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TMS About the Library: Library Services

Find out who we are, what resources we provide for you and how you may make use of them.

Library Services

The Master's Seminary Library welcomes patrons to make use of the following services.

Library Services

TMS Library offers free wireless internet access to all its patrons.  Please note however, that this connection is not secured via a password and an unauthorized third party may access information on your personal device.

Network workstations are available on both floors of the TMS Library.  They are intended for research (such as searching the Library's online catalog) and general internet browsing.  The workstations can be used to print materials, but the work stations do not have word processing programs on them.  Please pay $0.10 for each page printed (cash or check only)

The web traffic on the TMS Library's wireless and wired networks is automatically monitored.  Patrons found accessing sexually explicit or other inappropriate sites on either their own or the Library's computers will immediately be expelled from the Library and have all privileges revoked.  Members of Grace Community or faculty/staff/students of The Master's University and Seminary found violating this policy will also face further disciplinary action from their respective institutions.

 

Last updated January, 2018.

CAUTION:  When using duplicating equipment in TMS Library the user must recognize that the copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.  The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.

A self-service photocopy machine is located near the Circulation Desk for patron use.  The cost for each copy is $0.10.  The copy machines require a copy-card which can be purchased for $0.50.  Patrons are encouraged to write their names on their copy-cards.  The library is not responsible for lost cards.

Two wireless printers are available for patron use.  The cost for each page printed is $0.10.  Please contact the Library Staff for instructions to access those printers.

TMS Library offers self-service scanning services via a book scanner (color or b&w) and copy machines (b&w only).  Both machines require a USB thumb drive to save the scanned materials.  The copy machine will also need a copy card to scan.  Please utilize the book scanner in the Reference Room when scanning TMS Library materials.

The Library also provides a three-hole punch, stapler, and paper cutter near the Circulation Desk.

 

Last updated January, 2018.

A set of shelves behind the Circulation Desk displays new and used books for sale.  Prices are located inside the front cover of the books.  All items are sold "as is" and the Library accepts no liability or responsibility for teh quality of items sold.

 

Last updated January, 2018.

Please return all circulating items personally to TMS Library.  During Library business hours please return items to the book return drop box at the circulation desk.  Please use the after-hours book return drop box in the lobby of TMS to return items when the Library is closed.

 

Last updated January, 2018.

In the event that TMS Library does not own needed research materials, TMS patrons my request the material through the InterLibrary Loan Service (ILL).  It may take up to three weeks to receive ILL materials.

General interlibrary loan policies

ILL services are available to all TMS students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Students at TMS's Distance Location sites should consult Distance Location ILL Policies & Services.  All other off-campus TMS students (e.g. online, modular Th.M., D.Min., Ph.D., etc.) and alumni should consult Additional ILL Policies & Services.

All ILL requests must be made using the patron's "@tms.edu" or"@my.tms.edu" email account.

Please conduct a thorough search of the TMS library holdings before submitting an ILL request.

When completing the ILL form please provide as much information about the requested publication as possible.  This will enable TMS Library staff to locate the correct resource in the most efficient manner.

Interlibrary loan borrowing charges

TMS Library does not charge its patrons for ILL services.  While TMS Library Staff will make very reasonable effort to locate a resource at no charge, please understand that the lending library may charge a fee for fulfilling a request.

Please indicate on the ILL form the maximum amount you are willing to pay for an ILL item.  If you are unable or unwilling to pay above the amount charged by the lending library, the item(s) will not be obtained.

When an ILL involves fees, they will be charged to the patron's Library account prior to checking out the item.

A $5.00 fee will be assessed to any patron who does not pick up a requested ILL item within seven days.

Interlibrary loan renewals and overdue fine

Please communicate any renewal requests of ILL resources either on or before the due date.  Renewals are at the discretion of the lending library.  A fine of $1.00 per day will be charged for items not returned by the due date.

Limitations to interlibrary loan services

ILL services for physical items  are only available to student in the United States.  Ill services for journal articles or copies of short portions of books are available to all TMS off-campus students and alumni.  Students and alumni located in other countries should familiarize themselves with  the copyright  (©) laws of their nation to ensure compliance with national and international laws.  By submitting an ILL request, a student acknowledges and affirms that he is in compliance with laws of the United States, international laws, and the laws of his own country.  

 

Last updated January, 2018.

Twelve large semi-enclosed and six smaller study carrels located in the basement of the Library are available to TMS students for their exclusive use.  The rental fee is $75.00 per semester (spring, summer, and fall) for the iarge size and $45.00 per semester (spring, summer, and fall) for the medium size.  Priority for rental is given to Ph.D. and Th.M. students.  Please se the Library Director for more information or to request a study carrel.

 

Last updated January, 2018.

The Southern California Area Theological Library Association (SCATLA) grants borrowing privileges among its member libraries to students of The Master's Seminary.  Those who wish to use this service must obtain a signed borrowing card from TMS Library Circulation Desk, before visiting a cooperating library.  Please follow all the guidelines of the host library, including circulation procedures, overdue fines, etc.  SCATLA cards are only valid for the current academic semester.  Please see the above link to see a list of SCATLA member libraries.

 

Last updated January, 2018.