Research and Study Week Update: Libraries and Hope, Trauma, Teaching and Learning from the AAR

The very existence of libraries, librarians, and their community of learners are the best evidence that there is hope for our future. Adapted from a quote attributed to T.S. Eliot.

I don't know if Eliot actually penned these words but here's what's often attributed to him: The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man. I found this quote placed on the front of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, published in 2019. I'm currently reading this novel about Roosevelt's Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project and as I'd used this real-life story to inspire us last year, I modified the T.S. Eliot quote to reflect my 1 year COVID19 experiences. I want to highlight the importance of people - those who care for the collections as well as our readers and users (communities of learning).

Safe Reopening Plans

Since April 2020, we have been planning for safe reopening. One thing is now certain: Library services will be provided in phases.

First Phase

In the first phase, in support of the Seminary’s online instruction, the library will continue digital services, including remote access, fully online Course and eTextbook Reserves, orientations, instruction, research consultations, and the Help Desk (library@lpts.edu). 

Continuing students who need printed books for their courses are encouraged to contact the Student Office which administers the CARES funds. Contact: Gina Kuzuoka. Student Assistance Funds to help with costs associated with learning  technology and access ($300 maximum) for all students are also available. Contact Jessica Bowman.

E.M. White LibraryCOVID-19 Message and Library Closing/Online Services

E.M. White Library

COVID-19 Message and Library Closing/Online Services

While there have been no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 (“coronavirus”) respiratory disease on Louisville Seminary’s campus, out of an abundance of care and caution, the Louisville Seminary E.M. White Library will be closed from March 17 through April 5, 2020. We regret any inconvenience and thank you for your support and understanding. Below, are ways in which the Library is responding to meet the needs of Louisville Seminary students, faculty, employees, alums, and the general public.

LPTS Students, Faculty, All Employees

We recognize the inconvenience of the closure of the Library to our LPTS learning community. We also recognize that with the shift to online classes for the rest of the semester, a number of faculty, students, and staff may opt to use the library remotely and seek additional library information and instruction.  

While the Library is closed and physical access to its rooms and collections are unavailable, we encourage you to visit the library website. Remote access to over 6,000 ebooks, many general and specialized electronic databases, and the full-text Chicago Manual of Style (17^th edition) are available for our community. Please log in with your barcode number and password to access these resources. A new Digital Resources Guide provides introductory information on all the library's electronic offerings.

Print Books:  Book borrowing is suspended. Fines for books which you have checked out that become due during this period will be waived. The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books. Interlibrary borrowing is also suspended. Books on hold will continue to be held for you, until further notice. 

Remote Access to the Library: Please check your remote access to the library by logging in using your library barcode and last four digits of your phone number.  If you have trouble logging in or have forgotten your barcode number and password, please email library@lpts.edu. Your email will come to the entire library staff team. Someone on the team will be in touch with you as soon as possible to help resolve the matter.

Library Instruction: Library staff are available via scheduled Zoom video conferences for those students and faculty who need instructional assistance. Contact: Dr. Anita Coleman.

Reference and Electronic Databases Questions: Email your reference or electronic resource questions and any other class-related requests you may have to library@lpts.edu.

Course Reserves: Course reserve readings left over for the rest of the semester have been scanned. They are available in CAMS. Contact: Bobi Bilz.

Testing & Survey Software: ClassMarker, testing software and Survey Software are available in the Library. Both are used by the Marriage and Family Therapy program.  ClassMarker can handle multiple choice, matching, short answers, etc. but not essays. The test will also do the grading automatically. Please send tests with the answer key to Carolyn Cardwell at least 48 - 72 hours in advance of the date and time you want to deliver the test to students. Please also contact Carolyn if you ‘d like to have a survey done. Contact: Carolyn Cardwell.

LPTS Alums

We realize that closing the Library will be an inconvenience for a number of our alums. All checked out items will stop incurring fines during this period and until the Library reopens to the public. The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books. Additionally, we would like to remind you that you have online / remote access to religion and theology journals via ATLAS for Alums. All alums are encouraged to keep an eye on both the LPTS and E.M. White Library websites for further updates.

Non-LPTS Patrons (general public, clergy, reciprocal borrowers)

We recognize that closing the Library to the public will be an inconvenience for a number of our regular users. All checked out items will stop incurring fines during this period and until the Library reopens to the public. The outside book drop will still be available if you would like to return books. We also encourage you to keep an eye on both the LPTS and E.M. White Library websites for further updates.

Electronic Resources

If you’ve always relied on print books, be aware that our eBook and database offerings can help fill the gap. Some of the Library Guides can help you navigate our digital offerings if you are not a frequent user. Unfortunately, remote access to our eBooks and electronic databases isn’t available to our non-LPTS patrons. However, our online library guides – which are arranged by subject and class - are available to all.

Visit the Digital Resources Guide for introductory information on all of the library's electronic offerings.

Visit the Finding Articles guide for specific information on finding relevant scholarly articles.

Visit the eBooks guide for more specific help on accessing electronic books.

E-mail library@lpts.edu with any reference or digital resource questions you may have.

Suggestions can also be sent via the Library website Contact Us/Suggestions form.

As publishers and libraries around the county continue to open services and resources, E.M. White Library’s online services too will continue to evolve.  We will keep you informed in the days ahead and we thank you in advance for your grace and support.

Sincerely,

E.M. White Library Team