JKM Library Transition

AUG 6, 2026

McCormick and LSTC Expand Access to Two World-Class Theological Research Libraries Through New JKM Library Transition

The JKM Library, a partnership of McCormick Theological Seminary (MTS) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), is expanding digital research access for both seminaries through a new relationship with the Graduate Theological Union's Theological Schools Recentering & Enhancing Library Integral Services (TRELIS).

Through the new partnership, MTS and LSTC students, faculty, and staff will gain access to extensive online theological resources, specialist librarian support, and reciprocal borrowing privileges at more than 130 libraries nationwide. The relationship complements the seminaries' longstanding access to the University of Chicago Library system, giving both communities access to two internationally respected theological research networks while strengthening resources for an increasingly digital learning environment.

“This development reflects our commitment to turning an unforeseen challenge into a unique opportunity to provide accessible, expansive, and responsive resources that equip our community of learning for faithful scholarship,” said the Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan, president of LSTC. “I am grateful to our Deans, Robert Smith and Jina Kang, for their leadership in ensuring that our faculty and students have access to high-quality resources that support learning, research, and ministry.”

The new arrangement follows several years of changes to the JKM Library’s physical collection. Following MTS and LSTC’s relocation to 5416 S. Cornell Ave., the majority of their collections were donated to the University of Chicago Library through an agreement that preserved access to those materials and provided additional benefits to members of both seminary communities.

At that time, approximately 34,000 volumes were retained in accessible storage at Chicago Theological Seminary. Each of those volumes duplicated material already held by the University of Chicago. Earlier this year, MTS and LSTC learned that the sale of the Chicago Theological Seminary building would end the existing storage arrangement.

In response, the JKM Trust, which is comprised of representatives from MTS and LSTC, undertook a shared discernment process focused on the current research needs of students and faculty, the changing landscape of theological education, and the responsible stewardship of institutional resources. The Trust ultimately decided to conclude its maintenance of the duplicate physical collection while preserving the University of Chicago relationship and investing in more robust online access.

"This transition is about expanding opportunity, not reducing it," said Dr. Maisha Handy, President of McCormick Theological Seminary. "Our calling is to prepare leaders who can engage the Church and the world with depth, wisdom, and imagination. By connecting our students and faculty to two extraordinary theological library systems, we are investing in scholarship that is more accessible, more collaborative, and better equipped for the future. We are grateful to everyone whose thoughtful leadership has made this next chapter possible."

TRELIS is expected to provide access to the resources previously available through the JKM Library while significantly expanding the range of online materials available to the MTS and LSTC communities. Its specialist librarians will also support faculty and students with research, curricular development, and the exploration of emerging areas of theological scholarship.

For the seminaries, the transition advances their commitment to forming visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. By expanding access to theological knowledge and research support, both institutions are investing in an educational environment that is collaborative, accessible, and responsive to the needs of people preparing to serve the church and the wider world.

MTS and LSTC extend their gratitude to the JKM Trust Board, including Professors Mark Swanson and Ken Sawyer, LSTC Board member Mark Bartusch, as well as the library, information technology, and registrar teams supporting the transition.

Additional information about accessing TRELIS resources will be shared with students, faculty, and staff as implementation moves forward.