Statement of Purpose

STM Library Mission and Objectives

In line with the aims and objectives of STM as a whole, the general mission of the Library is two-fold:

  1. To provide, within reasonable means, relevant resources, facilities and services to meet the academic and ministry needs of the STM community, its associates, and the wider Christian community
  2. To serve as a research centre on church and mission history in Malaysia
 
Specifically, 
  • The Library will preserve, maintain and develop its collections and services primarily to cater to the needs of the immediate STM community. Serving the Library's external members, STM associates and the wider Christian community is a secondary function of the Library. 
  • The Library will focus solely on providing essential resources to support the Seminary's academic curriculum at all levels, programmes and departments to meet the coursework and research needs of students, as well as the teaching and curriculum development needs of faculty members. 
  • The Library will give special attention to collecting materials relevant to the STM community and the ASEAN, South Asian and East Asian context. It will also actively develop its archives and collection on Malaysian church and mission history. 
  • When required, the Library will lend assistance in offering basic training of library assistants for local Christian institutes or churches. 
  • The Library will develop its collections to complement those belonging to other local Christian institutes and to avoid duplicating their special collections. The Library will also work towards greater co-operation with other local theological libraries and Christian organisations for the purpose of resource sharing.
  • The Library will endeavour to aid users to gain access to materials beyond the financial means of the average individual, by acquiring important and classic reference tools in support of the academic curriculum. 
  • The Library will provide quality service to its users within the scope of its financial and human resources.

 

(June 2002)