Visitors

Local clergy, faculty/graduate students from seminaries and universities (other than American University or the Washington Theological Consortium, who are already eligible for borrowing privileges), and other independent researchers are eligible to apply for Special Researcher status. 

Special Researcher status is contingent upon approval by the library director and has a $150 annual fee, with the following exceptions:

• The fee is reduced to $100 for graduate students, who must provide proof of enrollment when applying for privileges. 
• The fee is reduced to $50 for local clergy (whose home or ministry setting is within a 50-mile radius of Washington, DC), who must provide proof of their authorization for ministry when applying for privileges.
• The fee for local clergy is waived for individuals with appointments in the United Methodist Church.

All privileges must be renewed on an annual basis. Outstanding fines or other factors may have an impact on eligibility for services.

All Special Researchers may borrow up to 25 items for 28 days. You may use e-resources while in the Library, but relationships with our vendors restrict off-campus access to staff, faculty, and students at Wesley. While Library hours are restricted for public visitors, Special Researchers may access the Library during its full operating hours.

For more information about library privileges, see the Library Handbook.

If you are a student at a school that participates in the Atla Reciprocal Borrowing Program, you do not need to fill out the Special Researcher application; just come to the library to register.

Please provide verification of current enrollment at your institution, either through (1) a current school ID card (with verification of the current term); (2) material from your institution, such as a receipt or registration statement; or (3) an email from your institution's library confirming your current student status. 

Atla Reciprocal Borrowing participants can borrow up to 25 items for 28 days. You may use e-resources while in the Library, but relationships with our vendors restrict off-campus access to staff, faculty, and students at Wesley. You have access to the Library building during its full operating hours.

For more information about library privileges, see the Library Handbook.

While the library welcomes visitors, its resources are intended for the support of theological research and teaching. Building access and resource use is given priority to the library’s regular patrons, including seminary faculty, staff, students and administration, formal guests of the seminary, special researchers, and members of American University and the Washington Theological Consortium.

Visitors are welcome to use the library for theological research during the seminary’s regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For access at other times, please contact the director.