Handouts
      Using the Library: Tools and Systems

• • Overview
    • Library of Congress Classification - Subjects and Locations Guide
      An introduction to the system the library uses to organize its print collection and how to use it to find materials.
    • Guide to Key Terms for the Theological Library
      A glossary of helpful terms for navigating the library and its resources.
  • Searching
    • Using Search Settings in the Catalog
      How to use the catalog's settings for more successful library searches.
    • Using Scripture Search in Atla Religion Database
      How to search by scripture passage in Atla. (This search function is only available in Atla.)
    • Using AI to Identify Search Terms
      How AI can help you get started with your library searches. (SPOILER: It's not by asking AI to find sources for you!)
  • Saving
    • Adding Items to a List or Cart (JBCL Catalog)
      How to save the results of your library catalog searches for later use.
    • Saving Items and Searches in Atla and GALILEO
      How to save your Atla and GALILEO searches and/or their results for later use.
  • Using & Evaluating
    • Using eBooks
      How to access and using the eBooks in the library's collections.
    • Evaluating Sources with the TRAAP Test
      How to make sure that the sources you select are appropriate and trustworthy. 
  • Other
    • Making a Purchase Suggestion
      How to ask the library to purchase materials to add to the collection.

Specific Materials

• • Biblical Materials
    • Guide to Hebrew Bible Resources
      An introduction to various types of resources that support your translation and exegesis of Hebrew texts.
    • Guide to Greek Resources
      An introduction to various types of resources that support your translation and exegesis of Greek texts
    • Guide to Biblical Commentaries (In Print)
      An introduction to different types of commentaries and how you may want to use them. Also contains a full list of shelf locations for commentaries on each book of the Bible!
    • Searching for Biblical Commentaries
      How to use the library's catalog to search specifically for commentaries (both print and digital) on a particular book of the Bible.
  • Finding a Book Review in Atla or GALILEO
    A how-to guide to help you find book reviews in our two premier electronic databases.
  • Finding a DMin or DEdMin Project
    How to search or browse the library's collection of advanced degree projects.
  • Lectionary-Based Resources for Preaching and Liturgy
    A bibliography resources to help you preach and plan worship in step with the lectionary.
  • Finding Electronic Reference Sources
    A guide to finding reference sources in the library's collection that you can access electronically from anywhere
  • Searching for Streaming Videos
    How to find streaming videos available in the library's collections.

Links

• Ask a Librarian! - Submit your question to a librarian for assistance (current students, faculty, and staff only).
• Email the Library - Available to all patrons.
• John Bulow Campbell Library Home Page
• JBCL Library Policies - This is where you will also find information about your library privileges.
• Course Reserves - View the required (and, in some cases, recommended) textbooks for your courses. Where available, both print and digital formats are listed.
• Make a Purchase Suggestion (form) - You will need to log in to your library patron account to view the form and suggest a purchase.
• Turabian (Notes-Bibliography) Citation Quick Guide
• Atlat's Copyright & Fair Use Guide
• Interlibrary Loan - Instructions and Links
• The Chicago Manual of Style Online (17th edition) - CTS login credentials are required to access this resource!
• The SBL Handbook of Style (2nd edition) - CTS login credentials are required to access this resource!
• "Citation Management" LibGuide from University of Chicago Libraries

Videos

• Introduction to the Library Website
• Using Cite Buttons
• Introducing JBCL's Search Tools
• Accessing Search Tools
• Introduction to Turabian
• Controlled Vocabulary: What Is It, and Why Would I Use It?
• Using Limiters and Filters
• Introductory Mini-Lectures (current students only) - Learn more from our faculty about how Columbia understands and approaches key elements of theological education! (Filmed in 2021)
• Citation: A (Very) Brief Introduction (NCSU Libraries)
• Turabian (Chicago Notes-Bibliography Citation Style, 9th edition) (Colorado State University Libraries)
• Choosing Keywords (Northwestern University Libraries)
• How Library Stuff Works: Boolean Operators (McMaster Libraries)
• Constructing a Search String (Jenks Library)
• Keyword vs. Subject Searching (Wayne State University Libraries)