Collection Development and Access Policy: Bishop Payne Library

Residential students have full access to the print and digital collections of the library and have direct borrowing access to the libraries of the Washington Theological Consortium. They have remote access to the library’s electronic resources. Librarian instruction is available in person, via email, video conferencing, virtual office hours, virtual workshops, and the library services course in the learning management system.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VTS had distance master’s students for the first time in academic year 2020-2021. The doctoral program is a hybrid model, with intensive sessions on campus and remote work off-campus. All virtual and hybrid students have remote access to the library’s electronic resources. The library also provides scanning services and lending of print materials on-site and via UPS. Librarian instruction is available via email, video conferencing, virtual office hours, virtual workshops, and the library services course in the learning management system.

In Aug 2019, VTS and Ming Hua Theological College signed a 5-year partnership agreement to offer the D.Ed.Min. The Lai Wong Yan Lin Library of Ming Hua provides primary library resources for students and faculty there. In addition, as VTS enrolled doctoral students and VTS affiliate faculty, Ming Hua students and faculty have access to Bishop Payne Library’s electronic research resources. Local library staff at Ming Hua provide primary instruction and librarian support. BPL library staff are available for consultation via email, video conferencing, virtual office hours, virtual workshops, and the library services course in the learning management system.