Library
Library Services
The B. Thomas Golisano Library offers extensive resources and services that support teaching and research in religion and theology. Opened in fall 2007, this $12 million facility is integral to the purpose of the Seminary through its contributions to teaching, learning, and research; moreover, it serves as a partner in curriculum development and implementation. The library’s educational effectiveness has been increased by both the quality of its collections and information resources, and the expertise and service commitment of the faculty and staff.
The library supports the educational programs of both Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary through its collections and services. The theological collections are integrated into the holdings of Golisano Library and the Golisano Library offers services through a Theological Librarian. The library brings together an array of resources in various formats (including electronic databases), competent professional and paraprofessional faculty and staff, and facilities for study and research. Designated study areas provide quiet study space for graduate students enrolled at RWC/NES who are actively pursuing academic research.
The Learning Center, located in the Golisano Library, is a friendly place that assists students to become more efficient and independent learners. Its mission is to promote academic growth by offering assistance with writing a paper, tutoring services, providing an advocate for students with disabilities, and providing English language support and acquisition skills for international students.
The B. Thomas Golisano Library’s collections exceed 125,000 titles, including more than 25,000 titles in religion/philosophy, and contain over 30,000 periodical titles available in print and online. The Seminary also purchases from Atla, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Oxford, and several other theological e-book collections. The Library has budgeted $40,000 annually specifically for NES acquisitions in religion/theology, in addition to RWC acquisitions for undergraduate studies in religion and the humanities and other collateral fields.
Northeastern Seminary faculty adopted a Resource Development Policy to ensure that the library’s print and electronic collections support the Seminary’s curriculum and educational mission. The principal subject areas being collected are biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, pastoral theology, contemporary missions, ethics/social issues, spirituality, and Wesleyan studies. Additionally, special attention is paid to ensure that the collection represents a broad spectrum of disciplinary perspectives, particularly those that emphasize the global nature of the Christian tradition, and resources related to underrepresented groups, feminist studies, and non-Christian religious traditions.