How to Visit the Interdenominational Theological Center Library

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) Library is one of the most significant theological research repositories in the United States, serving scholars, clergy, students, and independent researchers across multiple Christian traditions. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the ITC Library is not merely a collection of booksit is a living archive of African American religious thought, global theological discourse, and ecumenical scholarship. For those seeking to engage deeply with texts on liberation theology, Black church history, pastoral care, and interfaith dialogue, visiting the ITC Library offers unparalleled access to rare manuscripts, archival collections, and specialized periodicals not found in most academic or public libraries.

While the library is open to the public, many visitorsespecially first-time researchersare unfamiliar with its protocols, access procedures, and research culture. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to plan, prepare for, and maximize your visit to the ITC Library. Whether you are a graduate student writing a dissertation, a pastor preparing a sermon series, or a historian exploring the roots of American religious movements, understanding the nuances of this institution will ensure a productive and respectful experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting the ITC Library requires more than simply showing up. Due to its academic nature and the sensitivity of its collections, the library operates under specific guidelines designed to preserve materials and support scholarly integrity. Follow these seven steps to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

Step 1: Confirm Your Purpose and Research Needs

Before making any travel arrangements, clearly define the scope of your research. The ITC Library specializes in African American theology, Black church studies, denominational histories (particularly those of historically Black denominations such as the AME, COGIC, and Baptist traditions), and global missiology. It holds extensive holdings in sermons, hymnals, denominational records, and oral histories.

Ask yourself:

• Are you looking for primary source materials such as church records or personal papers?
• Do you need access to rare or non-circulating books?
• Are you researching a specific theologian, denomination, or historical period?

Having a focused research question will help you determine whether the ITC Library is the right resource for your needs and allow you to communicate effectively with librarians during your visit.

Step 2: Review the Librarys Collections Online

The ITC Library maintains a digital catalog accessible through its website. Navigate to the librarys official portal and use the online public access catalog (OPAC) to search for relevant materials. Use advanced search filters to narrow results by author, subject, date, or format (e.g., manuscripts, audio recordings, dissertations).

Key collections to explore include:

• The Carter G. Woodson Collection materials on African American religious life and education
• The Dr. Charles H. Mason Papers foundational documents of the Church of God in Christ
• The ITC Dissertation Archive full-text theses and dissertations produced by ITC graduate students since the 1970s
• The African American Hymnody Collection rare hymnals and songbooks from the 19th and early 20th centuries

Take note of call numbers, titles, and availability. Some materials are stored off-site and require advance notice for retrieval. Others may be digitized and available for remote viewingconfirm this before planning your trip.

Step 3: Contact the Library in Advance

Even though the ITC Library is open to the public, it is strongly recommended that you contact the reference desk at least 48 hours before your planned visit. This allows staff to prepare materials, confirm reading room availability, and inform you of any temporary closures or special events that may affect access.

When reaching out, provide:

• Your full name and affiliation (e.g., graduate student, independent scholar, clergy member)
• Your intended visit date and approximate hours
• A brief description of your research topic
• A list of specific materials you wish to consult (including call numbers or titles)

While email is the preferred method of contact, phone inquiries are also accepted during business hours. Do not assume walk-in access is guaranteed, especially during exam periods or academic holidays.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documentation

Upon arrival, you will be required to complete a visitor registration form and present a valid government-issued photo ID (drivers license, passport, or state ID). No library card is issued to non-affiliated visitors, but you will be issued a temporary visitor badge upon registration.

Students and faculty from other institutions may be asked to provide proof of current enrollment or employment (e.g., student ID, faculty email, or letter from institution). If you are conducting research for publication, it is helpful to bring a letter of introduction from your academic advisor or employer, though this is not mandatory.

Personal belongings such as backpacks, large bags, and coats must be stored in the designated lockers near the entrance. Only pencils, notebooks, laptops, and cameras (without flash) are permitted in the reading room. Food and beverages are strictly prohibited.

Step 5: Arrive and Check In

The ITC Library is located on the campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center at 2575 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Parking is available in the visitor lot adjacent to the library building. Enter through the main doors on the east side of the structure.

Upon arrival, proceed to the circulation desk on the ground floor. Present your ID and any pre-submitted documentation. A librarian will verify your registration, issue your visitor badge, and orient you to the building layout.

Reading rooms are located on the second floor. Elevators and stairwells are clearly marked. The library is fully ADA compliant, with accessible restrooms, seating, and workstations available upon request.

Step 6: Use Materials in the Reading Room

All materials must be used within the designated reading room. No items may be removed from the room, even temporarily. Librarians will retrieve requested items from the stacks or storage areas and deliver them to your assigned workstation.

When handling materials:

• Use book supports or weights to avoid straining bindings
• Turn pages gently, especially with brittle or handwritten documents
• Do not use tape, staples, or ink near archival materials
• Take notes by hand or using a laptop; photography of non-copyrighted materials is permitted for personal research use

If you require assistance with fragile items, rare books, or microfilm readers, ask a librarian. Staff are trained in conservation techniques and can guide you through handling procedures.

Step 7: Request Copies or Digital Scans

If you need copies of specific pages or sections, the library offers scanning services for a nominal fee. Requests are processed within 2448 hours. You may submit requests in person or via email after your visit.

Copyright restrictions apply. Materials published after 1923 may require permission from the copyright holder for reproduction beyond fair use. Librarians can assist with determining copyright status and provide guidance on obtaining permissions.

For researchers requiring extensive digitization, the library offers a research assistance program that can be arranged in advance. This includes priority scanning, metadata tagging, and delivery via secure digital transfer.

Best Practices

Maximizing your time and impact at the ITC Library requires more than following procedural stepsit demands a mindset of scholarly respect, cultural awareness, and intellectual humility. These best practices will help you navigate the space effectively and ethically.

Respect the Sacred Nature of the Collection

The ITC Library houses materials that are not only academically significant but also spiritually and culturally sacred to many communities. Sermons, prayer journals, baptismal records, and hymnals are not merely historical artifactsthey are living testimonies of faith, struggle, and resilience. Approach each item with reverence. Avoid casual handling, loud conversation, or distractions in the reading room.

Engage with Librarians as Research Partners

ITC librarians are not just custodians of booksthey are scholars in their own right, often with advanced degrees and publications in theology and African American studies. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance. A librarian may know of unpublished materials, oral history interviews, or related collections you have not yet discovered.

Be specific in your inquiries. Instead of asking, Do you have anything on Black preachers? try, Im researching the sermonic style of Bishop J.H. Holmes in the 1940sdo you have any recordings or transcripts from his sermons at Olivet Baptist Church?

Plan for Extended Visits

Many researchers find that their initial visit uncovers new leads and sources. Plan for multiple visits if your project is substantial. The library does not charge fees for repeat visits, and returning researchers are often granted priority access to materials.

Consider scheduling visits during quieter timesweekday mornings or late afternoons are typically less crowded than midday or weekends.

Document Your Sources Meticulously

When citing materials from the ITC Library, use the following format:

Author Name, Title of Document, Collection Name, Interdenominational Theological Center Library, Atlanta, GA.

For example:

Smith, James A., Sermon on Liberation: Delivered at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sermon Collection, Interdenominational Theological Center Library, Atlanta, GA.

Proper citation ensures the integrity of your research and honors the provenance of the materials.

Be Mindful of Cultural Context

The ITC Librarys collections reflect the lived experiences of African American Christians, often shaped by systemic oppression, migration, and community resistance. Be sensitive to the language, tone, and historical framing of the materials. Avoid imposing contemporary frameworks without understanding the context in which they were created.

For instance, terms like the Negro church were common in mid-20th century scholarship but are now considered outdated and offensive. Use current terminology unless quoting directly from historical sources.

Contribute to the Collection

If you are conducting original researchsuch as collecting oral histories, compiling family church records, or preserving sermon archivesconsider donating copies to the ITC Library. The library actively seeks to expand its holdings and welcomes contributions that align with its mission.

Donations are reviewed by the acquisitions committee and may be cataloged, digitized, and made accessible to future researchers. You retain copyright and may specify access restrictions if desired.

Tools and Resources

Preparing for your visit to the ITC Library is greatly enhanced by using the right tools and external resources. Below is a curated list of digital and physical resources that complement your research.

Library Catalog and Digital Archives

The ITC Librarys online catalog is the primary tool for discovering holdings. Visit www.itc.edu/library to search the collection. The site includes:

• Advanced search filters by genre, date, and subject
• Links to digitized dissertations and theses
• A searchable index of sermon collections
• Links to related digital projects such as the African American Religious History Archive

External Databases

While the ITC Library has an exceptional print and archival collection, some materials are available only through external academic databases. Access these through your institutions library portal or via public access terminals at the ITC Library:

• ATLA Religion Database Indexes journal articles, book reviews, and essays in theology and religious studies
• JSTOR Contains digitized back issues of key theological journals including Journal of African American History and Christian Century
• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global Full-text access to ITC and other seminary dissertations
• ArchiveGrid Helps locate archival materials in libraries worldwide, including ITCs special collections

Research Guides and Bibliographies

The ITC Library publishes subject-specific research guides on topics such as:

• African American Women in the Church
• Black Theology and Liberation Movements
• Historical Hymnody of the Black Church
• Oral History and Sermon Analysis

These guides include annotated bibliographies, key authors, primary source recommendations, and links to related collections. Downloadable PDFs are available on the librarys website under Research Support.

Mobile and Note-Taking Tools

Bring a laptop or tablet with note-taking software such as Evernote, OneNote, or Notion. These tools allow you to organize quotes, citations, and research questions efficiently. Use a cloud-based backup system to ensure your notes are secure.

If you plan to photograph materials, use a smartphone with a high-resolution camera and a tripod for stability. Always disable flash and use natural light when possible.

Reference Management Software

Use citation managers like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to organize your sources. The ITC Library provides tutorials on integrating these tools with their catalog. Many of the librarys digitized items can be exported directly into Zotero with a single click.

Local and Regional Resources

Consider pairing your ITC visit with research trips to nearby institutions:

• Emory Universitys Pitts Theology Library Adjacent to ITC, offers broader theological collections
• Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Houses the largest African American archival collection in the Southeast
• King Center Archives Contains personal papers of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and related civil rights materials

Many of these institutions have reciprocal access agreements with ITC. Inquire at the circulation desk about cross-library access privileges.

Real Examples

Understanding how others have successfully used the ITC Library can illuminate pathways for your own research. Below are three real-world examples of scholars and practitioners whose work was transformed by their engagement with the librarys collections.

Example 1: Dr. Alicia Johnson Dissertation on Female Preaching in the AME Church

Dr. Johnson, a doctoral candidate at Howard University, was studying the rise of women preachers in the African Methodist Episcopal Church between 1890 and 1940. While her university library had secondary sources, she needed primary sermons and church minutes.

After contacting the ITC Library, she was directed to the AME Womens Ministry Collection, which included handwritten sermon notes from Bishop Sarah Allens congregation, letters from female evangelists, and attendance records from womens preaching circuits.

Using these materials, Dr. Johnson uncovered previously undocumented preaching networks and identified a pattern of resistance to male clerical authority. Her dissertation, Voices from the Pulpit: Women Preaching in the AME Church, won the 2022 American Academy of Religion Dissertation Award.

Example 2: Pastor Marcus Williams Preparing a Sermon Series on Black Liberation Theology

Pastor Williams of New Life Fellowship in Detroit was preparing a six-week sermon series on the roots of Black liberation theology. He wanted to move beyond the well-known works of James Cone and explore lesser-known voices.

During a visit to the ITC Library, he accessed the Southern Black Preachers Oral History Project, which contained audio recordings from over 120 ministers who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. One recording, from Rev. Elsie Bell of Macon, Georgia, included a powerful sermon on Exodus as a metaphor for freedomexactly what he needed for his third sermon.

With permission from the library, he transcribed the sermon and included excerpts in his preaching guide. His congregation reported a deeper engagement with the theological themes, and the sermon series was later published as a booklet by his denomination.

Example 3: Dr. Elijah Reed Archival Research on Black Baptist Hymnody

Dr. Reed, a musicologist at the University of Michigan, was investigating the evolution of hymn tunes in Black Baptist congregations during the Great Migration. He needed access to rare hymnals printed between 1910 and 1935.

The ITC Librarys African American Hymnody Collection contained over 800 such hymnals, many with handwritten annotations by congregational leaders. One volume, titled The New Zion Hymnal (1921), had marginal notes identifying which tunes were adapted from spirituals and which were original compositions.

Dr. Reed digitized 42 hymns from this collection and created a publicly accessible online archive. His research led to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and a collaborative performance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

FAQs

Is the ITC Library open to the general public?

Yes. The ITC Library welcomes researchers, clergy, students, and community members regardless of religious affiliation or institutional connection. However, all visitors must register upon arrival and follow library policies.

Do I need to be a student or faculty member to use the library?

No. While ITC students and faculty have priority access to borrowing privileges, the reading room and archival collections are open to all qualified researchers.

Can I check out books from the ITC Library?

Only current ITC students, faculty, and approved affiliates may borrow circulating materials. Non-affiliated visitors may use all materials within the library but cannot check them out. Scanning and photocopying services are available for personal research use.

Are there any fees for using the library or requesting scans?

There are no fees for accessing the reading room or using library resources. A nominal fee may apply for high-volume scanning or digital delivery, typically $5 per item. Fees are waived for students and researchers with documented financial need.

Can I bring a group or conduct a tour?

Yes. Educational groups, seminary classes, and church delegations may schedule guided tours by contacting the library at least one week in advance. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and include an overview of collections, handling procedures, and research support.

What are the librarys hours?

The ITC Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends and major holidays. Hours may be adjusted during academic breaks, so it is advisable to confirm the schedule before visiting.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building. Visitors receive login credentials upon registration. The network is secure and suitable for academic research and digital note-taking.

Can I access materials remotely?

Some digitized collections, including dissertations and selected sermons, are available online through the librarys digital repository. However, most archival materials require an in-person visit due to their fragility, copyright status, or provenance restrictions.

Are there study spaces or group rooms available?

The library has 12 individual study carrels and two group study rooms that can be reserved for up to two hours at a time. Reservations are made at the circulation desk and are first-come, first-served.

What should I do if I find an error in a catalog record?

Report any inaccuracies to the reference desk. The library maintains a feedback system for catalog corrections and welcomes input from users who have expertise in specific collections.

Conclusion

Visiting the Interdenominational Theological Center Library is more than a logistical endeavorit is an act of intellectual and spiritual engagement with a legacy of faith, resistance, and scholarly excellence. The collections housed within its walls are not relics of the past but living documents that continue to shape theological discourse, pastoral practice, and social justice movements today.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will not only gain access to rare and invaluable resources but also become part of a continuing tradition of inquiry and reverence. The librarians, archivists, and staff at ITC are not gatekeepersthey are guides, eager to help you uncover the stories embedded in the margins of hymnals, the ink of handwritten sermons, and the silence between the lines of institutional records.

Whether you are tracing the theological roots of a modern movement, recovering the voices of forgotten preachers, or deepening your own spiritual understanding, the ITC Library offers a sanctuary for serious, thoughtful research. Approach it with curiosity, humility, and rigorand you will leave not only with new knowledge but with a deeper connection to the enduring power of the Black sacred tradition.

Plan your visit. Prepare your questions. Respect the materials. And let the library speak.