Based on a review of the library's archives at Harding School of Theology in Memphis, TN, from 1962 to the present, we will describe the role of the librarians in the intentional formation of students as scholars. In addition to building a first-rate scholarly collection, the librarians at HST teach a three-hour course in research methods required of students in the first nine hours of a degree program. After this foundational experience establishes a relationship with the library and librarians, students consult frequently with the librarians for help in research, reflection, and writing. This relationship continues long after the students graduate. The maturing of scholars is in some ways parallel to the discipline of spiritual formation.
In 1923, the famous theologian-librarian Adolf von Harnack responded to an essay written by Ferdinand Eichler, Director of the University Library at Graz, titled "Library Science as Science of Value, Library Politics as World Politics." In the exchange, the two librarians took opposing sides in a discussion about the purpose of academic libraries and collection development. Eichler's idealistic and universalist approach saw librarianship as a “science over the sciences” that held a unique responsibility for world culture through its responsibility for books. Harnack, on the other hand, took a more pragmatic approach and recognized the limitations posed by political economy to the mission and practices of the library. Although published a century ago, the political pressures and vocational ideals discussed in these essays remain surprisingly relevant for theological librarianship. In this presentation, I will present on Harnack’s underappreciated role as the director of the Royal Prussian Library, discuss the Eichler-Harnack exchange, and share about my work translating the two essays into English for the first time.
