Theology: Open Access Resources
This guide presents key resources for staff and students' research
When certain events (eg: doing a pre-enrolment PhD proposal) prevent you from accessing print material, here are some useful resources that provide legitimate access to digitized texts. Of course check the University Library first. We have a click and collect/delivery service for staff and enrolled students, and can also scan book chapters (within copyright), plus an amazing collection of eBooks available through the catalogue.
VERY HELPFUL TOOL
Unpaywall has a browser extension for Google Chrome which will find any open access/free versions of an article.
When you go onto a journal article which is behind a paywall, it will inform you if there is an open version somewhere else.
This will be very helpful for those who have graduated but want to continue to study, or those who are prepping for their PHD proposal.
Open Access (OA) is a new model of scholarly communication based on the principle that research should be freely accessible online, for anyone to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, link to etc. The advantages of Open Access include, making research easier to discover, wider dissemination of research, and increased citations.
The following video from phdcomics provides an engaging overview of the topic:
Resources - Use the tabs to explore
Open Access Digital Theological LibraryThe Open Access Digital Theological Library is a database solely dedicated to open theological sources. It has over 200,000 books and 10 million journal articles, as well as whole journals, databases and research aids. A very valuable resource.
ATLA: Research in MinistryResearch in Ministry (RIM) is a thesis and dissertation abstract database where users can search for and share the outcomes of research conducted in programs of study related to ministry, theology, and religion.
Our Archive Theology CollectionOur Archive is the University of Otago institutional repository. It is where all university reserach outputs are stored - including theses, journal articles, discussion papers, reports and books. The Theology Collection has hundreds of entries, from both lecturers and former students. Upon completion of your PHD, a digital copy of your thesis will also be stored here.
Globethics.net LibraryThe Globethics.net Library is an online library with an excellent Theology and Ecumenism collection. It contains journals, books and more materials. Please note that you will have to create a free account in order to access these resources.
DOAJ: Directory of Open Access JournalsDOAJ is a searchable directory of Open Access journals and articles from all disciplines
StimulusStimulus, the New Zealand Journal of Christian Thought and Practice, is published by Auckland's Laidlaw College three times a year. It provides provocative and challenging material for thoughtful readers, drawing on a wide variety of material.
Ecclesial FuturesEcclesial Futures is an international, ecumenical peer-reviewed journal. It publishes high-quality, original research and theological reflection on the development and transformation of local Christian communities and the systems that support them as they join in the mission of God in the world.
AWOL - The Ancient World OnlineAWOL is a blog project of Charles E. Jones from Penn State University. It contains updates and lists of Open Access material relating to the ancient world. The link above leads to a list of 2064 open access journals and other materials (last updated January 2022).
Noyam JournalsNoyam Publishers is an independent academic publisher located in Ghana – West Africa. They publish peer-reviewed journals and academic books focusing on the research fields of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Religious and Theological Studies.
Books @ ATLA Open PressThe mission of this project is the publication of open access works on subjects at the intersection of librarianship and religious/theological studies that potentially impact libraries. They seek to provide resources that guide and support innovative library services and enhance professional development. Titles published by Books@Atla Open Press fall within three categories: Scholarly Editions, Association Editions and Reprints.
While these books have a heavy preference towards theological librarianship - there are plenty of relevant materials for non-librarians & students.
Tyndale University Reading Room ArchivesThe Tyndale University has a reading room archive which has lists of accessible Theology books. Of particular relevance may be the New Testament Reading Room and the Old Testament Reading Room. Please note that these reading rooms are no longer maintained or curated so some links may be dead. It is still a great resource regardless.
Christian Classics Ethereal LibraryThe Christian Classics Ethereal Library is a digital library of hundreds of classic Christian books selected for edification and education. It also contains daily devotions and the writings of early church fathers.
Directory of Open Access BooksThe Directory of Open Access Books is a community driven database with over 62,000 academic peer-reviewed books. It is a multi-disciplinary service, but has a strong Theology & Christian collection.
Internet Archive Open LibraryOpen Library is an open, editable library catalog, building towards a web page for every book ever published. This includes not only religious texts, but everything from general fiction to art to cookbooks, In order to borrow books you need to register (for free).
Atla Digital LibraryThe ATLA Digital Library contains digitised theological materials from libraries, religious institutions and other organisations. It has texts, records, maps, photographs, recordings and more.
They also have the Cooperative Digital Resources Initiative which provides access to digital images of woodcuts, photographs, slides, papyri, coins, maps, postcards, manuscripts, lithographs, sermons and much much more. A highly valuable resource for primary sources.
Presbyterian Research CentreOur collections tell the story of the Presbyterian Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s the story of a diverse range of people; Scottish settlers and Māori, missionaries and ministers, the families of Chinese goldminers and new New Zealanders from the Pacific and beyond. It’s a story of women and of young people and communities. It’s a story of the good times and the hard times, the times that we truly lived out the Gospel and the times that we struggled with challenges and division.
PūmotomotoArchives from the John Kinder Library in Auckland. It features digitized collections of Anglican and Methodist church newspapers, synod proceedings and reports, photographs, memorabilia and manuscripts
PūtakeMore archives from the John Kinder Archive - this is specifically focused on name records from Anglican sources. Lists of names from published sources are free for anyone to access.
Entries in the baptism, marriage and burial registers of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia - Te Hāhi Mihinare ki Aotearoa, ki Niu Tīreni, ki ngā Moutere ō Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, are accessible by subscription only:
3 month access: $20 NZD
6 month access: $25 NZD
The Digital Dead Sea ScrollsHosted by the Israel Museum, The Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Project allows users to explore the ancient manuscripts. It gives users access to searchable, fast-loading, high-resolution images of the scrolls, as well as short explanatory videos and background information on the texts and their history.
Digital Vatican LibraryDigital Vatican Library is a digital library service. It provides free access to the Vatican Library’s digitized collections: manuscripts, incunabula, archival materials and inventories as well as graphic materials, coins and medals, printed materials (special projects).
The British Library: Discovering Sacred TextsDiscovering Sacred Texts provides access to the richness and diversity of the texts from some of the world’s greatest faiths. Discover more about the sacred texts from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and the Baha’i Faith, Jainism and Zoroastrianism.
EuropeanaEuropeana is a european cultural heritage depository featuring 50+ million digitised items from over 4,000 different institutions. They focus on European materials including manuscripts dating back to the 8th century.
Papers PastPapers Past is an Aotearoa New Zealand focused database of newspapers, magazines, journals, letters, diaries, parliamentary papers and books. It is not Theology focused however is a great source source of New Zealand historical sources.
Bible GatewayA search engine that allows searching across 200 versions of the Bible in over 70 languages.
HymnaryA searchable archive of hymnal music. It includes sheet music, MIDI files, and background information.
King James Bible: Online Study BibleA study resource for the King James Bible. Contains some really helpful resources including a dictionary, concordance search, study library and an atlas.
Blue Letter Bible Biblical Languages ResourcesA very helpful list of resources to assist in the study of biblical languages.
Theses & Dissertations
An institutional repository is a platform where academic institutions archive and disseminate their research outputs. They are a treasure trove of theses, journal articles and book chapters, and are often Open Access.
- OUR Archive: University of OtagoOtago University's Institutional Repository
- CurateND: University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame Theology collection - DASH: Harvard Divinity School
The Harvard Institutional Repository - ORA: Oxford University Research Archive
The Oxford University Theology department repository - University of Pretoria
Links to an Open Access LibGuide from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. They have 3 different theological repositories: Theology, Practical Theology and the Reformed Theological College.
This page also provides links to 11 other institutional repositories in South Africa.
The University of Otago's Centre for Theology and Public Issues is the first research centre in New Zealand to examine political, social and economic issues from a theological perspective. The website has a selection of resources produced by the centre including articles, podcasts, and lectures.
Theologic Libraries Across Aotearoa
There are many Theological Libraries across the country whose resources you may be able to use. The list below shows membership information, contact details and the home delivery service status of libraries in major centers across Aotearoa.
North Island
John Kinder Theological LibraryAuckland
Free to join if you are a member of an Anglican or Methodist Church. Others may be granted membership upon payment of a fee.
Offers distance services.
Has both physical and electronic resources.
Laidlaw College Henderson & ManukauAuckland
Free to use print resources in the physical library
Subscription is required for borrowable resources and Eresources for $180 a year or $80 for 6 months
South Island
Hewitson Library at Knox CollegeDunedin
Free to join
Offers home delivery service
Has excellent print and online collections The National Presbyterian Archives is also on site.
Theology HouseChristchurch
Free to join
Offers home delivery service
Membership also allows access to the Laidlaw College collection
This is a physical collection only - there is no access to E-resources.- Laidlaw CollegeChristchurch
Free to use print resources in the physical library
Subscription is required for borrowable resources and Eresources for $80 for a full year.