The Paul Bechtold Library
CTU Patrons
CTU faculty, adjunct faculty, scholars-in-residence, students, and staff are the primary patrons of the CTU Library and must obtain a valid institutional identification card to use the Library. The CTU ID also serves as a library card when visiting I-Share libraries.
CTU patrons who use the libraries of ACTS Schools (Association of Chicago Theological Schools) need to obtain a valid ACTS Borrower Identification Card at the circulation desk before going to these libraries. The ACTS card must be renewed every six months in the library. In order to use the University of Chicago library, CTU patrons must present both their CTU ID and valid ACTS Borrower Identification Card at the ID & Privileges Office located in Regenstein Library.
CTU patrons who are distance learners are eligible for participating in the ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing Program. A map of participating institutions shows where the libraries are located. Please contact public services/circulation for more information.
Reciprocal borrowing agreements do not apply to local public libraries, which require proof of residence before issuing library cards. Patrons who wish to apply for a Chicago Public Library card can do so by providing the required identification at any CPL branch. In addition, the PBL participates in InfoPass which will allow one-day use of other libraries in the Chicago area. Please contact public services/circulation for more information.
CTU Alumni
Graduates of CTU are given a card for access to the Paul Bechtold Library upon verification of their status as graduates. This card must be updated annually. Please note that we are not able to place interlibrary loans (ILLs) or extend borrowing privileges from I-Share or ACTS libraries to alumni.
If you are a graduate of CTU there are also three databases you may access: ATLAS for Alums, JSTOR, and Project Muse (Religion Books ). Contact alumni@ctu.edu to receive username and password information for these databases.
ACTS, University of Chicago, American Islamic College and ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing Program patrons registering for CTU Library borrowing privileges must visit the circulation desk Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Borrowing privileges do not include access to interlibrary loan services for requesting items not held at the CTU Library.
All ACTS (Association of Chicago Theological Schools) users must have an institutional ID from their school and a valid ACTS Borrower Identification Card. ACTS users are required to register with the CTU Library and receive a 14-digit library barcode, which will be attached to the identification card from their home institution. CTU Library privileges for ACTS users expire on June 30 of each year and must be re-validated at that time.
University of Chicago users can obtain access to the CTU Library by displaying their UChicago Card to library staff at CTU. CTU staff will contact the University of Chicago Library’s ID and Privileges Office to confirm that the applicant is currently affiliated with the University of Chicago. Students will need to renew their privileges each semester. Faculty and staff will be given privileges on an annual basis.
American Islamic College users (faculty, students, staff) must have an institutional ID from AIC with a valid date of expiration. AIC users are required to register with the CTU Library and receive a 14-digit library barcode, which will be attached to the identification card from AIC.
Patrons whose libraries participate in the ATLA Reciprocal Borrowing Program must provide appropriated identification information as required by their home institution.
Patrons from the I-Share member schools must have a current and valid identification card from their institution.
The library participates in RAILS InfoPass which allows some Chicago area library patrons to use the PBL. Please contact your home library for information.
Researchers unaffiliated with CTU may use the Library for short time periods with the approval of the Library Director, but without borrowing privileges. If you would like to request access to the library, please contact Kris Veldheer.
Patrons from any category who have registered for borrowing privileges can borrow any of the library’s circulating materials. Materials labeled as “Local Request Only,” such as theses, can be borrowed in person, but may not be requested through interlibrary loan.
Non-Circulating Materials
Periodicals and reference books are for in-library use only. A scanner is available in the library.
Reserve Books and Materials
Books and materials placed on Course Reserve are to be read or scanned in the Library. Students may borrow two items at a time for in-library use only.
If a book is needed for Reserve or recalled by another patron it should be returned immediately. Books that are only available in the CTU library can be recalled by another student after two weeks from the date borrowed. All other titles may be requested through I-Share or Interlibrary Loan (see Book Requests below.)
Loan Periods:
The loan period for books for CTU patrons is one semester.
One renewal of 60 days is allowed for books.
For all other patrons the loan period for books is 30 days with one renewal of 30 days.
Lost/Damaged Books
Library borrowers are responsible for all materials charged to their library account. These library materials must be returned on time by the due date and in good condition or borrowers may renew materials one time on or before the due date.
When materials are overdue, you will receive via email a 1st overdue notice 7 days after the material’s due date and a 2nd overdue notice 14 days after the original due date. However, if regular circulating materials are not returned or renewed within 21 days of the due date, you will receive a final notice and the material will be considered lost. At that time the borrower will be sent an invoice for the lost item and the borrower’s library account will also be blocked. When a borrower’s account is blocked, she/he cannot check out, renew, or request any library materials until the overdue materials are returned. If the borrower returns the overdue materials, the replacement cost (beginning at $100.00) is waived and his/her account is unblocked. Library borrowers who return materials which are damaged will be charged the replacement cost (beginning at $100.00).
Students must resolve all outstanding fines before graduation or their diploma will be withheld.
Approved by CTU Executive Committee 2/21/18
Book Renewals
Renewals are the responsibility of the patron and can be done by computer either in the library or remotely by accessing the My Account button in the library catalog.
Book Requests
If a book reads “available” in the CTU catalog, a patron can either retrieve the book directly from the shelves or request that a Library staff member retrieve it and put it on the table outside the Library for pickup (please allow 24-48 hours for these requests). Books available from other I-Share libraries can also be requested and are generally available for pickup at CTU within a week. A request can be transacted by clicking the book’s title and scrolling down to the section labeled “Get It.” Patrons must Sign in to see the request options.
Suggestions for Purchase
CTU patrons with purchase suggestions for the Bechtold Library should e-mail publication details of suggested items to Library Director Kris Veldheer.
Computers and Wireless Access
There are two computers located near the entrance dedicated for library research. Students can use these to check the online catalog or look for periodical articles. There is a printer for CTU community use along the west wall of the Library.
The library is wireless, and you are welcome to use your laptop. Please contact the IT office at 773-371- 5470 if you are having difficulty connecting to the wireless network.
Scanning and Photocopying
There is a scanner available to make electronic copies of books and articles, which can be emailed or saved as a file to a USB drive at no charge. A photocopy machine is also available which is also capable of scanning a document to be sent by email.
Conference and Study Rooms
The library has one conference room that seats up to 8 people. It’s available on a first come, first served basis. Come by to use as needed, or make a reservation at the Circulation Desk to guarantee availability.
Use this form to request books and articles unavailable from the I-Share catalog. I-Share materials should be requested using your Library online account. For assistance, call the Library at 773 371 5465 or e-mail us at ctulibrary@ctu.edu.
The Library is open to the CTU Community, including study rooms, which may be reserved for two hours at a time. Distance from other users is required. You have the option of in-person or remote meetings for reference assistance. If you would like reference assistance, please submit this form by 5:00 pm the day before you'd like to come. Requests received after that may not be able to be scheduled. A staff member will confirm your appointment by e-mail.
Kris Veldheer
Director, The Paul Bechtold Library
773 371 5465
