Collections

CIRCULATING COLLECTION

The Circulating collection (books which can be checked out) is open stacks and self-service. Users will find print materials on the second and basement floors of the Library. Print materials are also in the Basement Annex and the Basement Annex Corridor.

As of May 2008, the Library began the use of two classification schemes to organize the collection, Decimal Dewey Classification and Library of Congress Classification. Books with Library of Congress call numbers are shelved in LC Collection located in the compact shelving area on the basement floor.

REFERENCE COLLECTION

The Reference collection is an open stacks collection that includes reference works such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, indexes, abstracts, bibliographies, and other resources. The majority of the Library’s Reference collection is located in the Learning Commons, but a secondary collection is in the Basement Annex. Reference materials do not circulate and must be used in the Learning Commons.

PERIODICALS & JOURNALS

Current print periodicals and journals are in the Learning Commons; older issues are in compact shelves in the basement. Bound periodicals with titles beginning with “METHODIST” are in the Basement Annex. These resources do not circulate. For a list of journals (both electronic and print) in the Wesley holdings, please visit our Journals A-Z Library Resource Guide.

D.MIN. PROJECT PAPERS

The Library has added Doctor of Ministry Project Papers since 1970. Papers before 2011 are available in print only. Papers from 2011 and 2012 are available in print and electronically. Papers from 2013 onward are only available electronically.  For more information about searching and accessing D.Min. project papers (both print and digital versions), visit the D.Min. Project Papers Resource Guide.

AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS 

The Library's Special Collections consist of books and other items with historic or intrinsic value. 

RARE BOOK COLLECTION

The Rare Book collection consists of rare Bibles, hymnals, and publications of certain historical figures such as John Wesley. The collection is closed to the public. Use of materials in the collection is restricted. Persons wanting access to the collection should speak with the Library Director. 

JOHN D. GODSEY COLLECTION

The Godsey collection consists of books and documents from the personal library of Dr. John D. Godsey, Professor Emeritus, Systematic Theology. The focus of the collection is material regarding the German Church Struggle, 19th and 20th German Theology, Karl Barth, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The collection is closed to the public. Use of materials in the collection is restricted. Persons wanting access to the collection should speak with the Library Director.

METHODIST HISTORY COLLECTION

The Library maintains a collection of many United Methodist annual conference journals as well as journals of predecessor bodies. These and other historic Methodist materials are in the Methodist History Room and are available for use upon request during most daytime Library hours. Conference journals do not circulate; photocopying of older journals may be restricted.

Bound periodicals with titles beginning with “METHODIST” are in the Basement Annex. These resources do not circulate. 

The Library provides access to a variety of electronic resources, including e-journals, e-books, research databases, and other resources. On-campus access does not require a log-in, but off-campus access requires log-in credentials. For more information about these resources or instructions about off-campus access, visit our E-Resources Library Resource Guide.

The Library maintains cooperative relationships with a variety of research libraries, including American University and the libraries of the Washington Theological Consortium. In addition, it participates in WorldCat, the world's largest network of libraries. (For more information about reciprocal borrowing agreements with AU or the WTC, contact the Library or consult the Library Handbook.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY (THE BENDER LIBRARY)

Due to Wesley's relationship with the American University, Wesley students, staff, and faculty may borrow materials from the American University Library. Please take your validated Wesley IDs to the American University Bender Library and apply for borrowing privileges at the Circulation Desk. To view resources available through the Bender Library, visit www.american.edu/library.

THE LIBRARIES OF THE WASHINGTON THEOLOGICAL CONSORTIUM

Wesley students and faculty may borrow books directly from the various libraries of the Washington Theological Consortium (WTC). Each semester before going to the WTC partner library, students and faculty will need to acquire a Washington Theological Consortium form signed by a Wesley librarian. At the WTC partner library, students and faculty will need to present the signed form and a validated Wesley ID before direct borrowing privileges will be given. Please see any full time Library staff member for assistance. For more information and a list of participating institutions and libraries, visit http://washtheocon.org/libraries.

WORLDCAT

WorldCat is the world's largest network of library content and services. Through WorldCat, you can view the holdings of public, academic, and special libraries across the world. In addition to searching library holdings, if you are on campus you can use WorldCat to request items through InterLibrary Loan (ILL). (For more information about ILL, visit our InterLibrary Loan Services page.) For more information about WorldCat, visit www.worldcat.org.