Imagine shelves filled with knowledge. This is the Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL. It is a treasure trove for those seeking to understand religions. It also serves those exploring secularism. The Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL is a specialized library. It focuses on the history and doctrine of religions. These include Christian and non-Christian religions. The collection spans from antiquity to the present day.
The Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL also covers contemporary religious movements. It examines emerging religions. Sects are also a subject of study. Freemasonry and secularism find a place here too. The library boasts a vast collection of press clippings. These clippings come from major Belgian and French newspapers. The clippings date from 1980 to the present.
Several key areas receive particular attention at the Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL. These include emerging religions and contemporary religious movements. The library delves into the Catholic Church. It studies the Church’s relationship with other religions. It also studies the Church’s interaction with the secular world. Islam, Judaism and Buddhism are also important topics. Secularism and Freemasonry are examined in detail at the Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL.
The Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL’s files on emerging religions contain information on over 150 different groups. Regarding the Catholic Church, files cover topics such as Vatican diplomacy. Ecumenism is also covered. Ethical problems are filed here. The Church’s involvement in economic issues are examined. Recent canonizations have dedicated files. The library collects articles and satirical cartoons.
Students regularly use these files for their research. Journalists consult them. They are accessible to readers from the ULB Libraries. Accessing the Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL’s collections is straightforward. One needs the exact references of the desired work. These references can be found in the online catalog Cible+.
The library provides spaces for individual work. A reading room offers a quiet environment. A photocopier and scanner are available. A4 copies cost 0.10€ each. Payment must be made on-site in cash. Loan conditions are specific. One must have a library card to borrow materials. External readers with a one-week card can only consult materials on-site. Loans are made at the lending desk.
The number of permitted loans varies. It depends on the user’s status. External readers can borrow four volumes. ULB students in BA1 and BA2 can borrow four volumes. ULB students in BA3 can borrow six volumes. ULB students in license or master’s programs can borrow ten volumes. Doctoral students, assistants and researchers can borrow twenty volumes. ULB academic staff can borrow fifty volumes.
Most books can be borrowed for 15 days or one month. Items marked with a red dot, periodicals and theses must be consulted on-site. Loans can be renewed online via Cible+. They can also be renewed by phone or on-site. Overdue items incur a fine. The fine is 0.50€ per working day and per document. Reminder letters cost 1€ each. Payment is in cash.
The Biblioth\u00e8que CIERL is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. For information about opening hours during exam periods and holidays, it is best to call 02/650.35.78. It stands as a testament to the enduring human quest for understanding. It is a beacon of knowledge for those navigating the complex landscape of belief and secular thought.