Library

The CCS library houses more than 4000 volumes on theology, Biblical studies, Christian Education, pastoral care, social ministry and social issues, and diaconal identity and history.  We’re always adding new titles.  If you’ve been reading something good that you’d like to recommend, why not leave a comment at the bottom of the page?

Looking for a book? Our library shares an online catalogue with the University of Winnipeg, Canadian Mennonite University, Booth College, and other partner libraries.

Use the WorldCat Discovery search bar above to look up materials in the CCS library.  (NOTE: If a search result item is also in the U of W’s collection, the availability and call number shown might say “Centennial Hall Main Collection.”  Clicking on the item’s title will show all the copies in the system, including the one at CCS.)

Once you’ve found a book you want, you can email Scott at the library to request it or come down and sign it out.

Library Hours

The library is generally accessible during CCS office hours (9 to 4:30 weekdays) and there is usually someone available to answer questions between 10 and 3. If you’re planning to drop by it’s a good idea to phone first to make sure someone will be around.

Borrowing Privileges

The library is a resource for CCS Program Staff and students. CCS students can borrow materials for up to 6 weeks. Upon request, library materials can be mailed out to you, with a pre-paid mailing label so you can return them by mail as well.

The CCS library is part of a partnership with the University of Winnipeg library, the Canadian Mennonite University library, William & Catherine Booth College library, the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies, and the Institute for Urban Studies. Our students and staff can borrow from their libraries, and their students and staff can borrow from ours. Arrangements can also be made for members of the wider community to make use of our library resources. The lending period of non-CCS students borrowing CCS materials is 4 weeks.

Alumni and non-students can sign up for “Friend of CCS” borrowing privileges for a one-time cost of $25.

Tips

• The library is in the basement, so if you can’t find someone to direct you, just look for stairs and head down.
• Search the online catalogue (see above) from home before you come and jot down the call numbers. (There is a computer available for students and library patrons, but it’ll save you time if you don’t have to turn it on, wait for it to warm up, find out how to log in, etc.)
• Scott looks after the library.  If Scott’s not around when you want to check a book out, there is a sign-out form by the door where you can write the name of the book, its bar code number, the date you took it out, your name, phone number, and library patron number (for University of Winnipeg students).

Journals

CCS is not connected to periodical databases like ATLA. The University of Winnipeg, however, is, and visitors can get a guest account from circulation to search the databases. Many periodical articles are available in a digital form through the databases, so bring a memory stick so you can download PDFs.

There are also various “open access” sites and journals available online.  Here are a few you might want to check out:

• Duke University Library – open access theological resources
• Emory School of Theology – open access theological resources
• Religions – open access theology journal
• Journal of Religion & Society – online journal
• Religion & Gender – online journal

Donations

The library is always grateful for donations of books on theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, education, and social justice issues.  Our space, however, is limited, and our first priority is to ensure that students and staff have access to current, relevant materials. We accept donations of books with appreciation, and then determine if we need them in the CCS library. (Sometimes we already have a copy; sometimes the book in question is not especially current or relevant; sometimes it doesn’t fit within the subject scope of the CCS library.) Donated books that we decide not to add into our collection are made available for students to take home. Any remaining books are donated to a used book sale.

If you have any questions about the CCS library, please email Scott or phone (204)783-4490.

What are you reading?

Got a good book to recommend?  We’re especially interested in what’s current and exciting in theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, educational ministry, social justice issues, and diakonia. Leave a comment below.