When is the library open?
The library hours of operation are here. The library offers expanded hours during the academic weeks when class is in session. When class is not in session and during the summer, hours of operation are shorter.
How do I get in touch with the library staff?
Email us at library@ssw.edu, call us at 512-478-5212, or stop by the Harrison Library at 606 Rathervue Place.
How do I access the library's ebooks and other electronic resources from my device(s)?
Log into your Seminary of the Southwest Google account, log out of all other Google accounts, and then follow these instructions.
What is the Course Reserves Collection?
The Course Reserves Collection is a curated collection of all the books assigned for courses at the seminary in a given semester. If the library acquires a book in print, it will be added to a physical shelf in the library under the book's course number. If the book is an ebook, it will appear on the Course Reserves LibGuide. Most professors link to the Course Reserves LibGuide from their Populi page if any of their assigned text books are provided by the library as an ebook.
We create a Course Reserves Collection for two main reasons: 1) to prevent one individual from borrowing an assigned course book for the entire semester and 2) to make course books easier to find and access.
Does the Course Reserve Collection include the journal articles I've assigned for my course?
No. Professors link to assigned journal articles from their Populi course page. Some professors also link to journal articles from their syllabus.
Can I borrow the print items from the Course Reserve shelf?
Yes, but the physical books circulate for 4 hours only. No one can check out an assigned course book for the semester. You must acquire your own copy of assigned text books if you want your own, or share the library's copy. Library print books that are not on the Course Reserve shelf circulate for 30 days.
Can I borrow ebooks from the Course Reserve libguide?
Yes. Notice that the amount of users that can access an ebook at the same time varies from book to book. If the library can provide an ebook that allows for unlimited simultaneous users, we will. Sometimes that is not an option, and the ebook might only allow one user at a time. Most single user ebooks can be accessed for 4 hours at a time and then they become available to other users.
Why do I see books that are at the Wright Center (Austin Seminary) when I am searching the Harrison Library's catalog?
Harrison Library shares a catalog, called Koha, with the Wright Center at Austin Seminary, half a mile away, and Koha serves as an index of everything that resides physically in both the Harrison Library and the Wright Center. As a student, you may borrow books from both the Harrison Library and the Wright Center. Your Southwest ID card is your library card for both libraries. You may also return the books at either library. Koha also allows users to request items for pick up (place items on hold).
Can I use Austin Seminary's electronic resources?
Yes, but only by visiting Wright Learning and Information Center in person and using the e-resources while you are there.
Can I study at Austin Seminary's Wright Center?
Yes, you are welcome to study at the Wright Center, and Austin Seminary students are welcome to study here. The savvy seminarian makes use of both of these amazing facilities located within a half mile from each other!
What is Seeker?
Koha is our catalog, and Seeker is the seminary's discovery tool, which is essentially how you search out databases and discover resources beyond our holdings that can be requested by interlibrary loan.
How can I learn some helpful tips for using Seeker?
Please take a look at our Seeker tutorials and reach out to us if you need any more assistance.
What is a LibGuide?
A LibGuide is an online platform used to organize and disseminate useful information. This guide you are reading is an example of a LibGuide! All the library LibGuides can be found here.
Who develops and updates LibGuides?
Most guides are created and maintained by the librarians. Some are made by professors, like this guide about spirituality and mental health counseling created by Professor Jangha. Some are made by a group of staff, faculty, and students working together. If you want to know more about LibGuides, or get involved in creating a guide, please reach out to us with your questions and ideas.
A book I need is not in your collection. What now?
Write us at library@ssw.edu with information about the book and a link to it on the web, if possible. We may interlibrary loan (ILL) it for you. We may, in consultation with the Library Policies, choose to buy it for the library collection and lend it to you.
How does Interlibrary Loan (ILL) work?
Read all about ILL services on the Interlibrary Loan LibGuide.
May I suggest titles for you to purchase for the library collection?
Yes! Please do. Email us the details at library@ssw.edu. We can purchase suggestions in accordance to criteria set forth in the Library Policies.
Are there printers and scanners in the library?
Yes. You can find more information about our printers and scanners here.
How do I get a library card?
Your Seminary of the Southwest ID card serves as your library card. We use it to check out physical material to you. Your library card does not help you access e-resources. To access e-resources, read our Accessing eResources LibGuide. If you lose your SSW ID card, please contact IT Services at helpdesk@ssw.edu.
What other libraries can I use?
You are surrounded by amazing libraries in Austin! Read all about your access to area libraries on this guide.
I need assistance with my academic or creative writing. Can the library help?
No, for that we recommend you contact our colleagues in Southwest's Center for Writing and Creative Expression. They are the experts in this area!
I have a question and I don't know who to ask. Can you help?
Yes, we are happy to refer you to the right person to bring your question to. Ask away!
I'm doing research and I'm stuck. May I have a personal consultation with a librarian?
Yes. Email us at library@ssw.edu to schedule an appointment and we will be glad to give you personalized library and research instruction.