The mission of the Austin Graduate School of Theology David Worley Library is to:

1. Provide adequate materials and facilities to allow Austin Grad students to do thorough research on assigned classroom projects and areas of special interests;
2. Provide an adequate collection of audiovisual material to support classroom instruction at Austin Grad;
3. Provide and maintain an adequate collection of materials on various aspects of Christian studies for members of the Churches of Christ and other interested individuals in the larger community;
4. Assist library patrons in finding adequate, relevant information in the most efficient manner.

DESCRIPTION

The David Worley Library is located on the first floor of Austin Grad and currently has 29,000 items in its collection. The collection is highly specialized, with a focus on biblical studies, theology, church history, and practical ministry. The library subscribes to about 130 journals (print and microform) and maintains an up-to-date reference collection.  In addition, students have access to the ATLA Religion Database and the ATLA Serials (ATLAS) Database.  Through ATLAS, students can access more than 211,000 full-text digital articles and book reviews combined.

The Jim Beyer Computer Lab provides access to Macs and PCs.  Computers are equipped with the latest Bible-search software including Accordance, Gramcord for Windows, Logos, and Bible Windows.

Professional Associations

The library maintains membership in the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and TexShare, the consortium of academic and public libraries in the state of Texas. Through TexShare, students have access to numerous online full-text databases and also have borrowing privileges at most public and academic libraries throughout Texas. 

POLICIES

The library primarily serves the Austin Grad community (students, faculty and staff, and friends). Others from the Austin area with an interest in theological studies are welcome to visit the library and use library materials in-house. In order to check out materials, however, a person from the community must first establish a user account for an annual fee of $15.00. The standard loan period for library materials is 21 days.

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INSTRUCTION

The library staff would like to assist you in understanding how to utilize the resources of the library. To learn how to use our digital catalogue (Athenaeum), search for full-text articles through TexShare or citations to articles in ATLA, full-text articles in ATLAS, or to use the Accordance Bible-search program, please contact the Librarian. We can set up an appointment and get you started toward more effective information-seeking.

DATABASES

The following databases are available for your use:

1. Link to TexShare Databases.
2. Link to full-text ATLAS database.
3. Access to the Austin Grad David Worley Library online catalog will soon be available. In the meantime, feel free to e-mail the Librarian at the address below to ask about a particular title. He will respond as soon as possible.

OTHER RESOURCES

The Library also provides the following links for other resources:

1. Biblical and theological resources on the World Wide Web are abundant. For a list of useful sites, visit our Internet Resource Guide, which has been carefully edited by our library staff with Austin Grad students in mind.
2. Links to Austin-area library catalogs.
3. A list of recommended Biblical commentaries for your research needs.

Please submit comments or questions to: Todd Hall at thall@austingrad.edu.

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