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Library FAQs
What is the role of the NCBC librarian?
As the NCBC librarian, I’m concerned with building a collection of resources that will go beyond the classroom text books and provide all the information you may need to study, write papers, and become a lifelong learner in the fields of study offered at NCBC.
Furthermore, I will work to make these resources as easy as possible for you to find and use, and will assist whenever you hit a “roadblock” in your research and information searching.
Once you begin finding the information you need, I will provide tools and advice for becoming information literate, and help you look critically at the quality and trustworthiness of what you have found.
Finally, like all staff and faculty at NCBC, I am available for general assistance and friendship as you navigate the waters of college. Sometimes a prayer or simple word given at the right time makes all the difference; so don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is the best way to contact the NCBC librarian?
Email is best! (librarian@ncbc.net)
What do you mean by “Virtual Resource Center?”
NCBC doesn’t have a physical library. However, we do have a collection of online and electronic resources that will continue to grow. These resources can be anything from journals and articles, to Bible study tools, to writing and research help. Since you can’t physically “go” to the library, we have created a “virtual” space for you to “go to” for all your information needs. Hence the name, “Virtual Resource Center.” You can find the VRC here.
Why is this important to me as a student?
One of the most important jobs of a librarian is to “save the user time.” What this means is that we need to provide you with one place to access all your information needs. Rather than having to reach out to multiple people on multiple websites, we want you to have one launching off point that you can easily return to again and again.
What kind of questions do students typically ask the librarian?
It really can be anything related to finding information! Everything from how to purchase subscriptions, to how to use the Bible study software/where to find training for the software, or how to navigate the NCBC Student Resources Blog.
Specific Topics
What are the best resources for biblical or theological studies?
Most of our resources are centered around this topic, but I would say that your Accordance or Logos Bible study software purchase will have the MOST Bible and theology-centered resources for you. Second to this, you need to check out the “Free Resources” page on the NCBC Student Resources Blog. There’s quite a lot of Bible study tools, collections on specific topics (like Martin Luther or classical writings) and statistical data on religion. Finally, MA students will have a subscription to ProQuest’s Ebook Central. Learning and using this database will be vital to your success as a graduate student. I am available to help you get started, and answer questions as they come up!
What are the best online resources for developing hermeneutical (biblical interpretation) skills?
Once again, your purchase of either Accordance or Logos Bible study software will have everything you need to increase your biblical hermeneutical skills, and I highly suggest you attend the free training provided (see NCBC Student Resources Blog for details). These trainings will cover a wide range of hermeneutical topics and teach you how to use the tools in your software to discover them.
Another place to look is in the “Biblical Texts and Study Tools” section of the “Free Resources” page on the NCBC Student Resources Blog. There are many, many resources and tools here that can assist you as you learn to study and interpret the Bible.
On a personal note, I highly suggest the book Elements of Biblical Exegesis: a basic guide for students and ministers by Michael J. Gorman. It’s easy to read and will teach you many of the practical elements of biblical hermeneutics.
What kind of exercises can you recommend for improving critical and analytical thinking?
Your professors will teach you how to think critically and analytically about the various subjects they teach. My focus as your librarian is on information in general. Being able to think critically and analytically about the general information you gather is called being Information Literate (IL). On the NCBC Student Resources Blog there is a page called “Can I Trust This?” that focuses on being information literate on the Web. These concepts can be applied beyond just the World Wide Web, as you read and gather information from a variety or sources. While on the page, check out the fake website exercise. You might be surprised how easy it is to be misled online.
What kind of online resources (free or subscription based) do you know of that are available for improving writing skills?
On the NCBC Student Resources Blog there is a page called “Research and Writing Help.” There are a lot of links and quite a bit of reading, but if you take the time to explore everything listed on this page you will be more than prepared to start writing college level papers.
Do you give advice and assistance for students needing help citing sources, improving research skills, and study habits?
To an extent, yes. My primary role as an information specialist is to help you find the resources that will allow you to teach yourself many of these skills. In that sense, your professors may be more suited to answer questions specific to individual papers and assignments. HOWEVER, I’m always available to do what I can within my realm of expertise to help you reach success as a student. Don’t hesitate to ask!
Are you available to assist with the mechanics and technical aspects of effectively using an online study resource?
Yes. My specialty is in understanding the resources and helping you learn how to use them!