Library Services and Resources
The Lawson Library staff is designed to meet the reference and research needs of our students, faculty and staff members and friends. We strive to facilitate the process of access and retrieval of information from our stacks as well as around the world via online catalogs and Internet access using wireless technology.
Library Card
Patron identification numbers will be assigned and made available for students, faculty and staff and friends of the Lawson Library; including Institute and Distant Learning students. The patron identification number will be applied to the student photo identification card. Clergy and other members of the COOLJC organization will be permitted to use research materials on site only. In the near future, services will be extended to non-residents for an annual fee.
The identification card must be presented before materials can be checked out. If your card is lost or stolen, please report the loss promptly to protect yourself from unauthorized use.
Applications must be completed to receive a patron identification number.
Loan Period
The loan period for books is 4 weeks. Other library media will be assigned loan periods as they become available.
Book Return
Library materials must be returned to the circulation desk.
Reserves
Library materials may be placed on reserve if not available on the shelf at the time of request. Patrons will be notified when the item becomes available.
Renewals
Items may be renewed twice except for items on the reserve list.
Overdue Charges
The charge for overdue items is 15 cents per day for books. The charge for items lost or damaged is the value of the item plus overdue fees. Excessive charges for overdue, lost, or damaged materials will result in loss of borrowing privileges.
Inter-library Loan
The Lawson Library will also participate in an Inter-library Loan program in the near future which will enable our library to borrow materials from libraries around the world.
If our library does not possess a specific book, we will have the ability to borrow the item from other participating Inter-library Loan libraries. Presently, library users have borrowing privileges at Columbia International University and Lutheran Seminary.
Volunteer Program
We welcome volunteers who are interested in supporting the library through participation in day-to-day operations. This volunteer program will consist of person(s) who are not a member of the Friends organization. They will assist with tasks/duties of the library. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Applications are available at the circulation desk.
Friends of the Library
Friends of The Lawson Library is a non-profit volunteer organization that supports the library by providing funds and offering services that are not provided through other sources. Applications and donation envelopes are available at the circulation desk.
Annual Book Festival Sales
The Lawson Library participates as a vendor during the annual Holy Convocation and conventions to make available all Biblical, Theological, and Religious books as well as other media and research materials.