2012 Friends of the Library Reception

This year, the annual fundraising reception benefiting the NLTS Library was hosted by the Library and the Office for Institutional Advancement.  We greeted new many faces and welcomed back some long term patrons.

Kathy Mercer played beautifully

Our guests were greeted with melodious harp music played by Kathy Mercer as they ate delicious hors d’oeuvres and mingled, or browsed the collection just minutes prior to the program kick off.

Following tradition, our program opened with an official welcome from our seminary president, Dr. Eddie Grigg.  After greeting the audience and offering a moving prayer of thanksgiving for all the Lord has done for us this past year, Dr. Grigg officially introduced our new Head Librarian, Robert McInnes, to the Friends of the Library supporters.

Robert “Bob” McInnes shared briefly about himself, statistical data about the growth of the Library since last year, thanked recent donors for their contributions, and unveiled a recently donated collection of antiquarian books.

Guests Discussed New Antiquarian Books

Specifically these books are facsimile copies of rare historical bibles including a page from the Gutenberg Bible and the entire Geneva Bible (the standard used before the King James Version came into being).  We are thrilled to have received these valuable additions to our collection, and publicly thanked our generous benefactor.

Dr. Hoyle H. Martin, Emeritus Department Head for the Department of General Studies, was honored with the first ever NLTS Outstanding

Dr Hoyle Martin presented award by Dr Eddie Grigg

Patron Award.  Dr.Martin has consistently contributed financially as well as supported the vision by donating many books throughout our sixteen years of existence as a seminary library.  Both current and former library staff stood with Dr. Eddie Grigg, NLTS President, to present this award and to express our gratitude to Dr. Martin for his ongoing support.  Dr. Martin graciously accepted the award and encouraged everyone to also support the Library.

Jonathan Martin Speaks on Prototype

The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated reading by our keynote speaker, Jonathan Martin, senior pastor of Renovatus Church in Charlotte, NC.  Pastor Jonathan read from his soon to be released book, Prototype, and shared passionately from his heart his personal story and about the process of writing the book.  Pastor Martin’s reading was well-received, and after a brief question and answer session with the audience, he promised to return to our Library for a book signing once Tyndale House Publishers releases it in the Spring 2013.    We will make announcements on this blog, on our Facebook page as well as on our website once the book signing date has been scheduled.

Michael Andrus, Director of Institutional Advancement, stood and encouraged the audience to pray and to give as God moved on their hearts but most of all to become true Friends of the Library – and the seminary – by providing consistent, ongoing support so that we can strengthen the infrastructure to handle the unprecedented growth New Life has been experiencing.  After Micheal’s heartfelt appeal, the Vice-President of Student Affairs, Nathaniel Pearce, closed our time together with prayer.

Dr. Grigg made himself available to greet and to answer questions from attendees about his vision for New Life during his presidential fireside chat held in the quiet,  intimate setting of the  historical books room of the Library.   Overall, the event was a great experience for everyone.

Thanks to all who attended the 2012 NLTS Library Reception!!! We appreciate your continued patronage.   If you were unable to attend but still want to show your support by donating, volunteering or making a financial contribution, please contact us at the Library:

Bob McInnes

 

 

 

Bob McInnes, Head Librarian

704-334-6882 ext. 104 

rmcinnes@nlts.edu

 

 

 

Antoinette Johnson

 

 

 

Antoinette Johnson, Assistant Librarian

704-334-6882 ext. 111

ajohnson@nlts.edu

YOU ARE INVITED!!!

Pastor Jonathan Martin, Renovatus Church

The annual Library Reception is just around the corner. This year the format of the reception is different and better than ever. The Friends of the Library fundraiser and reception will take place on Friday, October 26,
2012, in the NLTS Library. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m. The keynote speaker is Pastor Jonathan Martin from Renovatus Church here in Charlotte. Pastor Martin will present a preview of his most recent work, Prototype, which will be released by Tyndale House Publishers early in 2013.

There are many more activities planned for the event this year. In addition to light hors d’oeuvres and beverages served during the initial time of fellowship, you will also have an opportunity to hear from distinguished seminary leaders, get an admissions overview, and participate in a fireside chat hosted by seminary president, Dr. Eddie G. Grigg. You will have an opportunity to meet and greet
our new Head Librarian, Robert McInnes as well. As before, you will receive one free book of your choosing from our book sale area as our gift to you just for participating.

We are anticipating record attendance this year; therefore, we are asking you to R.S.V.P. to Michael Andrus, Director of Institutional Advancement. You may contact Michael at mandrus@nlts.edu or (704) 334-6882, extension 112.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Library Reception Soon…Save the Date!

WHAT: Friends of the Library Reception
WHEN: Friday, October 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: New Life Theological Seminary Library

Pastor Jonathan Martin

We are ecstatic because this year’s keynote speaker for our annual library reception will be Bishop Jonathan Martin, senior pastor of Renovatus Church here in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Pastor Jonathan will be talking about his new book entitled, Prototype.

More Details to Come!
Save the Date, Plan to Attend and Invite Your Friends!!!

Please Note: This reception is a fundraising event with all proceeds benefiting your NLTS Library.  Come, show your support!

NLTS Library CLOSED for Labor Day!

The NLTS Library will be closed Monday, September 3, 2012 in observance of Labor Day. We will re-open at our normally scheduled time on Tuesday morning at 8:15 a.m.

Hope you enjoy your day. Maybe you might even relax with a friend and read a good book…:-)

WELCOME New and Returning Students! Fall Semester Underway!

IT’S OFFICIAL!!! Please Welcome Adrienne Butler as our new Student Library Assistant!

Adrienne was a faithful library volunteer for more than a year. As a matter of fact, Adrienne was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award at the 2012 Annual Awards Banquet this past spring! So we are especially excited and thankful to have Adrienne join us and bring her expertise to our midst as our assistant. Be sure to stop by the NLTS Library to say “hello” and welcome Adrienne!

Learn more about Adrienne on our “Meet the Library Staff” page.

FALL Semester 2012 is About to Begin!

New Textbooks for Fall Semester 2012 have been processed and held in RESERVES for your use in the NLTS Library!!!

Operating Hours for the upcoming semester are:

Mondays: 10a -7p
Tuesdays: 8:15a – 8:30p (CLOSED during Chapel 4:15 – 5:30)

Wednesdays: 10a – 7p
Thursdays: 10a – 7p
Fridays: 10a – 7p
Saturdays: CLOSED
Sundays: CLOSED

May 2012 Newsletter

Plagiarism Workshop a Success

On Monday, April 9^th, Seth hosted a plagiarism workshop for NLTS students.  While feasting on Dunkin doughnuts and coffee, students learned how to avoid common pitfalls in citing their sources in research papers.  Students were quick to learn the concepts covered in the workshop, asked in-depth questions, and answered the assessment questions at the end of the workshop with little difficulty.  This workshop hopefully facilitated our mission of “educating men and women of integrity.”   An outline of the workshop is available as a PowerPoint presentation.

Buy One, Get One Book Sale Extended

To liquidate our collection of duplicates and discarded books, the library has extended its buy one, get one free book sale.  If you are in the vicinity of New Life, please stop by the library to purchase some books (and chat with the library staff).  We have quite a selection of books in theology and religion.  Paperbacks are only .50 and hardbacks are $1.

Library Volunteer Honored at Annual Fund Banquet

Library Volunteer A’Drienne Butler

On April 19^th, a faithful library volunteer,  A’Drienne Butler, was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Annual Fund Banquet.  In addition to her studies at New Life, Adrienne Butler has donated entire workdays to help the library staff to catalog and shelve books.  Thanks to her assistance, the library staff have been able to expedite the processing of new books. Ms. Butler brightens the library with her presence and is willing to assist students with research questions just as a staff member would.  Thank you Adrienne for all that you do!

End of another Successful Semester

I (Seth) would like to thank all the students, faculty, and staff for another fruitful semester in the library.  Thanks to the assistance of a faculty member, we have been donated many valuable titles in our reference collection.  Thanks to wise counsel of this anonymous faculty member, the reference collection nearly doubled.  We added many commentaries and bible encyclopedias that will assist New Life in paving the way for more graduate-level theology classes.

In addition, I am happy to report that the total number of circulation transactions for the Spring 2012 semester was 1,094!  This includes check-outs and in-house uses of library resources.  The record student population has made good use of the library this semester.  On many Tuesdays, it was common to see 20+ students in the library.  The library staff feels quite validated to see so many students using library facilities.

Being in All Places at All Times

As I’ve shared in past newsletters, it is challenging (in a good way) to wear multiple hats.  Given the exponential growth of the student body and the preparations for distance learning, I have devised a number of ways to offer library instruction and assistance with research.  Three additional videos on using the library catalog were added to NLTS’s YouTube channel and a narrated Power Point presentation was added to the website to cover the basics of using the library.  This semester, students will be able to ‘tune in’ to receive basic library instruction on the website and on YouTube asynchronously, a service that has not offered until now.  This will help busy part-time students and graduate students who do not receive in-class library instruction to learn how to make the most of New Life Library.

Seth says Farewell, Antoinette Becomes Assistant Librarian

I would like to end the newsletter on a bittersweet note.  I am resigning at the end of June to return to graduate school.  After several years of prayer and contemplation, I have discerned the Lord’s call to teach Sociology.  I recently been accepted to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and will pursue an M.A. in Sociology.  I will reside in Greensboro while pursuing this degree.  I greatly appreciate the opportunity serve New Life in the capacity of Head Librarian.  It has been challenging and stressful at times, but I have been afforded opportunities that few librarians my age have experienced.  Thank you Dr. Grigg and Bob Yost for giving me this opportunity.

I would also like to report that Antoinette Johnson will be promoted to Assistant Librarian in the new school year.  She has served New Life faithfully for nearly three years as a student assistant.  In her tenure at New Life, she has learned to catalog books, assist students with database research, and is an awfully meticulous proofer of anything I write!  Thank you Antoinette for two years of loyal service, I wish you the best!

In Christ,

Seth Allen

March 2012 Newsletter

E-Books Added

New Life Theological Seminary Library is thrilled to announce that a new electronic book collection is available for use.  Patrons now have access to more than 1,000 e-book titles!  Through a partnership with the Association of Christian Librarians, New Life Library was able to add this collection at a discounted rate.  This new collection includes recently published scholarly e-books in the areas of theology and religion.  Students can access the collection from any location at any time, and read these titles on electronic tablets (such as the Kindle Fire or the iPad) and on their personal computers.  NLTS views this as a significant step toward the goals of offering distance education degrees and incorporating cutting-edge technology to the library’s resources.  For more information, go to the Library’s website at www.nltslibrary.info and click on the link for the EBSCO e-Book Collection.

Screenshot of the new e-book interface:

TRACS Accreditation

The ‘elephant in the room’ looming over New Life, and many sister schools, at the present time is the re-accreditation process with TRACS.  The entire NLTS staff has been busy preparing documents for the upcoming evaluations; going the extra mile to prove that New Life offers a high caliber theological education.  A component of accreditation is having a well-stocked library with demonstrative evidence of usage.  For all of you that have donated tangible resources, volunteered hours, or are financially-supporting members of the NLTS Library Club, we would like to thank you for your contributions.  We are certain that the accreditation team will be impressed with the books and media your donations have allowed us to add to the collection.  Your ongoing generosity and support will pave the way for us to exceed standards set by the accrediting agency.

Unsung Scholar Fund

Recently, we had a professor who felt called to donate a portion of own tithe to the seminary library in the form of purchasing biblical commentaries.  This professor, who will remain anonymous, donated a set of Word Biblical Commentaries valued at more than $800.  By request, we have established the Unsung Scholar Fund. Library supporters can contribute to this fund which will enhance our reference collection.  In order to excel within the library component of reaccreditation, and to be prepared to support more advanced degree offerings, the Library needs a top-notch reference collection replete with commentaries, theological dictionaries, and biblical language aids.  If would you like to participate in the Unsung Scholar Fund, you may write a check to New Life Theological Seminary and write ‘Capital Campaign-Library’ in the memo line.

New Study Carrel Added

With the assistance of Dr. Nathaniel Pearce, the library now has an additional study carrel adjacent to the circulation desk.  This carrel will house the library workstation computers and allow the library staff to conveniently demonstrate the online resources and websites to students.   This will bring the total number of seats in the library with plug outlets to twenty.  By offering more study spaces, we will be better prepared for more incoming students and excel at accreditation standards for library facilities.

January 2012 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Welcome to both new and returning students for Spring Semester 2012!   New Life Theological Seminary has a record number of students again this semester: 148!  We are thankful for what the Lord is doing in and through this seminary.  The staff of New Life Library is looking forward to serving you this year with a renewed spirit of excellence.

New Computer Workstations Added

New Life Library is proud to now have three desktop computers for student use.  We would like to thank Dr. Bill Fleming, Chair of Pastoral Studies, for donating two computers and NLTS student, Melineze Hite, for donating several flat screen monitors.  These computers have Internet access, printing capabilities, and access to the Microsoft Office suite.  With these new computers, the library is able to assist students who do not yet own a computer and create an environment of sharing information.  This donation will keep new students, who often wait months to receive federal financial aid, from falling behind on their assignments.

Online Tutorials

New Life Library is proud to announce development of its first online video tutorial.  The tutorial was created using Screencast-O-Matic, a free software that allows users to record, narrate, and upload videos on YouTube.  The tutorial covers the basics of using the ALTA database.  More video tutorials will be added in the future to reach to distance education students and those students accessing the library resources after hours.  Please take a moment and check out this video tutorial:

Growing Pains

Due to the growth of the library collection (now at 22,600 volumes), the library staff has been busy creating a new space to house periodical archives.  The storage area has been revamped into a quiet study area and as a new home for the historical books and journals.  While this area is still ‘under construction’, there will be a small seating space and a desk for students to plug in their laptops.  Once completed, this area will add an additional four workspaces for student use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re in NoDa, drop by for a visit to see the ongoing transformation of the New Life Library.

Prayer Concerns

New Life Theological Seminary is up for reaccreditation with TRACS this year.  This process involves an intensive self-study, multiple subcommittee meetings, and interviews with the officials from TRACS.  The library will be evaluated and must show progress from the last accreditation process (five years ago).  if we demonstrate substantial improvement, we will not have to perform this intense study for another ten years.  Please pray that the library committee will demonstrate to the TRACS officials the spirit of excellence with which we all work.  And for those of you who have donated books and other resources, we would like to thank you again for your gracious donations.  You play a role in helping us excel with this reaccreditation.

Growth is not without challenges:  parking, comfortable accommodations for students in public spaces, and providing individualized attention in all departments, including the library; all these are more difficult with a larger student body.  Please pray that the NLTS faculty and staff will creatively meet the challenges of serving more students.  We would like to maintain the quality ‘customer service’ that compelled our students to choose New Life over other seminaries.

In Christ,

Seth Allen

Head Librarian

November 2011 Newsletter

Library Club Reception a Hit

On October 27th, 2011, we celebrated our fourth annual Library Club Reception.  Pat J. Schulz, the owner of Enheart Publishing and author of Making Sweet Lemonade, was our keynote speaker.  Ms. Schulz signed copies of her book and encouraged believers to embrace the diversity of the Church.  Dr. Nathaniel Pearce led us in some impromptu worship songs, Val Exis, our SGA President, gave a student testimony, and we feasted on hors d’ouveres provided by Encore Catering.  We enrolled some new Library Club members, but missed some familiar faces from past receptions.  If you are interested in renewing your membership to the Library Club, please let Seth Allen know by emailing him at sallen@nlts.edu.

Collection Climbs to 22,200 volumes

As New Life prepares for additional degree programs, it is essential that collection support the research needs of students in future programs.  We are happy to report that the collection has reached 22,200 volumes.  This would not have been possible without the donations and volunteer hours of faithful library supporters.  Rev. William Rogers, a retired minister and father-in-law of NLTS Board Member Mark Adcock,  donated over 1,000 quality books in areas like theology and biblical languages.  Dr. Hoyle Martin has donated several hundred books in the past few months, greatly enriching our collection of urban and ethnic studies collection. In addition, we have several volunteers, like A’Drienne Butler, who donate substantial time each week to stretch the efforts of library staff.  If you would like to help the library to ‘hit the ground running’ with future degree programs, please be certain to purchase a book from our Amazon Wish List.  If you desire, books can be donated in honor or memory of a loved one, indicated by a special bookplate placed inside the cover of each donated book.

Donation of a Second Netbook Computer

Dr. Ray Ashmore has donated a second netbook computer on behalf of his ministry, Imparting Life Ministries.  We are deeply grateful to Dr. Ashmore for thinking of our students, many of whom have irregular access to computers due to financial constraints.  Additional computers allow these students the opportunity to excel in their coursework until they can purchase a reliable computer.  In addition, these computers allow for many ‘teachable moments’ between library staff and students unacquainted with computers.  Many thanks to Dr. Ashmore for his generosity!

Special Thanks To:

• Melineze Hite for the donation of computer monitors to the library!
• Rhonda Jaynes for assisting us in decorating for the Library Club Reception!
• A student who prefers not to disclose her name but completely refurbished an older computer for student use!

In Christ,

Seth Allen

Head Librarian

A Note about the Library Newsletter: The library newsletter will be now be published bi-monthly, as opposed to monthly, beginning this month. You can expect the next newsletter in January 2012!