Atla Annual 2024

How should theological librarians think about and respond to the advent of AI in theological education? What role(s) might theological librarians have in this brave new world? How is AI similar to, and different from, other information technology revolutions (writing, printing, the internet)? Should institutions of theological education consider pursing a kind of new monasticism, leaving the decadent dystopia into which we seem to be heading for the purity of quill and parchment? While we may be unable to provide definite answers, this session will at least offer a forum for raising, considering, and discussing these and related questions.

Since I began working in theological libraries in 1993, I have repeatedly grappled with the work and purpose of the theological library. I often wondered if I am making a difference in how students are being prepared for ministry. Now as a library director, even though students tell me they are satisfied with the library, is there more the library can do?

This paper is based on my D.Min. thesis completed in May 2023 in which I grappled with these ideas. I focused my research on the Bechtold Library at Catholic Theological Union where I am the library director, to explore the extent to which aspects of decoloniality affect the practices of a theological library and its diverse student body, and student research needs.

Keeping, producing, and providing knowledge were the three essential roles I devised for librarians, but each comes with cultural assumptions about what should be kept in a library, the types of knowledge the library should help produce and services the library should provide. My research included a survey of CTU students on their use of the library as well as a survey of Atla library directors to get a different perspective on theological libraries. I will include my research in the presentation.

Finally, as a member of Western society, I am keenly aware the CTU library carries a legacy of colonial thought which has shaped the existing library collection and influences the knowledge produced by library users. I used the work of Kwok Pui-Lan and others to look through decolonial and postcolonial lenses to reveal injustices in the way the CTU library keeps, produces, and provides knowledge to inform possible interventions a library could take within these three essential roles.

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.

It’s not every professional association whose structure includes denominations. Why does Atla? What are these denominations, and how do they connect with Atla’s member institutions and organization aims? It is hoped that through increased mutual understanding, Atla’s Denominational Groups may better flourish to collaborate in support of personal/professional spiritual development and expand Denominational Groups’ resource sharing beyond their silos.

This panel will introduce and explain the Anglican/Episcipal, Anabaptist/Mennonite, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian Denominational Groups. Each group’s representative will share its essential profile, including: typical numbers of participants; whether participants identify personally or professionally (or both) with the denomination; activities in/beyond Atla Annual; and if/how the listservs support group communications. Next, panelists will explore how denominationalism intersects with theological librarianship broadly through a series of questions that transcend denominational boundaries. The session concludes with a Q&A.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring four dynamic individuals who despite being relatively young in age each have meaningful experience in the field of theological education and libraries. We will reflect on our diverse pathways to theological librarianship and then delve into the current landscape of theological librarianship, exploring the big challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We will discuss emerging trends, technological advancements, and changing user expectations, and how these factors shape our roles as information professionals.

We will highlight the significant priorities, topics, and issues that we deeply care about. From promoting diversity and inclusion in theological collections to advocating for open access and digital scholarship, we will explore the subjects that are close to our hearts and that we believe are crucial for the future of our profession.

Towards the end of the session, we will turn our attention to professional associations, such as Atla, and discuss the role they play in our development and growth. We will share our hopes and aspirations for these associations and how we envision Atla's future in fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in theological librarianship.

Join us for this thought-provoking panel discussion, where we aim to inspire, challenge, and envision a vibrant future for theological librarianship.

Librarians, particularly public services librarians, often find ourselves taking on tasks that fall outside even a generous interpretation of "other duties as assigned," because we want to help, because no one else seems to be available, and because we interact with students on a regular basis. This conversation will offer an opportunity to share stories, suggest best practices, and acknowledge some of the things we do that are not in our job descriptions (not that we mind). Perhaps of greatest value, we offer students a safe space to share their doubts and struggles and fears by being present and listening, even without providing answers.

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.

Join members of the Atla Board as they share more about the work they do and how the Board operates. The panel of Board members will give insight as to what is expected of those who serve on the Board and provide additional information for those interested in serving. Come prepared to ask the panelists your questions about Board work and the role and function the Board plays in the association.

This workshop serves as an introduction to restorative justice theory and practice, including the values that undergird and support restorative initiatives. The workshop will include experiential components, small group conversations, as well as presentation/lecture.