Graduate Theological Union. Library

The GTU library building was constructed in two phases: Phase I (1979-1981), during which the basement and level one were built, and Phase II (1985-1987), during which levels two and three were completed. The library was renovated in 2000-2001 and 2004.

From the description of Graduate Theological Union Library construction photograph collection, 1979-2004. (Graduate Theological Union). WorldCat record id: 469223221

The Graduate Theological Union Library was established in 1969. The GTU member schools (American Baptist Seminary of the West, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Franciscan School of Theology, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Pacific School of Religion, San Francisco Theological Seminary, and Starr King School for the Ministry) integrated their separate libraries into one common library. J. Stillson Judah served as the first GTU Library Director from 1969 to his retirement in 1976.

From the description of J. Stillson Judah Collection, 1969-1976 / Graduate Theological Union Library. Office of the Director. (Graduate Theological Union). WorldCat record id: 49644379

The Graduate Theological Union Library, Berkeley, Calif. was established in 1969 when the participating seminaries agreed to bring their libraries together to form one common library for the GTU consortium.

From the description of Graduate Theological Union Library Access Services Department collection, 1969-1975. (Graduate Theological Union). WorldCat record id: 51334873

From the description of Graduate Theological Union Library Technical Services Department collection, 1969-1976. (Graduate Theological Union). WorldCat record id: 51334874

Biography / Administrative History

In 1969, the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) Common Library in Berkeley, California, was established and moved into temporary quarters in the basement of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. The site for a new library building at the corner of Ridge and Scenic, known as the "Wilson Property," was purchased from the American Baptist Seminary of the West and the San Francisco Theological Seminary. In 1972, architect Louis I. Kahn was chosen to design a library and administration building. Kahn completed preliminary designs, but died suddenly in 1974. The GTU then selected the architectural firm of Peters, Clayberg and Caulfield to complete the project Kahn inspired.

The process for building permits was difficult. By 1979, after many delays, permits were granted, but the building fund was not enough to cover the cost. The GTU Board of Trustees decided to build the library in two phases. Phase I construction, consisting of the basement and level one, began in 1979, and was completed in 1981. John Baker-Batsel, librarian, directed volunteer crews of students, faculty, trustees, and staff to move approximately 300,000 volumes from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific basement and the Pacific School of Religion Library into the new half-completed building.

Phase II construction of level two, to complete the library, and level three, to house GTU administration offices, began in 1985 and was completed 1987. Acknowledging a substantial contribution from the Hewlett Foundation, the GTU Library was named the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library in May 1987.

An ever-growing collection and ever-advancing technological innovations necessitated renovations in the library, 2000-2001, during the tenure of director Bonnie Hardwick. Compact shelving was installed on level one to increase available shelving. A teaching lab was built on level two, providing library staff and GTU faculty electronic classroom capabilities using advanced technological teaching tools. Lighting in the library atrium was replaced in 2004.

Adapted from "Library History," by Lucinda Glenn, available at http://www.gtu.edu/library/information/library-history.

From the guide to the Graduate Theological Union Library construction photograph collection, 1979-2004, (The Graduate Theological Union. Library.)

Historical Note

Collection contains various Graduate Theological Union Library newsletters. Library notes, 1967-1969, is from the San Francisco Theological Seminary Library. Please see Accession Register record at the Reference Desk for complete listings.

From the guide to the Graduate Theological Union Library Newsletters, 1965-97, (The Graduate Theological Union.)