The O’Brien Library and its staff members are dedicated to accommodating and assisting our patrons to the best of our ability, but within certain limits as determined by personnel and resource availability.

Transition from Print to Digital Collections

Beginning in 2023, the library will no longer circulate print materials to patrons (with the exception of residential faculty) as most of the library main stacks collection will be donated to the Digital Theological Library (DTL) for digital processing and inclusion in the DTL online collections. The remaining print collection will primarily consist of reference materials and archive resources for on-site use only. Moving forward, the Digital Theological Library (DTL) will provide “circulating” resources for current students and faculty, while the DTL Seminary Bookshelf (DTLSB) will provide the same for United’s alumni/ae community and other core constituencies (board members, retired faculty, local clergy, visiting scholars, etc.) for a modest monthly fee.

Interlibrary Loan Services

Beginning in May 2023, the O’Brien Library will no longer provide Interlibrary Loan (ILL) lending or borrowing services for print resources.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services will continue to be provided for current students and faculty through the Digital Theological Library (DTL). Patrons needing access to resources not currently available through the DTL catalog may process a request directly through the catalog (see this link for further instruction) or submit a request to the Director of the Library: kscochrane@united.edu (please be sure to include all relevant information: author, title, publication date, etc.) Patrons of the DTL Seminary Bookshelf (DTLSB) may also contact the Director of the Library via email for acquisition requests, though the ability to acquire new eBook titles will depend on vendor availability.

Please note the O’Brien Library staff DOES NOT:

• Conduct independent research on behalf of students
• Collect and compile relevant research materials for students upon request as a general rule (exceptions may apply in limited circumstances at library staff’s discretion)
• Scan or photocopy significant portions of published works (+33% of total work) especially in so far as such actions may infringe or violate copyright laws
• Provide editing, proofreading, or other such services on behalf of students at the Doctoral level (Master’s-level students may contact the Writing Center for guidance with the early stages of the writing process, as well as feedback on written assignments; email: writinghelp@united.edu)
• Change or reset account password; such inquiries should be directed to the Student Help Desk: onlinehelp@united.edu