Library and Learning Resources

I. PREAMBLE

Atlas University regards its libraries and learning systems as sacred repositories of truth. They are not merely information centers but living sanctuaries where revelation and reason meet. The Library is therefore consecrated to one purpose: the illumination of every discipline for the glory of God.

II. MISSION

The mission of the Atlas University Library and Learning Resources System (AULLRS) is to:

  1. Provide comprehensive, authoritative resources in theology, science, arts, medicine, law, and the humanities.

  2. Preserve, curate, and digitize the intellectual heritage of Christian civilization.

  3. Support faculty and student research through access, instruction, and technology.

  4. Foster a culture of contemplative study, critical inquiry, and covenantal scholarship.

  5. Serve as the permanent archive of the University’s publications and intellectual property.

III. GOVERNANCE

  1. University Librarian – Chief administrative officer of AULLRS, reporting to the Provost.

  2. Library Council – Advisory body composed of faculty representatives from each Academy, one student representative, and the Librarian as chair.

  3. Information Technology Director – Oversees integration of digital infrastructure, online access, and data security.

  4. Archivist of the Atlas Canon – Custodian of the University’s permanent collections and institutional records.

All library policy changes require review by the Library Council and approval by the Provost.

IV. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

1. Scope

The Library collects print, electronic, audio-visual, and born-digital materials that advance the University’s curricular and research goals.

2. Selection Principles

  • Relevance to curriculum and mission.

  • Scholarly authority and accuracy.

  • Diversity of viewpoints within biblically bounded truth.

  • Enduring value over ephemeral trend.

  • Compliance with copyright and ethical standards.

3. Special Collections

  • Covenantal Studies Collection – Primary sources in theology, philosophy, and biblical languages.

  • Terrain Medicine and Biological Theology Collection.

  • Celestial Arts and Architecture Archive.

  • Atlas Digital Heritage Repository – Institutional theses, faculty publications, and multimedia projects.

4. De-Selection and Retention

Materials superseded or degraded may be withdrawn after professional review; at least one archival copy of every Atlas-related work is preserved indefinitely.

V. DIGITAL LIBRARY AND TECHNOLOGY

  1. Atlas Digital Library (ADL): Cloud-based system providing 24/7 access to e-books, journals, databases, and institutional repositories.

  2. Authentication: Secure single-sign-on with FERPA-compliant access controls.

  3. Data Protection: Redundant encrypted backups stored in geographically separate facilities.

  4. Open Access: The University encourages open-access publication while retaining ownership of institutional IP.

  5. Learning Management Integration: Library resources embedded within each online course via the Atlas Learning Platform (ALP).

VI. INFORMATION LITERACY AND INSTRUCTION

The Library teaches information discernment as a moral art—the ability to separate wisdom from noise.

  1. Curricular Integration: All undergraduate students complete the course The Art of Wisdom: Information Discernment in the Age of Noise.

  2. Workshops: Regular sessions on research methods, citation ethics, and digital literacy.

  3. Faculty Partnerships: Librarians collaborate with professors to design course-embedded research modules.

  4. Online Guides: Interactive tutorials and subject portals maintained for each Academy.

VII. ACCESS AND USE POLICIES

  1. All registered students, faculty, staff, and alumni enjoy borrowing and digital access privileges.

  2. External researchers may access special collections by appointment.

  3. Loan periods, renewals, and fines set by Library Council; digital resources subject to license restrictions.

  4. Food, drink, and noise policies ensure an environment of reverent study.

VIII. ARCHIVES AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT

  1. The Atlas Archive of Civilization Renewal preserves administrative records, Board minutes, faculty papers, architectural drawings, and historical photographs.

  2. Records retention follows Florida Administrative Code Rule 1B-24 and internal policy for permanent preservation.

  3. Digitization prioritized for fragile or high-value materials.

IX. RESOURCE SHARING AND CONSORTIA

Atlas University participates in regional and international library networks to ensure breadth of access. Interlibrary loan services extend collections beyond campus boundaries.
Strategic partnerships are cultivated with research libraries, seminaries, and scientific institutes worldwide.

X. FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENT

The physical library is architecturally sacred—quiet zones for study, collaboration rooms for research, and an inner sanctum for rare books and manuscripts. All facilities comply with ADA standards and Florida Building Code.

XI. COLLECTION SECURITY AND PRESERVATION

  • Security monitored 24/7 by digital and human systems.

  • Climate control maintained at archival standards.

  • Disaster Preparedness Plan includes fire suppression, water protection, and data recovery protocols.

XII. BUDGET AND FUNDING

Library operations are funded through the University general budget and endowed funds. Acquisitions priorities are determined annually by the Provost and Librarian based on curricular growth and usage metrics. Grant and donation opportunities pursued for special collections and digitization projects.

XIII. ASSESSMENT AND EFFECTIVENESS

  1. Annual user surveys and usage statistics feed into the Institutional Effectiveness system.

  2. Key performance indicators include collection growth, access speed, instruction reach, and student satisfaction (≥ 90%).

  3. Results reviewed by Library Council and reported in the Annual Institutional Effectiveness Report.

XIV. ETHICS AND COPYRIGHT COMPLIANCE

All users and staff must observe U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 USC) and license agreements. The Library educates its community on fair use and citation integrity.

XV. AMENDMENT AND REVIEW

This Policy is reviewed every two years by the Library Council and revised as needed with approval of the Provost and ratification by the Board of Trustees.