Theological Library

To maintain a quiet, respectful, and scholarly environment for all readers, we kindly ask that all visitors observe the following library etiquette:

1. Maintain Quietness

• The library is a space for study, prayer, and reflection, please maintain a respectful attitude to those around you.
• Please keep noise to a minimum at all times.
• Silent study is expected in all reading areas.

2. Mobile Phones & Devices

• Phones must be on silent mode.
• Please take all calls outside the library.
• Headphones may be used, but sound must not be audible to others.

3. Food and Drink

• No food is permitted inside the library.
• Drinks are allowed only in covered containers to protect materials.  The lid must remain on.
• Please keep the study areas clean and free from spills and clutter.

4. Respect for Books and Collections

• Please handle all books, manuscripts, and other materials with care.
• Do not use pens, highlighters, sticky notes, or markers on library books.
• Please return books to the designated shelving trolley when finished —do not reshelve them yourself as this helps library staff record accurate usage statistics.

5. Desk Use

• Please only use the desk you have booked.  If you require more space, please speak to library staff.
• Clear your desk before you leave so that the next reader has a tidy space.
• Belongings should not be left unattended; the library is not responsible for personal items.

6. Children in the Library

• Children are welcome in the designated children’s area under full adult supervision.
• The responsible adult must not leave the child unattended at any point, even to go into a different room in the library.
• Children should not enter the Main Reading Room unless accompanied and quiet.

7. Photography & Scanning

• Photography (without flash) is only permitted for the purposes of personal study.
• Please respect all copyright restrictions and legislation.
• Tripods, scanners, and lighting equipment are not allowed unless authorised.

8. Respect for Others

• Be mindful of those around you.
• Avoid disruptive behaviour, loud conversations, or activities unrelated to study.
• Help keep the library a peaceful environment for scholarship and spiritual reflection.

9. Library Staff

• Please follow the guidance of library staff at all times.
• Staff may intervene if behaviour disrupts the scholarly environment or library rules.

10. Departure

• Ensure you take all your belongings with you.
• Return all books to the designated trolley.
• Leave your workspace tidy for the next reader.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in you being asked to leave the Library and/or your membership revoked.

There is level access to the Library; the front door is power assisted.  There is lift access to all floors, except the Research Carrels in the attic. If you need assistance accessing any books stored on the attic level, please speak to staff.

An accessible toilet can be found on the first floor, between the Main Reading Room and South Seminar Room.  There is an additional toilet on the second floor.

There are two height adjustable desks in the Main Reading Room (Study Spaces 9 & 10).

Some books are stored on shelving at height.  Library staff are happy to fetch these books for you if you require assistance.

All library users are required to observe the following user agreement:

As a UK charity, we are constituted around the Lausanne Covenant; by signing below you confirm that you are in agreement with, or willing to respect, this basis.

1. General Conduct

• Respect for Environment: Users must maintain an atmosphere conducive to academic research and writing. This includes:
  • Respecting other readers, volunteers, visitors and staff in the library.
  • Observing noise restrictions and setting mobile phones to silent.
  • No food, and no drinks except in lidded non-spill containers or bottles.
• Personal Belongings: The library is not responsible for personal belongings. Large bags, coats, laptops and other items must be kept safely with you at all times, and positioned well to avoid trip hazards.

2. Access to the Library

• All readers and residents have access to the main collection between 9:30am and 5:00pm. A morning prayer meeting is held at 9:00am in the lounge area of the Manor House from Monday to Thursday, which library users are welcome to join.
• Non-residents must leave the library by 5:00pm.
• Residents may access the main library collection after 5:00pm until 8.00pm, but are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the values of the Library and the Manor. Should any issues arise, this privilege may be withdrawn.
• Opening hours may be subject to change if circumstances require the library to close earlier than scheduled.

3. Use of Desks: Registered Readers and Residents

• Access Requirements: membership and desk booking
  • Access to the library is for registered members and current residents only. ID must be presented upon entry and whenever requested by library staff.
• Desk Booking
  • All readers must book a desk in advance via the library website.
  • No-shows: Repeated failure to attend without cancelling in advance is strongly discouraged and may affect future booking approvals.
• Membership credentials are only for the assigned reader’s use; they are not to be shared.
• Access to the library does not automatically grant access to the Manor House.

4. Use of Library Collections and Materials

• Handling with Care: Users are responsible for all materials used in the library.
• Reference Only: All library books are confined and are not to leave the library.
• Reproduction: Please note that any publication, display, or distribution of images or extracts from library materials is subject to UK copyright regulations.

5. Use of Electronic Resources

• Copyright and Licensing: The use of e-resources is governed by copyright law and the resource’s specific license agreements.
• Permitted Use: E-resources may be used for personal, non-commercial research, teaching and private study only.
• Prohibited Actions: Users must not:
  • Use e-resources for commercial purposes.
  • Systematically or programmatically download large volumes of content.
  • Share access credentials or copies of resources with unauthorized users. Passwords and membership credentials are only for the assigned user’s sole use and must not be shared.
  • Remove or alter copyright statements on any copies made.

6. IT Facilities and Network Use

• Acceptable Use: The library’s IT facilities must not be used for illegal, unauthorized, or unethical activities, including hacking, accessing inappropriate content, or violating network security.
• Data Security: Users are responsible for protecting their own data and must securely log off from laptops and the photocopier after their session.
• No Commercial Use: All library IT resources are provided strictly for academic, research, and educational purposes.

7. Consequences of Breach

Breach of this agreement may result in the following actions:

• Temporary or permanent suspension of library privileges.
• Immediate removal from the library premises.
• Legal action and/or involvement of law enforcement in cases of illegal activity or significant policy violations.