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zSpencer Library Home: About the Library

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About the Spencer Library

The Spencer Library participates in the mission of the seminary by maintaining a core collection that:

  • supports the curriculum of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
  • supports the andragogy and scholarship of the seminary’s faculty.
  • is representative of the breadth of religious, philosophical, and theological thought and practice as reflective of the seminary's curriculum.
  • provides access to the wider universe of information resources through networking and the utilization of new research tools in print and electronic formats as they can be made available.
  • provides instruction to individuals and classes on the use of the library and its resources.
  • serves as a resource for the life-long education and ongoing formation of clergy, laity and others in the wider community.

The Spencer Library was formed from the merging of two collections at the founding of United Theological Seminary in the early 1960s; Mission House Theological Seminary and Yankton School of Theology.  

Current collection stats:

  • 50,000 print books 
  • 90+ periodical subscriptions
  • 22,000 eBook titles 
  • 60+ online databases

An active member of the Minnesota Theological Library Association (MTLA), the five participating seminary libraries comprise the largest collection of theological and religious materials between Chicago and the West Coast.  

Library Hours

 

  • Anytime the building is open books may be checked out of the library.  There is a self check out machine on the circulation desk as well as paper forms that can be filled out.  
  • Please note that the seminary building is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Students who do not live in the Twin Cities area can ask that books be mailed to your address - please contact the library with these requests.
  • The due dates for all items currently checked out will be the Friday before the last week of the term. There is a drop box at the library circulation desk.