Dec 02, 2009

PTS Celebrates National Theological Libraries Month

Phillips Theological Seminary (PTS) recently celebrated Theological Libraries Month (TLM), a time set aside by the American Theological Library Association, (ATLA) to highlight the vital role libraries play in theological education. As a participant in TLM, the PTS library offered individualized computer training, door prizes, and refreshments.

This is the third consecutive year that Phillips has held a TLM celebration for students. “TLM is a great opportunity to generate awareness of library resources and services while creating a welcoming environment for students during a particularly hectic time of the semester,” said Mary Coniglio, reserves and special projects librarian for PTS, who has coordinated the celebration for the past three years.

New this year was a library-sponsored breakfast for faculty and staff. Thanks to a grant from ATLA, Phillips’ faculty and staff were treated to a fabulous breakfast buffet with an opportunity to enter a drawing for QuikTrip gift certificates. “The breakfast and prize drawing were a very enjoyable way to strengthen relationships between library staff and the rest of the PTS community. It is always important to us to reinforce our commitment to provide a hospitable and accessible environment for the entire PTS community and guests,” commented Sandy Shapoval, director of the PTS Library.

The PTS Library boasts more than 90,000 bound volumes and extensive files of periodicals and other non-book materials. Students also have 24/7 access to full-text journal databases, including ATLA serials and New Testament and Old Testament Abstracts. As part of Phillips’ commitment to support the continuous spiritual and educational enrichment of pastors and other leaders in the church, the Library offers special borrower’s privileges to local clergy and their staffs.