Library

About the Library

The library offers a robust collection of over 36,000 volumes, along with nearly 600 academic journal titles available in full text.

All library contents can be accessed through our online catalogue.

During the academic year, the library is open Monday through Friday, with a modified schedule during the summer months. Our dedicated staff are always available to assist with resource and research needs.

The library is an invaluable asset to the college community, offering essential resources for theological students who are expected to spend significant time engaging with its collections.

Location

2450 Milltower Court, Mississauga, ON L5N 5Z6
Phone 705-749-0725 extension 209
E-mail library@mcs.edu

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The library is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Need help?

We understand that finding resources for your assignments and research papers can be challenging. Our library staff is here to assist you by answering questions, offering suggestions, providing library orientation, helping you access books and journal articles, and suggesting research strategies. We’re here to support you in any way we can!

Mission

The purpose of the MCS Library is to provide learning resources and services that support the mission and academic priorities of MCS. This aligns with the college’s broader mandate to cultivate an effective learning community and to offer programs and services that equip Pentecostal leaders for ministry.

The Robert & Shirley Taitinger Learning Commons

Robert (1927–2022) and Shirley (1930–2022) Taitinger were devoted ministers who left a lasting legacy through their service and leadership.

Robert W. Taitinger served as President of Eastern Pentecostal Bible College (now Master’s College and Seminary) from 1982 until his retirement in 1993. At that time, he was honoured with the title of President Emeritus. David Wells described him as a “shepherd leader,” reflecting his compassionate and principled approach to leadership.

Shirley Taitinger was a dedicated partner in ministry, playing a vital role alongside her husband. During their time at the College, she established the College Wives Program supporting and equipping the spouses of ministers.

Together, Robert and Shirley exemplified steadfast faith, kindness, generosity, integrity, and an unwavering positive spirit.

Library FAQs

The Library Catalogue is available 24/7, allowing you to search the MCS library collection online to locate books in the college’s library.

As a currently enrolled MCS student, you can request a scan of up to 20% of a print book in the library. To make a request, email us with the Title, Author, and the specific section of the book you’d like scanned. We will email the scanned pages back to you. Library staff can also scan the table of contents to help you determine if the book contains the information you need.

Place items on hold through the online catalogue.

  • On-Campus Students: You can pick up your books at the library. An email notification will be sent when your books are ready for pickup.
  • Distance Students: Please email library staff to determine if arranging mailing is necessary.

  • Place a HOLD on the book(s) you would like to use through the online catalogue.
  • Email staff at library@mcs.edu to inform them that the books on hold are for scanning. They will send you the table of contents for each book on hold.
  • Once you receive the scans of the table of contents, reply with the chapter(s) you would like scanned. According to Copyright Law, you may request up to 20% of the book or up to 25% for an entire chapter.
  • Staff will scan the requested chapters on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Library Catalogue

A library card is required to borrow books from the circulation collection.

How to Apply for a Library Card

  • MCS Students can apply for a Library Card through Populi, in the Orientation Course – MCS Library Services section.
  • Non-students may complete the Library Card Request Form to gain access.
  • Alternatively, you can contact the Librarian directly at library@mcs.edu for assistance.
About the Collection
  • Our library collection is organized using the Dewey Decimal Classification System.
  • In addition to books, the library provides access to a curated selection of journals and archived periodicals to support your research and learning.
  • Some open access eBooks, provided by EBSCOhost, are also available through the catalogue and can be downloaded directly in PDF format.
    Note: This access is provided for MCS students and faculty only.
Current & Archived Periodicals

The library holds 46 journals, 41 magazines, 10 newsletters, 4 bulletins and more. Use the spreadsheet below to see a list of academic journals and periodicals available in our library.

Digital Resources

The Digital Theological Library (DTL)

The Digital Theological Library (DTL) is a shared digital resource dedicated to religious and theological studies. It provides Master’s College & Seminary faculty, staff, and students with access to an extensive collection of scholarly materials, available anytime and anywhere online.

DTL Resources include:

  • Over 1.5 million eBooks
  • More than 104 million scholarly articles
  • Access to 61,000 academic journals
  • 150 specialized databases

These resources are regularly updated and curated to support theological education and research.

How to Access or View an eBook or article:

  1. Select “Master’s College & Seminary” from the drop-down menu.
  2. Enter the access code provided in Populi (under the MCS Library Services section). If you need help locating the code, please email library@mcs.edu.

Research, Writing, and Formatting Guidelines

Format Guide

Sample Paper

Bibliographic Software: Zotero

To help students cite sources properly, and to quickly and correctly format a list of resources used in your assignment (on the Works Consulted or Works Cited page), we recommend using bibliographic software. Zotero is embedded in your browser and easily lets you collect and cite resources in many styles including MLA format. It will take a few minutes to learn it, but it will save you hours of time over the course of your studies.

Jason Puckett at Georgia State University has put together a comprehensive guide which includes a short video on how to install Zotero: http://research.library.gsu.edu/zotero

Download Zotero software and Zotero connector here: https://www.zotero.org/download/ This is a two-part download.

Want an even simpler version of Zotero? Try ZoteroBib:  https://zbib.org/

Borrowing Policies

Although MCS is a private institution, our library materials are open for use by all. Borrowing privileges are granted to visitors only when the requested items are not in high demand for current curriculum needs.

Borrower’s Responsibility
The library holds the borrower whose name is on the computer circulation record responsible for:

  • Returning Items: All items must be returned by their due date.
  • Adhering to Policies: Following all library policies as outlined in the Student Library Handbook.
  • Fines and Charges: Ensuring no outstanding fines or charges remain on the library account each term. Accounts must be paid in full at least two weeks before exams.
  • Student ID Card: Providing your MCS Student ID card when borrowing items, if you are not a regular library user known by name. Cards are non-transferable; only the cardholder can check out materials.
  • Updating Contact Information: Providing immediate notification of any changes to your address, email address, or phone number.
online learning

Loans

Circulation Items Loan Period
Books Students & External Borrowers: Two weeks (14 days) with two renewals of two weeks each, assuming no holds or recalls apply. Faculty: Up to four months (120 days) with no renewals, assuming no holds or recalls apply.
DVDs, Videos, Audio One week (7 days) with no renewals.
Reserve Collection Materials Two-hour loans with no renewals.
Non-Circulating Items Reference, Periodicals, Microforms, Two-hour loan materials.
Limits

A maximum of three items per Dewey Decimal subject category can be checked out on a single library card at one time by a single borrower. There is no limit on the number of different subject categories or the total number of books a student can borrow, provided there are no unpaid fines on the library card at the time of checkout.

Visitors, alumni, and pastors may borrow up to 15 items at one time, subject to the discretion of library staff. Note that certain subject areas may be restricted if they are in high demand by students.

Renewals, Holds & Interlibrary Loans

Renewals

The standard loan period is 2 weeks (14 days) with up to two renewals, provided there are no holds or recalls. Students can renew items online through their library account; please do not wait until the due date. Overdue items cannot be renewed by email or telephone and must be returned physically to the library if a hold has been placed.
Renewals are typically available for up to two additional 2-week periods, unless the items are in high demand. For questions, please contact the Librarian by email at library@mcs.edu.
Note that no renewals are allowed for reserve items, DVDs, or videos.

Holds

Students can place holds on circulating books. Once a hold is placed, there is a 3-day window to pick up the item, or it may be automatically made available to the next borrower on the holds list. Note that this timeframe may be adjusted during holiday weekends and on Sundays.

Interlibrary Loans

If there is a book or article you need for your research that isn’t available in the library catalogue or the Digital Theological Library (DTL), please contact Nataliia at library@mcs.edu. She may be able to help you find the resource elsewhere.

Returns & Fines

To avoid fees, borrowers are responsible for returning materials within 14 days of the check-out (or renewal) date or must provide email confirmation of renewal extensions granted.

Circulation Items Loan Period
Overdue Fines $0.25 per day, per item.
Replacement Costs After 30 days, the replacement cost of the item plus a $6.00 non-refundable processing fee will be automatically added to the borrower’s account.
Maximum Fine A maximum fine of $10.00 is allowed before borrowing privileges are suspended. Total fines must be paid in full before borrowing privileges can be restored.
Reserve Items $1.00 per hour if overdue (loaned for 2 hours).
Video/DVD and Special High-Demand Items $1.00 per day.
Payment Deadline All overdue/lost material fines must be paid in full 14 days prior to exam week.
Loss of Materials

By checking out library materials, the borrower assumes full responsibility for their return or replacement. Please report any lost library property promptly. For items that are still in print and lost, borrowers will be charged the replacement cost plus a $6.00 non-refundable processing fee.