As a McCormick student, faculty member, or staff member, you have access to an exceptional network of digital and physical research resources through the JKM Library—a shared partnership of McCormick Theological Seminary and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Through TRELIS Complete and the University of Chicago Library system, the McCormick community can access extensive theological collections, scholarly databases, expert research assistance, and borrowing privileges at libraries across the country.
TRELIS COMPLETE THROUGH THE GTU LIBRARY
Through JKM’s relationship with the Graduate Theological Union, McCormick students, faculty, and staff have expanded access to digital theological resources, personalized support from specialist librarians, and reciprocal borrowing privileges at approximately 140 theological libraries nationwide—all designed to support graduate, doctoral, and faculty research.
WORK WITH A THEOLOGICAL LIBRARIAN
Receive one-on-one help with biblical exegesis, literature reviews, research strategies, citations, databases, and digital research tools.
FIND SCHOLARLY SOURCES
Search journals, books, databases, theses, and dissertations across theological, religious studies, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields.
18,000+ online journal titles
12 million+ journal articles
108 scholarly databases
Nearly 200,000 full-text e-books
More than 4 million theses and dissertations
BUILD YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Participate in live and asynchronous orientations, workshops, and research training.
BORROW BOOKS NATIONWIDE
Use the Atla Reciprocal Borrowing Program at participating theological libraries when traveling, studying remotely, or conducting specialized research.
ACCESSING TRELIS RESOURCES IN 2026-27
Watch for an account-activation email from the GTU Library.
Activate your account using your McCormick seminary ID number and create a password.
When prompted by OpenAthens, select “Login with Library Barcode.”
You can use your JKM and TRELIS OpenAthens accounts within the same browser. When a GTU resource requires your TRELIS credentials, OpenAthens should automatically direct you to the appropriate login screen.
NEED SOMETHING THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE?
Use the GTU interlibrary-loan service to request eligible articles and book chapters. For physical books, use the University of Chicago Library or a participating Atla reciprocal-borrowing library. Contact a GTU librarian if you are unsure which option to use.
Having trouble accessing your account? Contact library@gtu.edu for assistance.
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LIBRARIES
McCormick’s longstanding relationship with the University of Chicago provides current students, faculty, and staff with access to one of the world’s leading academic library systems—including materials from the former JKM collection that were transferred to and integrated into the University’s holdings.
GETTING A UCHICAGO LIBRARY CARD
To set up your borrowing privileges, present a current government-issued photo ID to the ID & Privileges Office. Save time by making an appointment.
LIBRARY BARCODE AND PIN
Your library barcode is the 7-digit number that appears directly below the scannable barcode on your library card. You will be issued a PIN when you are issued your card.
BORROWING PRIVILEGES
Current students, faculty, and staff are entitled to quarterly borrowing privileges with three automatic renewals and a 25 concurrent item limit at no charge.
Access to physical collections and interlibrary-loan services is available through McCormick’s existing partnership with the University of Chicago. Please contact Dr. Anne Knafl for assistance.
NOTE: The JKM Library no longer holds any physical items, and our access to the I-Share network maintained by the CARLI consortium has ended.
McCormick remains a member of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) consortium with continued access to the following libraries:
Access to these libraries requires the use of a McCormick ID or ACTS card (issued at the beginning of the academic year) and in some cases, registration with library staff. Privileges and registration requirements vary by institution and should be confirmed before visiting.