What can you expect to see in the Library? - The Library at Otterbein contains media with a range of topics essentially limited to some significance for the Christian faith including aspects of church life. Most of the media are in the form of books, although we have a modest collection of VHS videotapes, a small sample of books on CD, and a moderate number of DVD's with content suitable for children. All of the media can be checked out of the Library except for materials on the shelves designated for Reference Material. We ask that the Reference materials remain in the Library; reference material can be photocopied in the Library if you wish to use the material elsewhere. To check material out of the Library, sign the check- out sheet found on the credenza on the left as you enter the Library.
How do you find materials about a specific topic in the Library? - The Library's holdings (except for Reference Materials) are divided into several groups of subject matter. Some of the categories of subject matter include Books about the Bible (e.g. Biblical interpretations), Inspirational writings, Devotional materials, and Biblical history and geography; there are several other categories. Each category has its own designated shelf or shelves; look for the names of the categories on the front edge of the shelves. Within each category the materials are randomly placed on the shelves; the materials are not cataloged like you will see at the local library so you must browse to find material suitable to your individual purposes.
What is unusual about the Reference material? - The backbone of the Reference materials is the complete latest edition of The Interpreter's Bible. This alone makes our Reference collection spectacular. The Interpreter's Bible provides scholarly discourse on every aspect of the Scriptures, including some vast insights into the mind of the audience for which the various writings were produced. Otherwise, the Reference shelves have several of the aids which help the United Methodist Church run smoothly, such as the Discipline.
When is the Library open for browsing? - The Library is ALWAYS available for browsing on Sunday mornings between 8:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Library committee has requested that NO meetings be scheduled for the Library room between those hours on Sunday mornings. The Library also hosts the Sunday School offices on Sunday mornings; otherwise, no other group may use the Library at those times. However, use of the Library room on other times and days is subject to the building use policies of the Otterbein offices.
Read the Bible in a year! - The following list will walk you through reading the bible in one year!
