2016 American Theological Library Association Annual Conference

New College Library, with over 250,000 volumes and significant rare books and manuscript collections is one of the largest theological libraries in the United Kingdom. Founded as part of the new Free Church in 1843, the Library’s historic collections reflect the Scottish Presbyterian origins of New College. A major donation from an American alumni, Dr Funk, has allowed us to secure, develop and catalogue our Special Collections over the last ten years. Retrospective cataloguing has enabled us to rediscover the treasures we thought we knew and reconsider how they can enrich the academic programs at the University of Edinburgh. Research on the 1843 Donations Register listing the foundations of New College Library’s historic collections has begun to show how donating to New College Library was an important means for individuals to engage with the reforging of cultural and religious identity that was the new Free Church. It is also evidence of the key roles played as library advocates by Professors and Ministers.