Appeal

The Library Project – Improving the environment

Background
There has been a library in the building now occupied by Sarum College since 1860. The College has seen a number of changes, from Salisbury Theological College, to Salisbury and Wells Theological College, to the present Sarum College, but has always had the library at its heart. Over the years the library has moved from downstairs to upstairs, from one room to two rooms, from two rooms to three rooms. Regardless of its physical location in the building, the library has always been an essential part of the learning process.

“I really appreciate the resources of the library which are invaluable to my course” Student

Importance
Sarum College Library today has a significant collection of about 36,000 books on theology and related areas. The original library of Bishop Kerr Hamilton is still there, including books dating from the 1500s. Other historical books relate to the diocesan and local history of Salisbury, Wiltshire and Dorset. Most of these books have now been added to the library’s online catalogue, to be found at www.sarum.ac.uk. As well as the rare books, a good collection of academic theological books from the 1900s to 2007 can be found on the shelves. These are ecumenical in scope and the buying policy seeks to acquire books on all denominations. We also buy books in related areas such as philosophy, psychology, ethics, literature, art and education. Additionally, the library subscribes to a number of journals.

“It’s good to work within a well-stocked library of books and journals spanning the old and the new” MA student

Who benefits from the library?
The library is essential for the students of Sarum College. These are principally the students studying for an MA in Christian Spirituality, and the evening class students enrolled on the certificate course ‘Theology Quest and Questions.’ The students on our many short courses also benefit from the library.

Students preparing for ministry with the Southern Theological and Training Scheme (STETS), based in the building, are also major users of the library.

They need the New and Old Testament sections, books on pastoral care, preaching, mission and so forth. STETS has an increasing number of BA and MA level students who find the library invaluable.

As well as our own and STETS students, the library is a wonderful resource for others interested in the subject matter. Groups who benefit from the library include the sixth form religious studies pupils of three secondary schools, who use us to supplement their school libraries; Readers in Training; Bishop’s Certificate Students; Ordained Local Ministry trainees and tutors; Southampton District Methodist Ministers in training; Moorlands Bible College and visitors staying in college.

“Sarum Library enables the students to put depth and analysis into their essays as a result of their reading from library books which they would not be able to access otherwise other than at great cost to buy. Many titles are out-of-print and would not otherwise be available at all” Head of sixth-form studies, Bishop Wordsworth’s school

The library helps fulfil the College’s mission of providing life-long learning in Christianity and related areas by allowing membership of the library to anyone who wishes it, on payment of a subscription. Over 200 individual members, additional to our students, currently borrow from the library. Some of these live locally, others at a distance. The residential facilities enable borrowers to stay in college for a period of study. A postal service provides for others. Some are studying in others colleges; others are enquirers seeking books on Christianity. One elderly gentleman who was a frequent borrower used to say ‘I am in the departure lounge, and want to know more about where I’m going’. We see it as our mission to provide books to whoever needs them, in keeping with the College’s stated aims to provide learning through the wealth of Christian literature to all who seek it.

“This place is a gift for heart, soul and mind…I come here to sit, to read, to reflect, to learn” External library member

Our request
We feel that the library is an important part of Sarum College’s history and its purpose. We are committed to life-long learning and to helping seekers, whether students or others, whether clergy or lay, by maintaining and providing access to an important collection of Christian literature.

The College recently had a major project to make it more user friendly. This principally involved the installation of a lift, which means the library is now accessible for everyone.

The library is housed in one large and 2 smaller rooms. The large room has not changed substantially since the 1970s, and is now in need of some reordering. Plans have been drawn up to replace some of the existing shelving with modern, low-level shelving on castors, which would make for a much more flexible use of the space.

We also need to improve the physical environment for both staff and users by painting the walls, replacing the worn carpet, and ideally replacing the lighting and heating. Anti-glare film on the windows would make the computers easier to use, as well as preventing fading of the books. Our readers tell us they would appreciate a few easy chairs and a coffee table. A few thousand pounds could transform the environment and enhance the learning experience for our 800 users.

What we need

Supply and installation of ‘Point Eight’ furniture (ex VAT) £7,264.48

This comprises

Catalogue