Spencer Library Facts

LIBRARY POLICIES

Collection Development Policy—guides the acquisition of materials and the ongoing maintenance of the library collection

Copyright Policy—addresses copyright, fair use, and plagiarism

Book Donation Policy

ABOUT THE SPENCER LIBRARY

The Spencer Library participates in the mission of the seminary by maintaining a core collection that:

• supports the curriculum of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

• supports the andragogy and scholarship of the seminary’s faculty.

• is representative of the breadth of religious, philosophical, and theological thought and practice as reflective of the seminary's curriculum.

• provides access to the wider universe of information resources through networking and the utilization of new research tools in print and electronic formats as they can be made available.

• provides instruction to individuals and classes on the use of the library and its resources.

• serves as a resource for the life-long education and ongoing formation of clergy, laity and others in the wider community.

SPENCER LIBRARY -- HISTORY

The Spencer Library was formed from the merging of two collections at the founding of United Theological Seminary in the early 1960s; Mission House Theological Seminary and Yankton School of Theology.  

It was named in honor of Harriet and Edson Spencer, whose generous gift in 1992 helped with a major remodel of the library on the United campus in New Brighton, Minnesota.

An active member of the Minnesota Theological Library Association (MTLA), the seven participating seminary  libraries comprise the largest collection of theological and religious materials between Chicago and the West Coast.