the renovation. Also in attendance were the design team from KSQ Architects, representatives from Artisan Custom Cabinetry, and several PTS staff, faculty, and trustees. View a slide show of photos taken at the event.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday  8AM  - 5PM

Please call first: (918) 270-6437, or email us.

Phillips Theological Seminary closes on some national and religious holidays.

Locating materials

Materials can be located by using the library’s online catalog.

Special indexes for Discipliana materials can be found in the Imbler Discipliana Room and brought into the Beasley Rare Book Room if required.

Access to materials

There are a few security-related procedures you should to know before entering into the Beasley Rare Book Room:

• All visitors must sign in with the staff in the PTS library, letting us know with which institution you are affiliated.
• You may bring computers into the space, but you will need to leave bags, briefcases, coats, or umbrellas. Pens are not allowed. Your belongings will be kept secure in the main library.
• You will be asked to clean your hands with alcohol gel after entering the room. Gloves must be used in handling the materials in the horizontal display case.
• No drinking or eating is allowed -- accidents happen! The seminary is a smoke-free environment.
• The Beasley Rare Book Room may be used as a study and writing space.
• You need to know that the Beasley Rare Book Room is under constant and recorded camera surveillance.
• Beasley Rare Book Room materials stay in the Beasley Rare Book Room. No materials may leave the room without the permission of library staff.
• Some duplication of materials is possible, but must be done by the staff and at the discretion of the Library Director -- Materials are degraded by exposure to light.