Review of the OEBB now available

The Journal of Theological Librarianship has now provided a detailed review of the new Oxford Encyclopedia of the Books of the Bible.  It was written by a reference professional with knowledge of the field, Susanah Hanson of Trinity School for Ministry.

Her review is especially helpful in explaining the breadth of coverage of this new resource.  It includes much more than the books in the standard Western Protestant canon.

To read her review online, click HERE (allow a few moments for the PDF document to load).  To see the initial announcement of this new print resource on our blog, click HERE.

Paula

Are you preparing for Ords?

You will have access to the Library during all of our normal open hours.  In spite of the break between January and Spring terms, we will be open as usual this week and the weekend.

We can't make this process any easier for you, but at least we can offer you the use of our resources and comfy, quiet study space.

All of the books specified on the Ords reading list have been placed on a book truck in the middle of the Reference Room to facilitate access to them.  You may take them to the photocopier as needed, but be sure to bring them back and place them on that same truck so others can easily find them.

Paula

New print reference for Bible study

I'm happy to announce that we have received the first two volumes in the new Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible series.

These two volumes are called The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Books of the Bible.  There are lengthy, detailed, signed articles about each of the canonical & apocryphal books, clearly divided into sections with headings like Authorship, Date and Historical Context, Literary History, Canonical Status, Structure and Contents, Interpretation, Reception History.  Many have schematic outlines or other special features, such as historical maps.  And I am happy to see that they have extensive, well-organized bibliographies pointing toward further research. 

Here's what Oxford says about the new series :

“Recognizing the changing nature of biblical studies, Oxford University Press has been working on a new multivolume reference work on the Bible that would present both older and current interpretive strategies.  Under the general heading The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible, over the next several years we plan to produce several two-volume sets, each with its own distinguished editorial board.  Each set will have a specific focus, such as the Bible and theology, the Bible and law, the Bible and ethics, the Bible and the arts,  the Bible and archaeology, and the Bible and gender studies.  The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Books of the Bible inaugurates this new series.”

Paula

ECP Students

Welcome ECP students! This week, January 9-14, ECP (Extended Campus Program) students will be on campus for classes. Several times each year these students travel from all over the country for a week intensive of study.

Please join us in welcoming them to campus this week!

Rachel

Farewell to our Acquisitions Librarian

On Dec. 19th, we held a farewell party for our retiring Acquisitions Librarian, Hobbie Carlson.  Because many of you were already away for the Christmas holiday, you might have missed this news.

Here is a lovely comment from Elaine Hooley about Hobbie's long service to the Seminary : 

Hobbie began here on June 1, 1978 when Fred Stair was president of Union and there was not a single computer in the Library. After 18 years in the old Library, Hobbie was part of the great move to Morton.  With her background in French she did translations for John Leith, Rebecca Weaver, Bob Benedetto, and Dr. Trotti . Hobbie was a wonderful storyteller who often left us in tears with her accounts of her adventures.  In her 33+ years of service here, she acquired over 100,000 titles for the Library. She is an important part of the history of the Library and the Seminary.

So many faithful and diligent staff members make Union Seminary what it is today.  Many thanks to Hobbie Carlson!

Paula

Another way to see some new books

Do you know that you can also see some of our new titles online?  On our Library's home page, look at the NewsBar on the left.  You'll see an animated logo for NEW BOOKS.  Click where it says "See what we've recently added to the collection." 

This takes you to the NewsPage, where an animated display using our LibraryThing app shows you a selection of covers, nine at a time.  If you see one that interests you, click on it to get a bigger, clearer image and more information about the book.  We have added our Morton Library call number to this feature (under TAGS), so you don't even have to look it up in the catalog!

Paula

New year, new books !

Are you aware of our New Books display?  When new items come out of the Cataloging office, many of them stop there on their way to the stacks.

Elaine Hooley arranges interesting new titles in an attractive way to catch your eye!  Scholarly books, current events, practical guides, even children's books can be found in this display.

You will find these on the open shelves beside the North elevator in the Library, near the Circulation Desk ... across from the water fountain. 

Everyone loves beautiful new books.  Take a look at ours today!

Paula