Religion Collections in Libraries and Archives: A Guide to Resources in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia Table of Contents - Preface/Acknowledgements - Abbreviations Lists of Entries: District of Columbia - Maryland - Virginia

Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia
Bishop Payne Library

Also known as Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS)

Access Policies

The Bishop Payne Library exists to support the research needs of Virginia Theological Seminary faculty and students and to provide a foundation for the Seminary's curriculum. It is a major resource for the study of the Anglican communion and tradition, both for the Seminary community and beyond. Access and services may be restricted.

Borrowing Privileges:

The Library lends to VTS faculty, staff, students, and alumni. There is very limited lending to northern Virginia ordained clergy with approved letter of reference.

Networks/Consortia:

OCLC, Washington Theological Consortium

Background Note:

Founded 1823.

Description of Collections

Books and monographs:

141,000 volumes. The particular strengths of the collection are in the areas of biblical studies, church history, theology, the Protestant reformation and denominations, the history of Anglicanism, and liturgical music. A project to collect representative source materials from all the provinces and dioceses of the international Anglican communion is underway.

Periodicals and newspapers:

920 current subscriptions. See above for strengths of the collection.

Archives, manuscripts, correspondence, and oral histories:

500 linear feet of manuscripts and papers relating to the history of the Seminary and the Diocese of Virginia. The half-time Archivist is Julie Randle.

Microforms:

6,380 microforms. See monograph section above for the strengths of the collection.

Subject Headings