During Theological Library Month (October), we asked our users to submit their favorite reason to come to the Divinity School Library.

Here are the entries from 2006.

Winning reason:

• I become holier by osmosis.

Other entries:

• 230.044092 B285, M131 . . . need I say more?!
• You can walk away from your laptop for a moment without it being stolen. We still recommend having someone watch your stuff, but the chances of theft are much lower here than at other libraries on campus.
• The smell of old theology books generally keeps undergraduates at bay.
• upon returning to the divinity school after years of living in the world the smell of all these books will have the power to transport you back to the simple days of studying for exams and writing papers alongside the only other people who will ever understand what it means to be a Duke Divinity School student... In short, the sence of nostalgia the library creates.
• Where else can you read about Wesleyan theology while drinking coffee out of your approved drinking device while checking out Duke sports scores on ESPN.com while looking out the window of the Baker Research Center to see the expanse of the quad and beautiful Duke Chapel?
• all those books make you feel smarter (like a scholar!), so you're less likely to procrastinate by checking email incessantly and more likely to actually do your reading! It's the best place to study!
• I can pick up books at the Divinity School Library from the other Duke libraries (Law, Perkins, Lilly, etc.) without dragging my tired bones across campus to get them. Ask today, here tomorrow. Like magic!
• There are no limits to the materials I can pick up: think of the books, microfilm, articles, dissertations, encyclopedia volumes, and other research materials from around the world that I can order through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and pick up at the Divinity School Library. For FREE! Such a deal!
• Printing is free, there are tons of great resources, and it's a comfortable place to work (the chairs are like couches with a swiveling table top - definitely the best of both worlds).
• there's nothing like huddling around the warmth of the e-print station, waiting for your copies, in the cold of winter.
• It is a beautiful place to study- with fantastic resources, calming energy, and an inviting and peaceful environment. I love it.
• of the vast collection of journals. While it may appear that I am merely avoiding studying, I am actually learning about current theological debates, historical studies patterns and denominational issues. Basically, surveying these articles can make me look really smart and well-read in class discussions.
• It is the quietest library on campus.
• The stacks, particulary the 280's, are a great place to read, study, or review for that crazy midterm undisturbed.
• Divinity School librarians are not the stodgy, strict, slightly frightening, lovers of quiet that we remember from our childhood! Andy, Roberta, and the whole gang love questions and know wonderful obscure yet key items about research!
• Its the place to see and be seen.
• ... unlike any other place where you might 'set up shop' or even 'pitch a tent,' the staff, resources, atmosphere, and friends make THIS place feel like home. WELCOME HOME :)

Original List from Fall 2006 Orientation

#10. Of the stellar collection: over 370,000 books, 700 periodicals, 100 electronic databases -- and still growing!!

#9. There is excellent reference service -- available in person, by phone, by e-mail, or by instant message.

#8. Printing from our computers is not 10 cents a page, not 5 cents a page, but completely free. Please help us keep this free through being good stewards of the paper and the trees the paper came from. We have several copies of the Bible that you may check out of the library -- there is no need to print out the whole thing.

#7 It is a comfortable place to read and study while drinking from your covered container.

#6. We're open for the best 85 hours a week – Monday to Thursday 8 am to 11 pm, Friday 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 2 to 10 pm.

#5. We have computers. On the main level we have 12 public computers with access to the library catalog, databases and the network. If you bring your own laptop we have wireless available on the main floor in addition to the 18 network ports for you to plug into. The library also has a private computer classroom with 10 PCs. It is hidden on Level D with access limited to Divinity School students by the magical DukeCard system. Be sure to bring your Duke ID to get in!

#4. It's your tuition money at work!

#3. You get to see the world while studying the Book of Discipline – check out the view from the Baker Methodist Research Center!

#2. We're better than Google – we're warm-blooded! Doing theological research by using the internet alone is really dumb. Remember: if it's not there, you can't find it!

#1. THE STAFF!