Services for Boston Theological Institute Affiliates

Access | Borrowing Policy | Book Renewals | Computers
Photocopying | Microfilm & Microfiche | Reference Assistance

As a member of the Boston Theological Institute, Andover-Harvard Theological Library extends borrowing privileges to the students and faculty of other BTI institutions. BTI students and faculty must present their home institution ID card and complete an application to activate their privileges at Andover-Harvard Theological Library. Application for AHTL Special Borrower status should be made Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (except University holidays); at other times, please call ahead (617.495.5788) to check on the availability of a circulation supervisor.

Access

BTI borrowers are provided with an AHTL Access card, with which they can enter the library during open hours. There is a $25 fee for replacing lost cards. The AHTL Access card must be presented to the circulation staff in order to borrow any materials.

Access and borrowing privileges are granted to a specific individual and may not be transferred or shared. When borrowing privileges expire, access privileges may be available on a renewable basis at no additional charge.

Borrowing Policy

There is no limit on the number of items that may be checked out, but common sense is advised. For BTI students, books circulate for 28 days, multimedia items circulate for 3 days, and reserve items circulate for 3 hours. For BTI faculty, there are twice yearly due dates: of September 10 and February 10.

All items are subject to recall. Recalled materials must be returned to the library within the new loan period specified on the recall notice. BTI borrowers may recall items circulating to other patrons. To do so, they must request assistance from the circulation staff, in person or by phone (617.495.5788).

Overdue materials will incur fines at the rate of $0.50 per day. Overdue recalls are $2.00 per day. Overdue reserves are $1.00 per hour. After two overdue notices are issued, overdue items will be considered lost and a bill will be sent to cover replacement and processing costs. Such a bill will also terminate any remaining borrowing privileges until the bill is settled.

It is the responsibility of all BTI borrowers to report changes of mailing address and email address to the circulation staff (circulation@hds.harvard.edu; 617.495.5788).

BTI Special Borrower status applies only at Andover-Harvard Theological Library, and cannot be used at other Harvard libraries. Andover Newton and EDS students and faculty may apply at Widener Library for a Harvard College Library (HCL) Special Borrower card. If the HCL Special Borrower card is obtained first, we can add AHTL privileges to that card.

Book Renewals

Circulating items may be renewed up to five times. Items can be renewed by providing library staff with your user ID number and the barcode numbers on those items, using any of the following methods:

• Submit a web form
• Email the circulation staff
• Phone the circulation desk: 617.495.5788
• Bring the items to the circulation desk during open hours

You should receive an email confirmation of renewals within three working days. You are responsible for the overdue fines that accrue between the due date and the renewal date. After the fifth renewal, each item must be brought back to the circulation desk. At that time, it may be possible to renew the items again.

Computers

Computers for access to the HOLLIS catalog, other library resources, and email are located next to the circulation desk on the first floor and in the Houghton Reference Room on the second floor. These computers are for appropriate Internet access only and do not have word processing or other programs.

Printing fees ($0.07 per page) for computers on the second floor are paid through Crimson Cash. Crimson Cash cards are available for purchase at the circulation desk. Value may be added to a Harvard ID card or a Crimson Cash card by credit card on the Crimson Cash website or at Crimson Cash VTS machines at other University locations. 

Wireless network access is available on all floors. Network jacks are located throughout the library for personal Internet access. Use of the Student PC Lab is restricted to Harvard Divinity School students and students who are cross-registered in HDS courses.

Photocopying

Photocopiers are located on each of the library's four levels. Copiers accept Crimson Cash cards, Harvard IDs with Crimson Cash value added, and bills and coins. Copies are $0.10 per page, using cash, and $0.07 per page, using Crimson Cash. Crimson Cash cards are available for purchase at the circulation desk. Value may be added to a Harvard ID card or a Crimson Cash card by credit card on the Crimson Cash website or at Crimson Cash VTS machines at other University locations.

Microfilm and Microfiche

Most of the microfilm and microfiche collections and readers are located in the room next to the reference desk on the second floor. Access to the collections and readers are self-service and available whenever the library is open. Assistance is available from reference and circulation staff. Printers are attached to three readers; printing costs are $0.10 per page, payable by cash or check at the circulation desk. Digital copies may be made on a USB flash drive or CD by using the computer and the first reader on the left.

Reference Assistance

Visit the reference desk, call to ask a quick question, or make an appointment for in-depth research advice. Hours (during term time, except University holidays) are:

• Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am-9 pm
• Friday, 8:30 am-6 pm

Call us at 617.496.AHTL (2485)

Reference librarians will work with you to:

• Locate information
• Develop a research strategy
• Find relevant e-resources, books, and articles on any topic
• Work on any research-related question, problem, or skill

Use our Email Reference Form to send us a quick question.

Use our Recommendations for Purchase Form to suggest material for our collection.

Interlibrary loan services are only available to BTI borrowers through their home institution.

Some licensed electronic resources are available for BTI borrowers to consult in the library. Please see the reference staff for assistance. Remote access to electronic resources is not available.