2010 grants

First grant awarded -- the report

Developing and Sharing a Set of Common Core Resources
by Andrew Keck, Associate Director, Divinity School Library, Duke Unviersity

Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Institut Supeieur de Theologie D'Abadijin-Doume, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

May 2010

 We received a $1500 grant from the American Theological Library Association for the purpose of library collaboration between ISTHA and DDS, both seminaries related to the United Methodist Church. The proposed project sought to identify a set of common core resources that could be shared in print, through digitization, and/or licensed for an eBook reader. Funds from the grant were to support the purchase of eBook readers, shipping and digitization, and the purchase of books.

 To begin establishing Duke Divinity School's core resources, I worked through the textbooks for the twelve courses required for graduation and United Methodist ordination (subtracting American Christianity since it is less relevant in the West African context). Of the nearly 100 books, 34 titles were available for license on the Kindle ebook reader (other ebook readers were evaluated but the availability of desired ebooks on other platforms was substantially more limited).  In addition to the textbook titles, we planned to license a selection of recent faculty publications and a few general reference works for a total of 52 titles. Although we wanted to license more French works, we could find only very few available in the Kindle store. A few digitized titles were also added to the Kindle including the Encyclopedia of World Methodism, United Methodist General Conference Journals since 1968, and a few French editions of standard works.

As the Kindle store allows one to share a licensed ebook on up to six Kindles, we decided to use some internal funding to supplement the grant in order to purchase a total of six Kindles (2 Kindle DXs and 4 Kindle 2s). Three Kindles would be made available for checkout at the Divinity School Library at Duke and the other three would be made available at ISTHA.  In addition to the Kindles and books, we also purchased power converters (for our ISTHA colleagues), extended warranties, and protective cases. As the Perkins Library System at Duke University had begun a pilot project using Kindles in the prior year, they had already developed protocols for licensing the ebooks and processing the Kindle ebook readers. 

In May 2010, the Kindles were fully prepared and packed for the trip to Côte d’Ivoire. We presented the Kindles within the first day of our visit and they were very gratefully received. I showed several people how to use the Kindle in some detail and they proudly reappeared several times in the midst of our visit. The Kindles did not appear to work with the cellular network in Côte d’Ivoire.  While they can add titles through a USB cable, it may be that we will need to “swap” Kindles on subsequent visits in order to license additional titles. Both ISTHA and DDS hope to discover how Kindles are used in our distinctive contexts and whether there are additional sources that can be added by licensing and digitization efforts.

2008 grants

First grant awarded -- the report

Luba V. Zakharov, Reference and Serials Librarian
Divinity School Library
Box 90972, Duke University
Durham, NC 27708-0972

Theological Librarians meet in Moscow, by Luba Zakharov, May 15, 2008

In co-operation with the Euro-Asian Accrediting Association, Moscow Theological Seminary hosted its first conference for theological librarians called "Library Support for Educational Programs in Theological Schools," from April 30 - May 3, 2008.

Katharina Penner, Head Librarian at International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague (www.ibts.eu) and Alexander Popov, Head Librarian at Moscow Theological Seminary (www.moscowseminary.org) coordinated the conference with support from Sergei Sannikov, Director of the Euro-Asian Accrediting Association.

Thirty attended the conference, including theological librarians, deans, rectors, faculty and information professionals from universities, seminaries, bible colleges, associations and non-profit organizations.

Day One
After opening prayer, Katharina Penner began the conference with a presentation on collection development and the resources and services of the library. She spoke about the importance of the mission of the library and how it needs to be connected to the larger mission of the institution.

Dr. Meri MacLeod, an expert in distance education from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, (http://www.westernsem.edu/) talked about the role of the library in distance education and encouraged the librarians present to be "pioneers" in this area by establishing good working relationships with faculty. Her focus was to help us consider and think through long term strategies for distance education - not only in purchasing of software, but in a vision that could train and support faculty as well as students.

Our third presenter was Tatyana Pavlenko, librarian from Kharkov Medical University (http://www.ksmu.kharkov.ua/). Her presentation on cataloging was a detailed looked at the importance of following a classification system so that the library catalog can open the richness of the collection to students in the university. She talked about the key role the library plays in education as a median between resources and services.

Representatives from St. Andrew's Biblical Theological Institute (http://www.standrews.ru/) attended the sessions and brought their translated Russian biblical and theological texts for purchase.

Fr. Marek Rostkowski made a short presentation on the Pontifical Institute (http://www.urbe.it) and its plans to work with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions to create one standard international scheme for cataloging rules. He also introduced us to their library and its new open network.

After lunch, we heard Dr. Victor Titarchuk speak about his organization, ServanTek (http://servantek.org) and in particular, about the open source software called KOHA. He also shared his interested in working more directly to help build and support a library consortium for the CIS.

Day Two
We began the day, again, with prayer.

Katharina Penner (http://www.ibts.eu) made a presentation on Information Literacy and the important role of librarians as educators. This educational role is one that librarians need to foster and develop so that the library can be valued, and so that the patrons can make full use of their educational experience.

Luba Zakharov (http://library.duke.edu/divinity/) from Duke University Divinity School Library spoke about the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and the impact that technology is having on it. This presentation introduced the participants to the kinds of technologies that are beginning to shape libraries in America: services like Amazon.com and Google.com are becoming embedded in the catalog, thus shifting its role as an inventory system to a new discovery tool.

Eugeni Borisovich Rashkowki from the Library of Foreign Literature (http://www.libfl.org) spoke briefly about re-collecting the religious materials that were destroyed after the Revolution and expressed interest and support of this library conference.

Dr. Meri MacLeod (http://www.westernsem.edu/) gave a follow up presentation on Distance Learning and continued to field questions about the strategies necessary to set up and run an effective program.

Andrei Gorbachenko from ServanTek (http://servantek.org) gave an overview of Moodle and Greenstone2, both open source software products geared for Distance Learning and Education.

After a lunch we gathered our 30 librarians and headed into the city for a group tour at the State Tretyakov Gallery.

This gallery houses Russian art from the 12th to early 20th century. We broke into two groups and wandered through the halls of what used to be Tretyakov's home, now filled with the art he collected.

After our tour of the Tretyakov Gallery, Alexander led us, like an experienced guide, through the streets of Moscow and back to the subway where we took the train to McDonalds. After 30 of us failed to squeeze into the tiny McDonalds, we left and took the train again to another, larger McDonald's. After we ate, Alexander suggested we walk to Red Square, which was met with a welcome by all.

It was still light at 6pm and many hadn't yet seen Moscow, so we headed out. Small groups formed, digital photos were snapped as we stood in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square creating a new history: theological librarians meeting in a land that was new to us all; the same land depicted by 19th century artists in the Gallery with St. Basil's Cathedral in the background.

Day 3
On the final day of the conference, Luba Zakharov presented a session called, "Managing Change in a Changing Technological Profession," giving the participants a tool to take home: a questionnaire from which to develop a personal vision for professional development.

Alexander Popov, Head Librarian at Moscow Theological Seminary, made the final presentation of the conference on Creating a Library Website. He demonstrated different tools that could be useful in a library environment.

After a break, we all gathered for the Open Forum session to discuss possible next steps for providing support and beginning collaboration at a distance. All agreed that a listserv would be a great way to stay connected and to begin discussions to form a vision for a possible consortium. In the Russian tradition, spirited conversations took place and we ended as we had begun each day, with prayer.

The conference included both a professional and a spiritual component, giving participants an opportunity to be encouraged and to begin to envision ways of working with new technology and develop new skill sets. But its main purpose was to foster cooperation, to build relationships and to share knowledge and resources.

At the end of the conference, three decisions were made:

1. To formalize a consortium/association (yet to be named) of Euro-Asian librarians
2. To continue discussions on a newly formed listserv
3. To begin to discuss the possibility of a conference next year in Ukraine.

All in all, we began a work that we hope will continue: establishing a community of practice that uses the best of each of its contributors to strengthen the work of theological schools in the CIS.

The conference presentations can be found (in Russian) at: http://www.moscowseminary.org/

The regions in Russia that were represented include Krasnodar, St. Petersburg, Prochladny, Moscow and Novosibirsk. From Ukraine, participants came from: Kremenchug, Lviv, Kiev, Zaporoshye, Kharkov, and Odessa. Two came from Kishinev, Moldova. Two came from the United States of America; Holland, Michigan and Durham, North Carolina. One came from Minsk, Belarus; one from Rome, Italy and one from Prague, Czech Republic. Our denominational affiliations included: Baptists, Pentecostals, Orthodox, Christian Reformed and Catholics.

Luba Zakharov is the Reference and Serial Librarian at Duke University Divinity School Library in Durham, North Carolina. Her attendance at this conference was funded by a grant from the American Theological Library Association (http://www.atla.com) and by the Donn Michael Farris Endowment Fund at Duke University Divinity School Library (http://library.duke.edu/divinity/). You can find her blog at http://lubasmoscow.blogspot.com/.

2007 grants

First Grant awarded -- the application

Title of Proposed Program: Promoting Eastern European Participation in The Conference For Theological Librarians, International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague, Czech Republic, March 2007
Name of ATLA Member Making Application: Eileen Saner
Name of ATLA Member's Institution Sponsoring the Program: Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Name of Contact Person from Collaborating Institution: Katharina Penner
Name of Collaborating Institution Participating: International Baptist Theological Seminary
Contact Information of ATLA Member Making Application:
Address: 3003 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517
Phone: 574-296-6233
Fax: 574-295-0092
E-Mail Address: esaner@ambs.edu

Program Description including Plan of Operation:

Libraries are fundamental resources for theological education and ministerial formation. Preparation for Christian leadership depends on library collections that support theological study and research and that have been organized by trained librarians. In recognition of the value of training and networking, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary is supporting The Conference for Theological Librarians scheduled for March 7-10, 2007 at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic. Katharina Penner, Serials Librarian at IBTS, is the conference organizer.

Librarians from theological institutions in Europe and the Middle East will be invited to attend The Conference for Theological Librarians, a successor to the inaugural event which was held at IBTS in January 2005. Since that time, the participants have continued to support each other through a listserv. The March 2007 conference will give librarians an occasion for networking and professional development that parallels what administrators and faculty from these schools enjoy in other settings. Many librarians from small seminaries and Bible colleges in Central and Eastern Europe have no other opportunities for professional development.

About fifty librarians will gather on the IBTS campus in Prague to discuss experiences and common challenges. They will consider solutions that are appropriate for seminaries and Bible colleges in Europe and the Middle East.

Goals and objectives

• to provide training to European theological librarians through workshops, seminars, hands-on experience, and lectures
• to encourage professional exchange and support
• to provide spiritual encouragement and inspiration
• to promote the development of regional as well as pan-European cooperation between theological libraries
• to provide information about and contacts with international organizations involved in helping libraries

Framework

The Conference for Theological Librarians will involve all participants in an exchange of tested ideas as well as in guided reflection on personal experience and observed practice. Workshops, lectures, seminars, discussion groups and hands-on exercises will all focus on creative and practical solutions to the challenges of providing library services to students and faculty in a variety of settings.

The program of the conference will respond to needs articulated by potential participants in responses to a survey that Katharina Penner will administer several months in advance. In a previous survey, librarians requested assistance with collection development, cataloging, the use of electronic resources and automation. Open source library software and digitization are topics of more recent interest.

Librarians are exploring ways to develop relationships with administrators and teaching faculty in order to enhance awareness of the library's critical role in theological education. They seek assistance in providing collections that support the educational mission of their institution. They are also looking for ways to encourage faculty to promote students use of the library.

Programming for The Conference for Theological Librarians is planned with particular attention to the needs of librarians in Eastern Europe where many theological schools are only a few decades old. Because these librarians do not participate in other theological library organizations, this conference is a rare opportunity for networking, mentoring and skill development.

Cooperation with ATLA member library

One of the objectives of The Conference for Theological Librarians is to foster cooperation between libraries including those in other parts of the world. Eileen Saner has been a supporter of the IBTS Library since serving there as a volunteer during a three-month sabbatical in 1994. In the years that followed, she facilitated materials exchanges between the libraries of AMBS and IBTS. AMBS professors occasionally teach at IBTS and lecture at academic conferences held on campus.

Eileen attended the first Conference for Theological Librarians in 2005 and made several presentations. She also represented ATLA programs and services at the conference. Meeting librarians from across Europe was a privilege and a learning opportunity. She has continued contact with the librarians through the listserv and directly through email. She recently helped the librarians Lithuanian Christian University identify key issues for consideration as they plan for migration to the national library automation system (ExLibris).

At the first Conference for Theological Librarians, Eileen learned about several organizations that provide services and support for pastors and theological libraries in developing countries. She passes this information on to AMBS international students preparing to return to their home countries. She also picked up some practical tips on website design and online survey development. She was challenged to consider the difficulties of resource sharing in countries where surface mail is unreliable and also the limitations of using of online resources when Internet service is expensive or erratic.

The second Conference for Theological Librarians will be an interactive event with most of the programming provided by participants. Two or three invited contributors will make plenary presentations. Eileen Saner will be one of those contributors. Her presentation topic has not yet been finalized but it will likely be something related to space planning in new and existing libraries. What issues must a librarian consider when planning for new library space or reallocating existing space? How does a commitment to care for the environment influence the design of a theological library?

Estimated Program Expenses

The participation fee (meals, accommodation and registration) for the conference has been set at 5500 CZK ($244) per person (see accompanying Registration Form). The sending theological schools are expected to express their support for the library and the professional development of their librarians by covering the costs of their participation in the conference and transportation to Prague. However, some theological schools in Eastern Europe do not have the resources to provide this financial support. IBTS will offer 10 conference scholarships for unsupported participants.

This proposal is for funding transportation grants for librarians who would not otherwise be able to attend the conference. The cost of transportation for these librarians is estimated at $2200, $220 each.

Conference planners are anticipating the following expenses:

Second Grant awarded -- the report

Report of ATLA ICCC Grant for Training and Networking for Malaysian Theological Libraries

This report is based on the original proposal and includes the outcome of the training and networking. Electronic format of documentation will also be sent to the ICCC including the syllabus, all PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, website links provided to the attendees, and resource documents. A course pack was prepared with printed reference listed in the syllabus. Also a financial accounting will be sent to ATLA.

Eighteen persons registered for the course. Five MBTS students enrolled for credit. The remaining thirteen enrolled due to the promotion of the course and workshop. These thirteen included five librarians with experience, five beginning library workers, and three church librarians. Three attendees came from East Malaysia. Seven member institutions of the Malaysian Association of Theological Schools (MATS) were represented. On the course evaluation (provided in the supporting documentation), nine indicated that this was their first course or workshop in library science.

The Malaysian Theological Librarians have a connection through membership in ForATL. There have been some e-mail contacts and a few workshops to promote networking. At the ForATL conference in spring 2006, the attending Malaysian/Singapore librarians agreed to work together to make a union list of serials and list the theses produced by each institution. They also discussed formal training for theological librarians. In response to these needs, Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) requested Barbara Terry (MLS, ATLA member, and Library Consultant for MBTS) to lead a class and workshop on theological librarianship. This was held May 28-June 1, 2007. During preparation for this course, Mrs. Terry received knowledge about the ATLA ICCC Grant fostering international collaboration. The Seminary in conjunction with the James P. Boyce Library of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky endorsed the grant proposal written by Mrs. Terry. MBTS received a grant of US $1000.00. After transfer and banks fees the money available was US 995.00, which was immediately converted to Malaysian Ringgit 3,415.33. A spreadsheet is included in the supporting documentation being sent that shows the distribution of these funds.

The course syllabus incorporated an introduction to major phases of theological library work with an emphasis on Asian collections and networking. The referenced books were Ministering Asian Faith and Wisdom: a Manual for Theological Librarians in Asia by John and Rita England; A Theological Library Manual by Jannette Newhall; and, The Librarian's Manual by Ferne Weimer and Kenneth D Gill. Morning sessions were lectures and discussions, while afternoon sessions were for group work and practical application. The experienced librarians who attended added a depth to the discussion of current practices and problems.

Also time was allotted for the libraries of MATS to organize and develop a plan of action for networking projects such as a union list of serials and theses. (A copy of the minutes of that meeting is also in the supporting documentation.) While the majority of the attendees were Malaysian, one purpose was to provide to ForATL and international theological libraries resources not available elsewhere. In the meeting, the libraries agreed to offer copies of the union list of serials to the James P. Boyce Library and the library at Fuller Seminary since both have connections with member institutions and an emphasis on cross cultural studies. The librarians still had reservations about sharing theses titles due to security issues. The libraries discussed the specific security issues that need to be addressed before placing catalogs or holdings on the worldwide web. At this time the librarians thought that a combined list provided to each institution was the best format. The Administration of Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary is investigating offering continuing courses based on this experience. The attending librarians expressed interest in further workshops and training. The main obstacles would include travel expenses for the librarians from East Malaysia and scheduling the course and workshop at a time when most of the participants could attend.

I believe that the course and workshop fulfilled the grant requirements. For the first time the librarians set goals and deadlines for completing projects. They also selected officers to assure continued meeting and contact. It was a step to complete cooperation and collaboration with a vision toward sharing information globally. I am indebted to Miss Christabel Wong, Librarian at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, Seremban, Malaysia, ForATL Treasurer, and area representative for Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam for her encouragement and assistance in the workshop and course. She contributed to the whole workshop but did an outstanding presentation on networking.

Also the administration and staff of MBTS were extremely helpful in the logistics of this event that occurred during term break. Library Director, Mrs. Nee Jin Chin, was especially helpful in coordinating the meals and transportation. She also served as a small group facilitator. Finally, thank you ATLA ICCC for making this affordable to all who attended. Most of the institutions have limited funds. Often the librarians are overlooked when administrations are providing funds for continued training. This event may open the doors for them to realize the importance of networking and further training for the library staff.

Respectfully submitted
Barbara Terry
June 29, 2007