STUDY RELIGION IN BOSTON | hub of interreligious theological education

Libraries

Together, the libraries of the schools of the Boston Theological Institute own over 4 million volumes in theology and related disciplines.  The collections are accessible to all BTI students and faculty. A new system for borrowing, replacing the BTI library card, was implemented on August 1, 2018. To gain access to BTI lending, you must opt-in for your information to be shared with each library. This will allow BTI libraries to verify that you attend a member school. View the full instructions for opting in for all students.

To download a quick sheet Library Services Flyer, click here.

 

Harvard Divinity Library. Stone arches, bookcases, stained glass windows.

  • Students who have a BTI Portal Account should already have access, as long as you clicked 'opt in' when you registered. Contact btioffice@bostontheological.org if you are unsure. You can simply walk into any member library and use the resources, the same as at your home intitution! (see flyer above for details)
  • Students without a BTI Portal Account need to fill out the New Student Registration Form to opt-in. You will see this option at the bottom of the form. 
  • Faculty of BTI Consortium Schools need simply to show valid ID at the lending desk of any member library. Note: there may be additional procedures as determined by each school.

 

 

Borrowing Privileges and Procedures

BTI students and faculty may borrow books from any other BTI school library upon proof of school affiliation, by showing school ID for example, and completion of any registration required by the lending library. There is not a BTI Library Card.  Books may be checked out in person or requested through inter-library loan (ILL). BTI alumni do not have borrowing privileges at BTI libraries but may be able to request a book through the school they attended. 

Renewals

Unless requested by another borrower, books may be renewed at the circulation desk of the lending library. Specific library renewal policies may differ. 

Returns

Books borrowed from other BTI libraries may be returned through the MLS (Massachusetts Library System) by leaving them at any BTI library circulation desk. 

Fines

Fines for overdue materials and replacement costs for lost materials are charged according to the policy of the lending library. Failure to pay fines or return recalled material can result in the loss of borrowing privileges at all BTI libraries. 

Metal shelves lined with multicolored volumes. A women sits on the floor leaning against a bookcase.


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