Research
Research
The most extensive theological library from Philadelphia to Chicago, Barbour Library gives users access to several hundred thousand books and microforms and many online databases, as well as a rare books room housing a priceless collection of classical theological works from the Reformation period, including books by John Calvin published during his lifetime, and a several-thousand-piece hymnology collection.
Services
Services
Barbour Library extends reciprocal privileges to borrowers from a number of partner institutions and lends its volumes generously through interlibrary loan. The Library houses several public access computers and offers free public wireless access throughout the building. Printers, copiers, and microfilm/microfiche readers are also available for public use, and staff offer help with thesis-binding requests.
About
About
Dedicated in 1964, The Clifford E. Barbour Library is named after the former Seminary president who oversaw the consolidation of Western and Pittsburgh-Xenia seminaries to form Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Among the Library’s extensive holdings are The Warrington Collection of hymnology volumes, The Newburgh Collection of mostly 17th- and 18th-century theological works, and The Grier Collection of incunabula, early 16th-century imprints, first editions of many literary giants, and more. Artifactual treasures in Barbour Library include the desk, chair, and memorabilia of 20th-century Reformed theologian Karl Barth.
Help
Help
Barbour Library offers online topical research guides to streamline navigating the Library’s collection and to facilitate paper- and thesis-writing. Online resources also include tutorials for exam/ordination-exam preparation, as well as writing and citation helps. Webpage answers to many frequently-asked questions add to the many resources available to on-site and online Barbour Library users.

Borrowing and Patron Information

Patron Privileges

Patron Type	# Books	Book Loan Period	# Book Renewals	# Media	Media Loan Period	# Media Renewals	Overdue Fines	ILL Eligible
PTS Students	50	4 weeks	2	10	2 weeks	2	$0.25/day	Y
PTS Faculty	250	6 months	3	10	2 weeks	2	NA	Y
PTS Adjunct Faculty	50	6 months	3	10	2 weeks	2	NA	Y
PTS Staff	50	6 months	3	10	2 weeks	2	NA	Y
PTS Field Education	10	4 weeks	1	2	2 weeks	1	$0.25/day	N
PTS Alumnae/i	10	4 weeks	1	2	2 weeks	1	$0.25/day	Y
Clergy	10	4 weeks	1	2	2 weeks	1	$0.25/day	N
*Reciprocal Faculty/Students	10	4 weeks	1	2	2 weeks	1	$0.25/day	N
Emeritus	50	4 weeks	2	10	2 weeks	2	NA	N
General Public	5	4 weeks	1	2	2 weeks	1	$0.25/day	N

Library staff reserves the right to reject or revoke borrowing privileges at any time for any legitimate reason. These policies are revisited regularly and may be updated without notification.

Lost or Stolen Materials

In-Print - Actual Cost of Book plus $20 processing fee
Out-of-Print - Minimum $80 plus $20 processing fee

Returning Materials

During normal hours, drop off materials at the Circulation Desk
After hours, drop off materials in the Book Drop just outside the entrance

New Materials

Items on the "New Materials" display have the same loan period for every patron type. New materials have a 4-week loan period, no renewals, and are subject to overdue fines of $0.25/day.

Privilege Length

Library privileges for clergy, general public, and reciprocal borrowers will expire one year from registration. When your account has expired, contact the front desk at 412-924-1354 to renew for another year.

PTS Reciprocal Borrowers

PTS students and faculty are granted access to resources at our reciprocal borrowing partner institutions (linked below). Visitors to these institutions receive limited borrowing privileges, which are stipulated by the individual libraries. Different institutions have different procedures for receiving a reciprocal card, but it is advised that students are prepared to provide both a campus ID and a valid driver's license or state-issued ID. PTS students and faculty are also granted access to select libraries nationwide through the Atla Reciprocal Borrowing Program.

*Non-PTS Reciprocal Borrowers

Barbour Library welcomes students and faculty from our reciprocal borrowing partner institutions (linked above). Visitors from these institutions can receive limited borrowing privileges at Barbour Library. Requests for borrowing privileges must be made in-person at the Circulation Desk. A driver's license or state-issued ID and a valid campus, university, or institution ID is required.

All library policies and campus rules must be followed. A reciprocal borrowing card will be issued and is to be retained and used by the specified borrower only.

See above for borrowing periods, item, and fines information.

*Atla Reciprocal Borrowing Program

Barbour Library is a participant in the Atla Reciprocal Borrowing Program. This grants access for our students at participating theological schools across the country, and Barbour Library welcomes their students in turn. Read more information on the program and a list of partner institutions.

Local Libraries

We do not have reciprocal agreements with the institutions listed below, but all are open to the public to browse and use materials on the premises.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Borrowing privileges at the Carnegie Library are free to anyone with an Allegheny County address.
Carnegie Mellon University Libraries
Chatham University Library

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