Equipping Students for Christian Service and Leadership Since 1924

Research Tools

General Collections

 
The T.L. Holcomb library is a well-balanced and high-quality library covering all branches of biblical and theological study, as well as related disciplines, with particular strengths in black church history, biblical interpretation and exegesis. The collection contains over 40,000 volumes and regularly receives approximately 100 periodicals. In addition, the library offers a number of electronic resources. Registered students, faculty and staff of American Baptist College who wish to use these services should contact the library.

Special Collections

Special Collections holds internationally recognized collections of books, serials, ancient and modern manuscripts, photographs, yearbooks, sound recordings, and pamphlets. The current collections include:

  • Renita Weems Collection

  • Harmon Wray Collection

  • James Campbell Collection

  • Janet Wolf Collection

  • John C. Mitchell Collection

  • Phi Beta Sigma, Mu Gamma

  • Mahatma Gandhi Collection

  • Rare and Ancient Bibles

  • ABC Theses Archive

Concourse Library Catalog

You may use the library catalog located in the reference area or search the catalog online at:  http://65.13.255.236.

Athena

Athena is a network of Nashville-area library catalogs accessible via the World Wide Web. Library users at any Athena library may search the catalogs of any of the other participating libraries, including:

  • Aquinas College
  • Austin Peay State University
  • Belmont University
  • Cumberland University
  • Fisk University
  • Lipscomb University
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Nashville State Tech
  • Public Library of Nashville & Davidson County
  • Tennessee State University
  • Trevecca Nazarene University
  • Vanderbilt University

Volunteer State Community College

If you want to personally get a book from another library, please be aware that policies regarding use of and check-out privileges vary from library to library. Please contact the other library for information before making a trip.

Database and Article Searching

The T.L. Holcomb Library offers a rich collection of online resources. Library card holders have immediate access to articles in magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, e-books, images and much more.

To access the following resources, please call the library for updated password and authentication information.

ATLA Religion Database

The ATLA Religion Database is an essential tool for the study of religion. It is the premier index to journal articles, book reviews, and collections of essays in all fields of religion.
Coverage areas include: Bible, archaeology, and antiquities; human culture and society; church history, missions, and ecumenism; pastoral ministry; world religions and religious studies; and theology, philosophy, and ethics.

Tennessee Electronic Library

The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) is a collection of 33 databases with just about every type of material available at your fingertips! Resources include reference materials, e-books, magazine and newspaper articles, podcasts, videos, academic and civil service practice tests, and more. These resources cover nearly every subject and topic imaginable, including health, business, literature, technology, genealogy, and even resume building and job skills courses.