About the Tippett Collection

Methodist minister and missionary, anthropologist and missiologist of international repute, Fellow of the Linnaean Society, an esteemed philatelist, a visionary Christian scholar, and an inspiring teacher, Dr Alan Tippett presented his library and manuscript collection to St Mark’s National Theological Centre in 1984.

Dr Tippett and his wife Edna, began their work for the Methodist overseas missionary service in wartime Fiji in 1941. Dr Tippett’s keen powers of observation were used to compile a rich collection of notes on Fiji custom, culture and folklore which provides a rich source for anthropological and missiological researchers.

He was professor of Anthropology and Oceania Studies at the School of World Mission, Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, California. His teaching, research and publications in the field of missiology and the methodology of mission consultancies in Ethiopia, Korea and Papua New Guinea are unparalleled.

Alan Tippett’s library includes books, reports and journals, files of professional articles, letters, card systems, cassettes, microfilm and microfiche, field notebooks, transcripts, MA theses and Ph.D. dissertations.

This collection is unique in its breadth and depth. St Mark’s regularly receives requests to research the collections from scholars worldwide.

The Tippett Collection has restricted access. Researchers may apply for access to this collection by submitting an online request.

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Library Special Collections Form

The Tippett collection is not available for loan but may be viewed in the Library. 

Requesting access to special collections:

• Access to the Library’s special collections is by application.
• Applicants will receive an email notification once a request has been received.
• Library staff will confirm the availability of material and date and time for a visit.