Library
We facilitate access to relevant, curriculum‑aligned materials from a range of theological and scholarly perspectives by providing robust collections and innovative services in an environment where all learners feel welcome, supported, and valued.
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.
Library FAQs
The Library Catalogue
A library card is required to borrow books from the circulation collection.
Tutorials
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:
- Search for a resource on the DTL website and click “View Ebook,” “View Full Text,” or “Access Journal.”
- Select “Master’s College & Seminary.”
- Enter the access code sent from the librarian to your email address (not your student ID number).
- You may need to create a free account with the provider (e.g., EBSCOhost or ProQuest Ebook Central) to access or download ebooks.
- If you need help locating the code, please email library@mcs.edu.
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.
Loans
Books
Loan Period: Students & External Borrowers: Three weeks (21 days) with up to two renewals of three weeks each, assuming no holds or recalls apply. Faculty: Up to four months (120 days) with no renewals, assuming no holds or recalls apply.
Reserve Collection Materials
Loan Period: Two-hour loans are eligible for renewal if there are no recalls.
Non-Circulating Items
Loan Period: Reference, Periodicals, Two-hour loan materials.
Limits
A maximum of five 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
Standard items may be renewed twice, each for an additional three weeks, if there are no holds or recalls. Note: Users will receive an email notification if an item they have borrowed must be returned to the library due to a hold or recall request.
Eligible items will be automatically renewed two days before the due date. You will receive an email notification indicating which of your items have been successfully renewed.
Holds
Students can place holds on circulating books. Once a hold is placed, there is a 5-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 21 days of the check-out (or renewal) date or must provide email confirmation of renewal extensions granted.
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).
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.
Donations & Support
We gladly welcome donations of new or used books to the MCS Library. However, we kindly ask donors to contact us in advance (at library@mcs.edu) providing the list or bibliography to ensure the materials align with our collection needs.
We accept academic books in good physical condition – free of mold, water damage, excessive highlighting, underlining, or marginal notes. We are primarily interested in materials related to the following subject areas:
- Biblical studies and languages
- Theology
- History of Christianity
- Leadership & Practical ministry
- Religious studies
Donors are advised to check the library catalogue to avoid duplicate donations.
All donations are reviewed by the Librarian, who determines whether the materials are appropriate for inclusion in the library collection.
Please note that the library reserves the right to decline donations that do not align with the mission, goals, policies, or best interests of Master’s College and Seminary.
For more detailed information, view our Library Donation Policy.