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The 5 Most Important Facts About William G. Squires Library: A 2024 Deep Dive Into Lee University’s Academic Powerhouse

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The William G. Squires Library is far more than a quiet place to study; as of late 2024, it stands as a dynamic, modern academic resource center serving two distinct yet interconnected institutions: Lee University and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTS) in Cleveland, Tennessee. This article provides a fresh, in-depth look at the library’s crucial role, its recent technological upgrades, and the influential man whose name it bears.

Serving thousands of students, faculty, and staff, the Squires Library is the central hub for scholarly research, housing an extensive collection of print and electronic materials essential for degree programs ranging from undergraduate studies to advanced theological research. Its commitment to staying current is evident in its recent major system migration, ensuring its resources remain accessible and cutting-edge.

The Profile of Dr. William G. Squires: The Man Behind the Legacy

The library is named in honor of Dr. William G. Squires, a figure whose dedication and generosity were instrumental in the development of Lee University (formerly Lee College). While not a full-time academic, his influence as a leader and benefactor shaped the institution's growth for decades.

  • Name: Dr. William G. Squires
  • Primary Role: Businessman and Major Benefactor
  • Connection to Lee University: Squires was a prominent businessman from North Carolina who became a major donor for the library project, contributing significantly to its realization.
  • Board Service: He served on the Lee College Board of Directors across two decades, specifically during the 1960s and 1980s, guiding the institution through periods of significant change and expansion.
  • Honorary Degree: Lee University recognized his enduring commitment by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (D.H.L.) in 2003.
  • Legacy: His contributions cemented his place in the university's history, leading to the library being named in his honor as a lasting tribute to his support of Christian higher education.

The 2023 Technology Upgrade: Moving to OCLC’s World Management System

In a major effort to modernize its operations and enhance resource discovery, the William G. Squires Library consortium completed a significant migration in 2023. This move involved shifting its operations to OCLC’s World Management System (WMS).

This technological shift is one of the most important recent updates, profoundly impacting how Lee University and Pentecostal Theological Seminary students access materials. WMS is a cloud-based library services platform that integrates all core library functions—cataloging, acquisitions, circulation, and discovery—into one unified system.

What the OCLC WMS Migration Means for Users

The implementation of World Management System has streamlined the user experience, making it easier for students and faculty to locate both print and digital resources. It improves the efficiency of the library staff and ensures the collection is managed using the industry’s most current standards.

Furthermore, this integration strengthens the library’s ability to participate in resource sharing networks, facilitating faster and more reliable Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services. This is crucial for advanced researchers who require access to specialized academic journals, rare books, and unique archival materials not held in Cleveland, TN.

The migration also affects the library’s digital footprint, including its A–Z list of databases and the organization of its LibGuides, which are essential tools for subject-specific research assistance and connecting users to the most relevant electronic resources.

A Dual Mission: Serving Lee University and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary

A unique characteristic of the William G. Squires Library is its dual role in serving two distinct yet philosophically aligned institutions. It functions as the general collection for Lee University, a comprehensive Christian liberal arts institution, while also being the primary research center for the Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTS), which focuses exclusively on graduate-level theological education.

This shared stewardship means the library’s collection development must cater to a wide range of academic disciplines, from Nursing and Business to Music and Theology. Books and resources purchased by both the University and the Seminary are housed in a single, unified general collection, although ownership is tracked separately.

The Dixon Pentecostal Research Center (DPRC)

The library’s most significant special collection is the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center (DPRC). Housed within the Squires Library, the DPRC is one of the world's most important repositories for materials related to the history and doctrine of the Church of God and the broader global Pentecostal movement.

The Dixon Center’s collection includes a vast array of archives, manuscripts, and rare publications, making the William G. Squires Library a mandatory destination for scholars researching Pentecostalism, Church History, and American religious movements. The DPRC’s presence elevates the library’s status from a standard academic library to a critical international resource center for a major religious tradition.

Key Resources and Topical Authority Entities

To establish its topical authority, the William G. Squires Library provides an extensive suite of resources designed to support rigorous academic work. These resources go far beyond traditional books and periodicals:

  • Extensive Electronic Resources: The library provides access to thousands of full-text electronic journals, e-books, and specialized databases across all subject areas, which are essential for students and faculty, particularly those studying remotely.
  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL): A robust ILL service, now enhanced by the OCLC WMS migration, allows users to borrow materials from a vast network of partner libraries worldwide, ensuring access to virtually any needed scholarly work.
  • Special Collections and Archives: In addition to the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center, the library maintains the Lee University Archives, which preserves the institutional history of the university.
  • Research Assistance: Dedicated librarians offer one-on-one research consultations and subject-specific guidance through tools like LibGuides, helping students navigate complex research topics and utilize the available electronic resources effectively.

The William G. Squires Library continues to fulfill its mission as a "vital and dynamic facet of the educational experience" at Lee University. Its recent technological investments and its unique role in preserving the history of a major religious movement ensure that it remains a premier academic powerhouse in the South.

william g squires library
william g squires library

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