Policies + Procedures

The CTS Library supports the instructional and research needs of the Seminary, provides resources for the scholarly community in theology and related areas of the humanities, and makes resources available to the broader religious community of Central Indiana.  

The CTS Library will protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and materials consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.

Faculty and staff of CTS have full borrowing, electronic resource access, and interlibrary loan privileges.  CTS ID cards serve as library cards for this group of patrons. There is no limit to the number of items this group of patrons may check out.

Students who are currently registered for classes have full borrowing, electronic resource access, and interlibrary loan privileges.  CTS ID cards serve as library cards for this group of patrons.  Student patrons may have up to 50 items checked out to them at a time.

Graduates of Christian Theological Seminary may request an alumni library card.  Alumni patrons may borrow up to 10 items at a time. Alumni can also access the ATLA Religion Database from the CTS alumni resources page.  Electronic resources may also be used in the library.  Alumni do not have interlibrary loan privileges.

Members of the clergy or a local congregation may become guest patrons by acquiring a clergy or Congregational Resource Center (CRC) card.  Guest patrons are permitted to borrow up to 10 items at a time but may not check out reserve materials. They do not have interlibrary loan privileges and do not have off-campus access to the online resources.

Members of the general public may use the library and its resources, but are not eligible for a library card.  Library cards are not issued to children under the age of 18.

Guest patrons use may use public access terminals and electronic resources within the library, but first must obtain a password at the Circulation Desk.

The CTS Library participates in PALNI, the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana.  This consortium is comprised of 20+ libraries throughout the state.  Currently registered students, faculty and staff of CTS may borrow items from any of the PALNI libraries using their CTS library card.  As part of a reciprocal agreement, patrons of participating PALNI libraries may borrow material from CTS Library.  PALNI patrons must be in good standing with their library before checking out material from the CTS Library.

The standard loan period for circulating materials for students, alumni, and guest patrons is three weeks (21 days).  Faculty, staff, and DMin students have extended loan privileges. 

Borrowers are responsible for returning all materials checked out in their name on time and in good condition.  Borrowers will be liable for replacement costs, including a processing fee and replacement fee for materials lost or damaged while materials are checked out to them.  Library cards are to be used only by the patron named on the card. The CTS Library does not have a drop box. Library materials must be retured during open hours.

If materials are needed for longer than the normal borrowing period, they may be renewed online via the CTS online catalog (My Account), email (renew@cts.edu), telephone (317-931-2361) or in-person at the CTS Library.

The CTS Library has a book drop outside the Chapel entrance.  DO NOT return material on Course Reserve in the drop box.  

Items that are not returned by the due date are considered overdue.  The overdue fine is 25 cents per item per day.  Fines accrue each calendar day, whether or not the library is open.  Overdue notices are sent via U.S. mail.  Material not returned 21 days  after the due date is considered lost; patrons will be charged $60 per item:  a $40 replacement fee, $10 processing fee, and $10 overdue fee.  Patron borrowing privileges are suspended at this time.  If the material is later returned, the charges would be removed except for the $10 overdue fee, per item.

A hold enables a borrower to reserve the next use of an item that is currently in circulation.  Several patrons may place a hold on the same item; a queue, by request date, will be used to distribute the item fairly.  A patron will be notified via email of the item’s availability when it is returned.

Except for reserve items, all other borrowed material is subject to recall if another patron places a HOLD on the item.  A patron will be notified via email of the item’s availability when it is returned.

Blocks are placed on a patron’s record to suspend privileges until materials are returned and/or financial obligations are cleared.  Patrons with faculty privileges are not assessed fines, but they are responsible for replacement costs.  Long overdue materials will result in computer-generated blocks, as will non-compliance with recall notices.

If the CTS Library does not own a book or journal article that you need and you are eligible for this service, you may request the item through interlibrary loan.  ILL request forms are available at the CTS Library Circulation Desk.

The Reserve system allows professors to make class material available in the library for a short term loan period in order for all members of the class to have access.  Items on reserve are located at the Circulation Desk and may be checked out for 2 hours.  Holds and recalls may not be placed on these items nor may they be renewed.  A limit of three reserve items can be checked out at any time. Availability of reserve items can be viewed on the CTS Library online catalog.  A $1.00 charge is incurred for every hour after the time due.

The staff of CTS Library is available to provide assistance to library users in finding information, instruction in using the library's online catalog and the many subscription electronic databases.  The Reference Librarian can be consulted in person, by telephone (317-931-2367) or by email.  Appointments for research assistance may be made with the reference librarian.

The Heritage Room contains works by or about members of the three branches of the Restoration Movement begun by Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone: The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Independent Christian Churches, and the Churches of Christ.  Due to the nature of this collection, these materials do not circulate.  However, many of these works are duplicated in the circulating collection.

The Heritage Room also houses a manuscript collection, rare books, and theses that have been written by CTS students.  Many theses also have a circulating copy available.  Please email Don Haymes , Archivist, or call him at (317) 931-2368 to arrange to use Heritage Room materials.

The CRC is an ecumenical educational resource center supported and operated through the cooperative efforts of CTS and seven Indiana/Indianapolis area ecclesiastical judicatories. The material in the CRC is available to anyone with a CTS Library card; CTS students do not need a separate CRC borrowing card. This collection contains religious education curricula, worship resources, and material on ministry to adults, youth, and children. Vist the CRC Web page.

The CTS Library corresponds with library patrons via email whenever possible.  CTS students, staff, and faculty must use their CTS email account to receive official communications from the Seminary.  Recall and hold notices are sent via email.  Overdue notices will be sent via email whenever possible.  Guest and Alumni patrons should provide an email address when applying for a library card and notify Circulation staff of any change.

A photocopier is located by the Circulation Desk. Students, faculty and staff use their CTS ID cards to pay for copies.  Guest patrons using the library’s copy card will be charged 5 cents per page, ten cents for a double-sided copy.  Patrons may also print from the public access computer terminals.  Computer printouts are 5 cents per page.

Members of the CTS community and guest patrons may access a wireless network in the library using their personal laptop.

Most of the Library’s eResources can be accessed from off campus by members of the CTS Community.  Click on the eResources link on the Library’s online catalog.  Choose the database you wish to access and enter 14-digit number from the barcode from the back of your CTS ID Card.

Members of the CTS community only may access a wireless network in the library using their personal laptop. For instructions, contact the IT Department at 317-931-2385.

Library Circulation workers at the front desk will retrieve items from the stacks for patrons unable to do so.  Contact the Circulation Desk to request this service.

In order to best serve our entire campus community the following guidelines have been established for all patrons using CTS Library. Patrons not willing to adhere to these guidelines will be asked to leave the library and/or lose library privileges.

In addition to providing information resources, the library is a place to study.  Excessive noise is distracting.  Please be considerate of others and pursue your library activities as quietly as possible.

In consideration of other patrons, use of cell phones is prohibited in the library.  Silence the ringer upon entering the library.  If a phone call is received, please exit the library before answering

To protect library materials and computers from accidental spills and avoid attracting bugs or mice, patrons may not bring food or beverages into the library.  Only water in a clear, covered bottle is permitted.

Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times when visiting the Library.