About the Library

J. Oliver Buswell Jr. Library

In April 2001 the Seminary dedicated the newly expanded Buswell Library, having tripled its size and transformed the existing space. Among the new features of the Library are an expanded reference section for print and electronic resources, audio-visual rooms, small group study rooms, new computer facilities, a large seminar room, a periodicals display room, and an atrium.

In addition to Covenant Seminary's collection of books and other materials, faculty and students have access to dozens of electronic databases, which provide access to a larger world of information. The Library also houses the Tait Rare Book Collection. In addition, the PCA Historical Center, housed in the library building, contains unique material of interest to many faculty, students, and visitors. The Student Computer Center, also in the Library, assists students in the tasks of biblical exegesis and paper writing.

Covenant Seminary's own collection is supplemented and enriched by libraries in the St. Louis Theological Consortium, MOBIUS (a Missouri statewide consortium of academic libraries), and the St. Louis Regional Library Network. These resources provide the students and faculty of Covenant Seminary access to more than 15 million items in the libraries of the three consortia. Students and faculty are able to search the holdings of MOBIUS libraries and a courier service delivers requested items quickly.

Other services include personalized research assistance, wide-ranging inter-library loan, traditional and electronic course reserves, and cooperative agreements allowing students privileges among many libraries throughout the St. Louis area. As an integral component of Covenant Seminary, the Buswell Library offers resources and renders service to support the ministry of God's people.