Library Circulation Policies

The following policies govern (1) the circulation of materials in the John T. Christian Library and the Martin Music Library and (2) the facilities in general so as to respect all patrons.  If you are a new NOBTS student, you must register with the library separately as the library system is not connected with any other campus system.  Also, it is only by registering with the library that you gain access to e-book collections.

InterLibrary Loan (ILL) / Document Delivery Services (see item VI, "Services Available") is for NOBTS students and faculty, whether at the main campus or any of the extension centers.


I. Who can check out materials?

  1. Registered students, faculty, and staff of the seminary - with seminary ID
  2. Registered users as per the LOUIS agreement - with appropriate card
  3. Registered users from other schools as per individual agreements.
  4. Registered NOBTS alumni.

Patrons in categories 2, 3, and 4 are limited to 5 items.

II. What materials can be checked out?

  1. General collection:
    1. Books
    2. Audio and video recordings (ONLY seminary patrons)
  2. Music collection:
    1. Books
    2. Scores
    3. Compact Discs (ONLY seminary patrons)

Music materials should be returned to Martin Music Library.

III. For how long may materials be checked out?

  1. Books and Scores
    1. Doctoral students -- 60 days; possible 60 day renewal
    2. All others -- 21 days; possible 21 day renewal
  2. Audio and video recordings (regular & music)  -- 7 days
  3. Reserves vary in time from "In house use only" to one month
  4. There is a limit to the number of items students may have checked out at one time:
    a. Doctoral students = 60 items
    b. Master's students = 30 items
    c. Undergraduate students = 15 items
    d. Non-students = 5 items

Only NOBTS students and faculty may check out reserves.

IV. Fines

  1. Books, scores, audio and video -- $.20 per day, per item
  2. Reserves:
    a.     Daily -- $5.00 per day, per item
    b.     Hourly -- $1.00 per hour

V. Suspension of privileges

A patron's privileges may be suspended if:
     1.  Items are more than 21 days late
     2.  Unpaid fines of $20 or more

VI. Food & Beverages

     1.  Food and beverages are allowed only in the designated areas -- lobby,
          Curriculum Lab, and Missions room.
     2.  If you are in other areas, please keep bottles, mugs, and other items in your bags.

VII.  Cell phone use

     1.  Please turn cell phones on vibrate when studying in the library so that ringing does
          not disturb others trying to study.
     2.  If you need to take a call or place a call, please go to one of the public areas like 
          the lobby, Curriculum Lab, Missions room, or family reading room so as to
          minimize disturbing others.

VIII.  Please be mindful ... 

     1.  Public areas (the lobby, Curriculum Lab, Missions room, or family reading room) are
          where noise is expected, but there are limits as to how loud they should be.
     2.  While some areas are considered "quiet areas" (reference room, book stacks), we
          realize that some talking needs to be done for study groups, instructing patrons and
          answering questions.  Please be mindful of others studying and keep noise to a
          respectable level.

VI.  Services available

Certain services are available only to NOBTS students and faculty :
     1.  Databases
     2.  Interlibrary Loan (ILL) / Document Delivery
           If NOBTS libraries do not have materials you need, you may request to borrow these
               materials from other libraries through the ILL office.  For complete details on
               requesting materials, click here => I.L.L.
     3.  Doctoral Study Carrels -- ReDoc, DMA, and EdD students desiring a study carrel should
          see the reference librarian for information and access.
          a.  Study carrels are available (limited number) to PhD, DMA, EdD, and ThM students
          b.  Personal items may be kept in carrels, but the library assumes no responsibility for
               items and makes no guarantees for their security
          c.  Nothing may be attached to the carrel's exterior or permanently affixed to the carrel
              (i.e., anchors, padded adhesives, etc.)
          d.  Problems with carrel lights and power should be reported to the library circulation desk
          e.  Reference items and periodicals may not be kept in carrels; they can be used there
               while studying
          f.  Circulating items may not be kept in carrels unless they are checked out
          g.  The library reserves the right to periodically go through carrels to make sure all policies
               are followed.

Other services, such as wireless internet, are available to all patrons.

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