Tuesday, June 20

Wednesday, June 21

Thursday, June 22

Friday, June 23

Saturday, June 24

Sunday, June 25

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Schedule of Events

Tuesday, June 20

12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

ATLA Committee Meeting • International Collaboration Committee

3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

ATLA Committee Meeting • Education Committee

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Interest Group • Technical Services

Join other technical services librarians in a discussion on recruiting, training, and mentoring the next generation of theological technical services librarians―how might we begin doing this? How do we identify these persons, and provide for them the needed resources? Perhaps you yourself need some resources―how can ATLA and the Technical Services Web site be improved to give you what you need? Get some on-the-spot mentoring by bringing 20 to 25 copies of some original cataloging, and we can help you improve it (maybe it's already great, and you didn't know it!). Help us prepare for next year, when we meet in Philadelphia with a representative from the Library of Congress--how can LC and ATLA technical service librarians work together better in a fruitful collaboration for theological librarianship?

 

Wednesday, June 21

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

ATLA Board of Directors Meeting

Presider: Christine Wenderoth, ATLA President

Entire Day (schedule varies)

Preconference Tours • click here for tour options

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Workshop • Bringing the Mountain to Mohammed or Reaching More Students With Online Instruction • Beth Perry, Public Services Librarian, Mercer University, Swilley Library (FULL - registration closed)  

Trying to reach those night and distance students for some instruction sessions? Looking for ways to make instruction more appealing? Learn how to develop online tutorials using music, narration, pictures, graphics, and interactive components. Reach more students at any time—day or night! Designed for librarians interested in developing online tutorials for instruction, topics covered will be: what to include in a tutorial; planning the tutorial; and exercises relating to the tutorial development software.

Workshop • Seminary Archives: From Passivity
to Action • Paul Daniels, Archivist/Curator, Luther Seminary Library

This session will address the complementary relationship between the archives and the library in a seminary setting. In addition to a general introduction to archival theory and administration within the unique environment of a theological school, the larger issues of structure, staffing, program development and outreach will be addressed. Particular emphasis will be placed on two areas: advancing the role of the archives in the school’s development work and the ability (and need) for today’s seminary archives to play a central leadership role in the school’s overall records management program. Specific examples and handouts based on the work of the Luther Seminary archives will be provided.

1:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Workshop • Evaluating Reference Resources • Kirk Moll, Instruction and Web Design Librarian, Shippensburg University

Frustrated by new reference works that are not all that "new"? Tired of reading reviews that sound mostly like ads for the products? This hands-on workshop is designed to help librarians refine their skills for evaluating references sources, make better collection development decisions, improve reference and instructional abilities, and enhance their review-writing skills. Participants will gain experience using detailed checklists to analyze both electronic and print sources and to practice "translating" this information into substantive annotations and reviews.

Workshop • Licensing Library Resources: Both Sides of the Coin • Kevin L. Smith, Scholarly Communications Officer, Duke University

This workshop will address fundamental issues regarding the licensing of electronic resources—both licenses used by vendors to restrict use of commercial products and licenses employed by libraries to encourage use. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of licenses, including when a license is a contract, how a contractual license is formed and the relationship between licensing and copyright law. Participants will also have an opportunity to examine and discuss a variety of types of licenses used for library resources and to consider the relative importance of various license provisions for their particular library setting. The last part of the workshop will be dedicated to understanding the complex area of open source and open access licenses (include the Creative Commons licensing schema) that are becoming increasingly important as libraries and their parent institutions begin to create their own digital repositories.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal • Open to all members with blending voices and some choral experience. Potential new choir members are asked to contact Seth Kasten several weeks before the rehearsal. Work: 210.280.1501, fax: 212.280.1456, email:skasten@uts.columbia. edu.

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

President’s Invitational Welcome • President Christine Wenderoth and members of the Board of Directors will greet new ATLA members and first-time ATLA conference attendees preceding the Opening Reception. This event is by invitation only.

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Opening Reception • The conference officially opens with a reception at the offices of Gardner, Carton, & Douglas (191 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 3700), just steps from the conference hotel.

7:30 - 8:15 a.m.

New Member Breakfast

An opportunity for all new members of ATLA to gather for an introduction to the benefits and opportunities of ATLA membership by Vice-President Duane Harbin. Please join us as our guests! This event is by invitation only.

 

Thursday, June 22

8:15 - 8:45 a.m.

Worship—in the Mennonite Tradition
Mary Oyer, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Plenary Address • "Chicago’s Influence on Religion" in the Encyclopedia of Chicago • Dr. Martin E. Marty
(David Heim, respondent, The Christian Century)

A presentation by the acclaimed theologian, historian of modern Christianity, ordained minister, distinguished emeritus professor from the University of Chicago, and author of many books.
(www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org)

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Exhibit Opening

Exhibits officially open with a ribbon cutting and reception. They will remain open throughout the day until 5:00 p.m. ATLA thanks Brill for its generous sponsorship of the exhibits.

11:30 - 12:30 a.m.

Paper • Two Centuries of North American Mennonite Hymn Singing • Mary Oyer, Professor of Church Music (retired), Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

North American Mennonites sang European hymns of Luther and psalms of Calvin as long as they retained the German language. As their worship moved to English, they adopted the English styles around them. Unlike their Anabaptist neighbors, the Amish, who still use their sixteenth-century hymnbook, Mennonites have continually expanded their hymnody to embrace traditions of other denominations and varied world cultures. Maintaining four-part, a cappella congregational singing has provided continuity with the past and often brings vitality and richness to worship. To illustrate both continuity and change in the Mennonite singing tradition, participants will be invited to join in singing hymns, familiar and new, from Hymnal: A Worship Book (1992).

Paper • Stemming the Flood: American Churches Respond to the Rising Aspirations of Women in the Nineteenth Century • Dennis A. Norlin, Executive Director, ATLA

This presentation describes a long-standing research project tracing denominational responses to the 19th century suffrage movement. There will be discussion and demonstration of a searchable bibliographic database that includes more than 1,000 entries, covering more than 90 topics related to women and religion, and encompassing more than 20 denominational viewpoints.

Roundtable • Reel time: Feature films in the library?! • Christina A. Torbert, Head of Serials, University of Mississippi

Libraries have long provided educational audio-visuals for the classroom, and with the rising interest in religiously-themed feature films, libraries are now also collecting popular feature films. How well do our usual collecting and processing policies handle these items? This discussion will try to cover the entire range of library procedures, from collection development decisions through cataloging and circulation policies. Libraries with established policies are invited to come share with those who are still trying to settle their policies.

Roundtable • Encouraging Diversity: Cultural and Ethnic Issues Facing Theological Students of Color as They Use the Library • Susan Ebertz, Director of the Library, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Reu Memorial Library; Mariel Deluca Voth, Library Director, Bethel Seminary, San Diego Library

ATLA, our seminaries, ATS, and our denominations all consider encouraging diversity important. But what are we doing about it? How can we, as theological librarians, help our students (and faculty) of color as they use the library? What collection policies and services help them to feel included? What are ways in which we can make interpersonal connections with all students? Please come ready to share your ideas!

Roundtable • You want it back?!—When a Gift is Revoked • Sara J. Myers, Director, Burke Library, Columbia University Libraries/Union Theological Seminary

Library directors sometimes face the unwelcome news that a donor wants a gift returned—whether it’s books, archival collections, works of art, or other materials that have been donated to the library. The participants in this roundtable will discuss the best strategies for dealing with such requests. The issues covered will include, but not be limited to, what kinds of gifts libraries should accept, how to protect the library’s interests when a gift is accepted, how to work with donors in advance, whether deeds of gift are binding, how to protest appropriately, and how to perform damage control if a gift must be returned.

Roundtable • UIUC Theological Librarianship Course: Tying it all together • Danielle Theiss-White, Periodicals and Reference Librarian, Emory University, Pitts Theology Library

This roundtable will allow students to share how their participation in LIS590: Theological Librarianship, taught at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, has impacted their work in theological libraries. Six months after its completion, students will discuss their progress on meeting the professional goals each one set during the course. Individuals interested in the ATLA/LEEP Theological Librarianship course, or those interested in meeting new librarians entering the field, are encouraged to attend this exciting forum.

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Lunch on your own • Have lunch on your own or sign up at the local host table to have lunch with some colleagues. Lunch meeting today: Anabaptist/Mennonite denomination group. (see Fri., 4:15 p.m. listing for other denominational meetings)

1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Showcase of Products 1 • This is an opportunity to hear from exhibitors about their products. Any exhibitor who wishes may have a separate room to give demos or display products. You will receive a schedule of exhibitor showcases in your conference materials at the registration desk.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Business Meeting 1 • The vice-president of the ATLA Board of Directors leads business meetings and may address the membership. Items to be voted upon by the membership are introduced at Business meeting 1.

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Exhibitor Break • Enjoy a refreshment break with the exhibitors. ATLA thanks Brill for its generous sponsorship of the exhibits.

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Panel • The ATLA Index to Religious Periodical Literature: Past, Present, and Future • Marti Alt, General Humanities Bibliographer, The Ohio State University Libraries; Ann Hotta, Head of Reference, Graduate Theological Union Library; Jack W. Ammerman, Head Librarian, Boston University School of Theology

In 1953, ATLA published the first volume of what was then called the Index to Religious Periodical Literature. Thirty-one periodicals were indexed in a cooperative effort of twenty-two theological libraries; today, over six hundred periodicals are indexed by a professional staff of indexers at ATLA headquarters. The ATLA Index Advisory Committee invites all members to this session to learn about the index—its history and its present challenges—and to discuss together its possible futures. Why was the index created and what were the association’s goals for it? What were are the index’s growing pains? Who are the index’s present competitors, and how long will the index continue to be the premier resource for the field of religion and theology?

The panelists, all members of the ATLA Index Advisory Committee, will include a presentation on the history of the index; a presentation on examples of current issues facing the continued development of the index; reflections on the index and the collective identity of the association; and an open discussion with attendees on the future of the index. The panel will be introduced by Cameron Campbell, ATLA’s Director of Indexes.

Panel • Teach them how to fish, and they will eat for a lifetime: Practical Advice on the Content of Information Literacy Instruction in Theological Education • Douglas L. Gragg, Moderator, Director of Library and IT Services, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Ernest Miller White Library; James R. Skypeck, Public Services Librarian, Boston University School of Theology Library; Angela G. Morris, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Ernest Miller White Library; John B. Weaver, Head of Public Services and Reference Librarian, Emory University, Pitts Theology Library

What are some of the skills theological students need to acquire to become competent managers of information in their academic and professional endeavors? Three panelists will offer advice on the content of information literacy instruction in theological education. Topics will include: Databases and Search Engines for Lifelong Learning (John Weaver); Teaching Students How to Use BibleWorks (Angela Morris); and Teaching Students How to Think Critically and Evaluate Information (Jim Skypeck). The presentations will be followed by questions from the audience and discussion. Participants in the session will take away new practical ideas about curriculum and pedagogical strategy for their own instructional programs.

Panel • Catalog Migration: Like Lemmings on the Edge of the Cliff? • Joanna Hause, Head of Technical Services, Southeastern University, Steelman Library; Denise M. Pakala, Associate Librarian for Technical Services, Covenant Theological Seminary, Buswell Library; Alice I. Runis, Technical Services Librarian, Iliff School of Theology, Ira J. Taylor Library

At some point every library faces the challenges of a new catalog system. This usually occurs as a change in vendor and/or a new catalog that is significantly different from the previous one. Much preparation in the library precedes this change, but that’s only the beginning. Once the new system is installed, there are even more changes and challenges that must be confronted and which continue long after the initial switch from one system or vendor to another. Three libraries and librarians faced these challenges recently: Alice Runis at Iliff (a stand-alone migration), Joanna Hause at Southeastern (a 12-library consortium migration), and Denise Pakala at Covenant (a state-wide academic library migration). Each was integrally involved in the preparation at her own library; Joanna and Denise also worked on larger consortial committees that oversaw the implementations in their regional areas.

World Christianity Interest Group • Building Relationships with Third World Libraries: Partnerships or Imperialism • M. Tim Browning, Director of the Library and IT Services, Lexington Theological Seminary, Bosworth Memorial Library

This program will present and discuss ways theological librarians can learn more about the expressions and experiences of Christianity outside the North American context. It will address the problems that can occur in acquisitions, collection of development, and reference with traditional approaches to acquiring and presenting information from the non-Western world, and examine an alternative approach built on relationships and services that benefit all parties involved.

Judaica Interest Group • From Torah to Rabbinics, what a librarian needs to know about Jewish bibliography—al regel ehat (while standing on one foot) • Daniel Stuhlman, President, Stuhlman Management Consultants

The intended audience for this presentation is reference librarians in an academic or theological library who may need to help readers find Jewish sources or cite them properly; catalogers who need to know more about Jewish sources; and bibliographers who buy Jewish books.

Special Collections Interest Group • The Papers, Pulse and Person of Professor John Warwick Montgomery • James Lutzweiler, Archivist, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

This session will focus on the life and literary remains of the Lutheran logician, John Warwick Montgomery, whose apologetics received the personal epistolary accolades of C.S. Lewis. Montgomery received one of his three earned doctorates in theological bibliography right here in the Windy City, from the University of Chicago. He has publicly debated Madelyn Murray O’Hair and the "God is Dead" theologian, Thomas J. J. Altizer, of Emory University. His students include the widely published Ravi Zacarias and the controversial William Dembski. He is a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, but he lives in France, where every summer he conducts the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism, and Human Rights in Strasbourg.

5:00 p.m. —

Activities and Free Time

For hosted excursion options, click here.

 

Friday, June 23

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Exhibits Open—exhibits continue for final day

8:15 - 8:45 a.m.

Worship—in the Evangelical Tradition

Jim Preston, Moody Bible Institute, Crowell Library

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Paper • Researching World Christianity: Doctoral Dissertations on Mission Since 1900 • Eric Friede, Monographs Catalog Librarian, Yale Divinity Library

This paper will report on a collaborative and ongoing project between the International Bulletin of Missionary Research (IBMR) and the Yale Divinity Library (YDL). The project, managed by Paul Stuehrenberg and Eric Friede of YDL, involved the creation of a bibliographical database in Microsoft Access of English-language doctoral dissertations on mission based on the IBMR’s print bibliographies. This paper will: (1) introduce the project ; (2) describe the development and technology of the project ; and (3) analyze the content of the database to draw conclusions about the past and present state of research in mission. The presentation of the paper will also include a demonstration of the online database. The expected audience would be both conference attendees interested in mission research and those interested in the project as a model for other online subject databases.

Roundtable • ATLA Whence & Whither • Linda W. Corman, College Librarian, Trinity College, Toronto, John W. Graham Library

Marking the 60th anniversary of ATLA, this roundtable will consider the notable milestones and achievements in the history of our association as context for identifying future directions, objectives, and programs for ATLA that best reflect members’ needs and aspirations. Participants should increase their appreciation of ATLA’s strengths and potential, while offering their own contribution to the Association’s determination of its evolving role in theological librarianship.

Roundtable • Does Information Literacy Make the Wrong Assumptions: From Theory to Practice
and Back Again? • Danielle Theiss-White, Periodicals and Reference Librarian, Emory University, Pitts Theology Library

"Information literacy tells us that she (the student) cannot recognize when she needs information, nor can she find, analyze, or use it," argues Stanley Wilder in the January 7, 2005, Chronicle of Higher Education, "when she (the student) demonstrably does all those things perfectly well, albeit at a relatively unsophisticated level." Wilder goes on to suggest that the concept of information literacy has at its core the wrong assumptions and offers an alternative approach to information literacy: the reading and writing model. Individuals interested in attending this roundtable should read Stanley Wilder’s article and come prepared for a lively discussion centered upon these assumptions, as well as offer a critique of their validity to theological libraries. What are the goals of information literacy within the context of a theological library, and are these goals different than those for bibliographic instruction or Wilder’s reading and writing model? Participants will be asked to provide practical examples of how their library is implementing library instruction/bibliographic instruction/information literacy concepts and the relationship between these forms of instruction. [Wilder, Stanley. "Information Literacy makes all the Wrong Assumptions." Chronicle of Higher Education 51.18 (7 Jan 2005): B13.]

Roundtable • Contemporary Religious Literature • Marti Alt, General Humanities Bibliographer, The Ohio State University Libraries

Please join us for the 10th annual discussion on contemporary literature of all genres—fiction, poetry, drama, journals, essays, etc.—that has religious themes, characters, and/or settings, or which has had an impact on our spiritual understanding. Come prepared to share your favorites (but those who just want to listen are also very welcome).

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Panel • Metrics of Success in Theological Libraries • M. Patrick Graham, Director, Emory University, Pitts Theology Library; David R. Stewart, Library Director, Luther Seminary Library

The attempt to measure success/effectiveness in theological libraries has some inherent difficulties, including the limits of what can be learned from statistics, a cultural reluctance to think in terms of success, etc. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider how to measure library effectiveness—both to satisfy our own curiosity as theological librarians and to respond to those who administer and fund our institutions. We propose to take a page from another non-profit, humanities-based sector—art museums—whose challenges in some ways approximate those of theological libraries. This presentation will use a recent paper by Maxwell L. Anderson, "Metrics of Success in Art Museums, " as a point of departure for considering better ways to evaluate, critically and constructively, theological librarianship, the services that we offer, and the contribution(s) we make to our scholarly communities. While the session may be of most interest to library directors, it should have something to offer all who are concerned with measuring institutional effectiveness.

Panel • Special Collections in Theological Education: Strategies for Integration • John B. Weaver, Head of Public Services and Reference Librarian, Emory University, Pitts Theology Library; Margaret Mitchell, Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature, the University of Chicago; Michael J. Paulus, Jr., Technical Services Librarian, Special Collections, Princeton Theological Seminary, Speer Library

The importance of library special collections to scholarly research is a long-standing argument for their development and maintenance. Increasingly, however, faculty and librarians are spotlighting the value of special collections for teaching. Participants in this session will learn strategies for teaching with print and digitized special collections in graduate schools of theology and religion. Three panelists will discuss the selection, preparation, and presentation of special collections at their respective institutions. Topics will include: "Pedagogical Uses of Special Collections Materials," (Michael Paulus), "Special Collections and the Seeds of Virtue and Knowledge" (John Weaver), and "The Gospel of Mark and the Media Revolution" (Margaret Mitchell). Questions and discussion will follow the panelists’ presentations.

College and University Libraries Interest Group • Some Observations on Theological Librarianship within Seminary and University Contexts • Beth Bidlack, Bibliographer for Religion and Philosophy, University of Chicago Library

Beth Bidlack will compare and contrast some of her experiences working in seminary libraries (as a cataloger, reference assistant, systems supervisor, and director) with her experience working in a university library (as a bibliographer). She will focus on the differences in developing and promoting collections, providing reference assistance, and serving as a liaison to various constituencies (faculty, students, administration, and others). Drawing on the mission statements of a few of the institutions in which she has worked, Beth will build a framework for describing and comparing my experiences. She will conclude by leading a discussion of how our various experiences can inform our work in seminary and university libraries.

Public Services Interest Group • Part I: ATLA Selected Religion Web Sites (ATSRW) Project Update & Part II: Making Powerful Presentations • Mikail McIntosh-Doty, Head of Public Services, Episcopal Theological Seminary of Southwest, The Harold & Patricia Booher Library; Sharon McIntosh, Associate Director and Public Service, Communications Director, Quaker-Tropicana-Gatorade (QTG), a division of PepsiCo; Amy Limpitlaw, Public Services Librarian, Vanderbilt University Divinity Library

Part I (10:40-11:10): The ATSRW Project is a cooperative effort that involves ATLA members in the selection, cataloguing, and sharing of scholarly websites in the areas of religion and theology. Bibliographic records for selected sites are then made available for purchase through an OCLC collection set. This presentation will focus on the selection process for the project, with examples of selected sites.

Part II (11:10-12:00): Presentation skills are vital, whether you are trying to inform, persuade, or train. Nearly every person can become a better presenter: it’s about authenticity, knowing the basics, and practice, practice, practice. This part of the session will borrow tools and tactics from the corporate world to deliver a presentation with sticking power. It will cover preparation, audience analysis, delivery skills, and assessment.

Members will also be voting for a new PSIG Steering Committee member.

OCLC/TUG Interest Group • What’s Up and Coming with OCLC • Linda Umoh, Senior Catalog Librarian, Southern Methodist University, Bridwell Library

Find out what’s new. Featuring OCLC’s Paul Cappuzzello.

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch on your own • Have lunch on your own or sign up at the local host table to have lunch with colleagues.

12:30 - 1:15 p.m.

Showcase of Products 2 • A second opportunity to hear from exhibitors about their products. Please see schedule included in your conference tote bag for more details.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Town Meeting • The town meeting is an opportunity to hear from the executive director of ATLA.

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Dessert with Exhibitors • Save room from lunch for dessert in the Exhibit Hall. Exhibits close after dessert.

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Roundtable • Globalization, 9/11 and other changes: international collaboration adjusts to new realities • A. Chris Beldan, Associate Librarian, Lancaster Theological Seminary, Philip Schaff Library

With forces outside our control shaping a different world from the one we knew a decade ago, international collaboration becomes increasingly beneficial. After reviewing recent events, we will focus on their impact and explore how international collaboration can help the theological library world cope in the midst of these new realities. The session is intended for North American and international participants who wish to explore ways we can mutually benefit and assist each other and better fulfill our mission.

Roundtable • LCRIs: commandments or suggestions? •  Joanna Hause, Head of Technical Services, Southeastern University, Steelman Library

The LCRIs (or their potential replacement)—how carefully do you adhere to these rules as a cataloger? Which ones do you bend or ignore and why? Do you see problems where you’ve kept an LCRI as a commandment and someone else has it merely as a suggestion? We’ll discuss the effects of the rules on cataloging both generally and specifically.

Roundtable • Catching the Tiger by the Tail:
a Collaborative Project to Tame the Web • Amy Limpitlaw, Associate Director and Public Services Librarian, Vanderbilt University Divinity Library; Donald M. Vorp, Collection Development Librarian, Princeton Theological Seminary, Speer Library

For well over a year now, the ATLA Selected Religion Websites (ATSRW) Project has been building a collection set of bibliographic records for websites in the area of religion and theology. This roundtable will bring participants and others interested in the project together to discuss future plans, including the creation of topical subsets, training for few participants, and publicizing to libraries (both ATLA and non-ATLA) the availability of the collection set.

Roundtable • Developing a Library Staff: How to Change the Crew without Sinking the Ship • Dennis M. Swanson, Director, The Master’s Seminary

This roundtable discussion will focus on the issues related to staff development in the library today. Creating new needed positions, eliminating old unneeded positions, effective use of student and part time workers and working with the school administration on staffing issues. As time allows we will also cover issues of retention and staff development in terms of training.

Paper • Future Shock: The Inevitable Impact of a "New Generation of Patron" on Theological Libraries • Beth M. Sheppard, Library Director, Southwestern College

In just a few short years the traditional undergraduate who steps into a theological library may find that he or she has entered a foreign land. As undergraduate libraries have whole heartedly adopted electronic resources and subsequently diversified their portfolios of services and collections to attract patrons to their physical facilities, the new generation of undergraduate student has developed a wide range of expectations regarding the role and functions of libraries. What will happen when these students reach theological libraries? In this paper we will explore some of the key changes in the mission and services offered by a small sample of undergraduate libraries, present data collected at Southwestern College (a four year liberal arts institution with an undergraduate religion major) regarding student perceptions and use of library services, and envisage what impact these students might have when they collide with a research oriented theological library.

Paper • The Spirituality of Reading and Writing • Lauren Winner

In this talk, memoirist Lauren Winner will discuss the genre of spiritual memoir, examining what spiritual memoir is and why it has been, of late, so popular. She will also discuss the process of writing a spiritual memoir (she did so at the ripe old age of 24!) and the role of reading in the process of writing, focusing in particular on the ways that writing and reading can be understood as spiritual disciplines.

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Denominational Meetings

Meeting locations for these groups, gathering for fellowship and sharing, will be available at the conference: Anglican, Baptist, Campbell-Stone, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Orthodox, Presbyterian and Reformed, Roman Catholic, United Church of Christ (the Anabaptist/Mennonite denominational meeting will take place on Thursday; see lunch listing, 12:30 p.m.).

5:15 p.m. —

Activities and Free Time

For hosted excursion options, click here.

 

Saturday, June 24

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Worship—in the Catholic Tradition and ATLA Memorials • Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago

Worship will take place at Assumption Church, 323 West Illinois St., within walking distance of the conference hotel.

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Plenary Address • Future of Theological Librarianship • Daniel Aleshire, Executive Director, The Association of Theological Schools

Be sure to join us for the remarks of this noted author and ordained minister, who will address the future role of libraries in theological education.

10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Papers (the two papers below will split the allotted time slot)

Paper 1 • Spiritual Culture and the Theological Library: The Role of the Princeton Theological Seminary Library in the Religious Life of Theological Students in the Nineteenth Century • Michael J. Paulus, Jr., Technical Services Librarian, Special Collections, Princeton Theological Seminary, Speer Library

In the early nineteenth century, American Protestant denominations began establishing post-graduate theological seminaries for the intellectual and spiritual formation of ministers. These new schools required new types of libraries to support their curricular aims and pedagogical methods. To cultivate learning, theological libraries were developed to support advanced studies in theology. But to what extent were these libraries developed to support the other primary goal of theological seminaries, the cultivation of piety? This paper looks at the development of the Princeton Theological Seminary Library in the nineteenth century and considers its role in the religious life of theological students.

Paper 2 • The Theology of William Tyndale and How it Relates to Librarianship • Donald Dean Smeeton, Associate Professor of Religion and Director, William G. Squires Library, Lee University

Although the reformer William Tyndale is remembered for his work of translation, his translation was prompted by a theological framework. This presentation will focus on his theology, including his desire to empower the weak through the use of the printed word and through his advocacy of what has become known today as basic human rights.

Paper • Ancient Hebrew and Early Christian Texts as the Sources of Bibliographical Data • Svetlana Alexandrovna Goryacheva, Chief Librarian, Russian State Library, Reference Service Department

This presentation is intended for those interested in the history of bibliographical activity in the ancient world as well as Biblical and patristic research. It gives the brief overview of the earliest forms of bibliographical records appearing in ancient Hebrew (Tanakh, apocrypha and pseudoepigrapha, Qumran documents, Josephus, Philo, Talmudim, etc.) and early Christian (Greek New Testament, apocrypha, and Church fathers), including introductions with more or less detailed information about the author, date, place, etc., as well as references and quotations. A special accent will be made on canonical lists and their significance for our understanding of Biblical canon’s development.

Roundtable • Development of a Theological Library Journal • Lynn A. Berg, Director of Technical Services, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Gardner A. Sage Library

This roundtable will discuss the desirability and feasibility of developing an ATLA theological library journal as a means of providing publishing opportunities for our members and scholarly resources in our discipline. The ATLA Publications Committee will present its vision of what such a publication would look like, how it would compare to other publications on the market, and how it might be nurtured into existence. This roundtable will be of interest to anyone concerned about the development of avenues for the generation and publication of scholarly theological library research, and librarians and educators working in the fields of theology and religion. Please come and share your opinions and expertise on such a new venture!

Roundtable • Professional Ethics in Theological Libraries: What, Why and How? • Gary F. Daught, Reference and Collection Development Librarian, Milligan College

Are there books our library users just shouldn’t be allowed to read? Is it okay to photocopy an important book that is now out of print? How would our library respond to a government request for patron circulation records? Can we give our school’s alumni access to licensed database content via our off-campus proxy server? Might we save our library some money by having an individual "donate" their journal subscription to us, thus avoiding the high institutional subscription price?

Theological librarians must balance several different sets of ethical demands in their daily work. Professional ethical codes (such as the ALA Code of Ethics), personal moral commitments, and institutional statements may well coincide in many cases, but they can also conflict and pose difficult decisions for professional librarians. This discussion is intended to initiate a dialogue about how theological librarians balance these commitments and approach the task of making responsible professional decisions.

Roundtable • Revealing Hidden Treasures in Your Library through Exhibits • Scott Tyler Holl, Reference Librarian, Eden Theological Seminary, Luhr Library

Creating exhibits that highlight unique collections while educating patrons about their deeper meanings can be a challenge. This round table will discuss issues such as the role of exhibits in the library, and exhibit planning, research, design, graphics, and publicity. Participants should be ready to discuss their own experiences and be ready to exchange ideas for creating compelling and effective library exhibits.

Roundtable • Called to be a Librarian: Theological Librarianship and Ordained Ministry • Myka Kennedy Stephens, Commissioned Deacon, UMC; graduate student

Theological librarianship can be viewed as a form of ministry. For some, the call to this ministry is affirmed by their churches through ordination. Participants in this discussion will look at the role of the theological librarian as minister and how clergy enhance the work of the theological library. Whether you are ordained or work with someone who is, this discussion will promote a better understanding of the cooperative relationship between theological librarianship and ordained ministry.

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch and Business Meeting 2 • The ATLA president leads business meetings and may address the membership. Necessary membership votes are conducted during this meeting.

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Panel • Library Directors: Career Trajectories  •  Sara J. Myers (Moderator) Director, Columbia University Libraries/Union Theological Seminary, Burke Library; Mizi J. Bude, Librarian, Virginia Theological Seminary, Bishop Payne Library; Douglas. L. Gragg, Director of Library and IT Services, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Ernest Miller White Library; Bonnie Hardwick, Graduate Theological Union, Flora Lamson Hewlett Library

Although there are constants that impact every theological library director’s career regardless of the length of time they have been in a position, other factors change over time as a director matures. This panel will be designed to identify the changing factors and help library directors deal with them in the course of their careers.

At different points in a director’s career, various issues have priority and require focused attention. A panel of three library directors will represent librarians in the early, middle, and late stages of their careers. They will discuss the factors that have had the greatest impact on their professional lives as they have gained experience.

After the presentations, which will last ten to fifteen minutes each, the gathering will divide into smaller discussion groups to talk with the panel members.

Panel • Serving more than one Master: Collaboration for Library Service • Allen W. Mueller, Director of the Library, Eden Theological Seminary, Luhr Library; Ann Hotta, Head of Reference, Graduate Theological Union Library; Christine Wenderoth, JKM Library

Many of our ATLA libraries contractually serve more than one seminary or school or collaborate in a formal contractual way with the library of another institution. In other settings, school administrators may propose a merger or collaboration with another library in order to save money. Panel members will share descriptions and assessments of their own joint or cooperative library structure and governance. They will then initiate conversation among attendees about their experiences in similar settings and entertain questions from those who may be contemplating—or who may be asked to assess—collaborative library agreements. We urge all attendees at this session who work in joint or collaborative library settings to bring multiple copies of one-page descriptions of their library organization and governance to share with other attendees.

Panel • Contemporary Religious Literature: Themes and Genres • Marti Alt (Moderator) General Humanities Bibliographer, The Ohio State University Libraries; John Trotti, Union Theological Seminary; Donald Keeney, William Jewell College; Judy Clarence, California State University, East Bay; Nancy Adams, Palmer Theological Seminary; David Stewart, Director, Luther Seminary Library

What does contemporary literature contribute to our understanding of issues of faith, spirituality, theology, and life? Our panel of devoted readers and thinkers will present their perspectives on this question as they explore the topics of spirituality in contemporary literary poetry; biblical and theological themes in the Harry Potter stories, the works of Robertson Davies, Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead, and the Ender novels of Orson Scott Card; and, as the capstone, a discussion of why creative literature should be in a theological library and why pastors and educators should read it.

Technical Services Interest Group • Update on RDA: Resource Description and Access • Judy Knop, Digitization Coordinator, ATLA

RDA is the first major revision of the cataloging rules since AACR1 in 1980. After a summary of the major changes introduced in the draft of part 1: Description, and part 2: Access (if it is available in time), the group will discuss these changes and their impact on theological library catalogs. This will help formulate ATLA’s response to the revision process.

Collection Evaluation and Development Interest Group • Laura C. Wood, Librarian, Harvard Divinity School, Andover-Harvard Theological Library

The past year has been filled with news of (and controversy about) large-scale digitization projects. As these projects develop, what are the implications for theological libraries and collections? How do we evaluate these digital "collections"? Laura Wood, Librarian at Harvard Divinity School will provide an update on the Google Books project, and evaluate some of the potential/limitations this project may have for ATLA libraries.

Lesbian and Gay Interest Group • Preserving LGBT Religious History • Mark Bowman, Coordinator of LGBT Religious Archives at Chicago Theological Seminary

This session will review the progress of the LGBT Religious Archives Network in preserving LGBT Religious History. This work includes: assisting LGBT religious leaders and groups to preserve their papers & records in appropriate repositories; locating existent collections related to LGBT religious history; and serving as an electronic information clearinghouse for scholars and researchers. LGBT-RAN is also leading efforts to provide easy access to some original source materials--such as oral histories and archival records--in digital form on its web site. Furthermore, LGBT-RAN is taking initiatives to encourage scholars and students to research and write on LGBT religious history.

3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Stretch Break

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Paper • Honey, This Shug is Feeling Fine: The Blues Woman as Theologian • Tolonda Henderson, Library Assistant, Chicago Theological Seminary, Hammond Library

Womanist theology is concerned with constructing god-talk that takes the lived experiences of black women seriously. The origins of the term "womanist" point towards the blues as an important resource for this task. Alice Walker, the first to use the term, describes her 1982 novel ,The Color Purple, as a theological work because it is a new understanding of God that enables Celie to become a participant in her destiny. That new understanding of God is articulated by none other than Shug Avery—a blues woman. In this paper, I will situate Shug’s life and music in the context of 1920s classic blues women, explore the ways in which the erotic epistemology of this "devil’s music" has contributed to its omission from the construction of womanist theology, and begin to sketch a womanist theology of the blues.

Paper • How to Save the Time of the Reader: Ranganathan Revisited • Jennifer K. Bartholomew, Electronic Services Librarian, Luther Seminary Library

The growing desire for full-text digital resources, available 24/7, appears to be insatiable. Outside of academia students are used to cheap, convenient, and efficient (Did I say "Google?") ways of obtaining information. Their willingness to spend time searching online databases or browsing in the stacks is highly questionable. Taking all of this into account, what can we do to educate our users about the quirks of theological resources and connect them with the very best, regardless of format? Are we adaptable, creative, flexible, savvy, and resourceful enough to try new things? What specific initiatives might save the time of the readers we serve: new technologies, guerilla librarianship, information coaching…? (form more information, see Rangamathan: http://www.webology.ir/2004/v1n2/a8.html)

Roundtable • Wabash Center Internet Guide: Past and Future • Charles Bellinger, Theological Librarian, Texas Christian University, Brite Divinity School Library

This roundtable is designed for users of the Wabash Center Internet Guide. It will survey the original development of the Guide and describe the process of transitioning it into a database. The larger issue to be considered here is how the complexity and information overload of the Internet can be "tamed" to a certain extent, for the benefit of those studying theology and religion.

Roundtable • Libraries and World Religions • Denise Marie Hanusek, Cataloging Librarian, Emory University, Pitts Theology Library

This roundtable will be a free-ranging discussion of the contributions that libraries can make in the modern study of and experience of world religions in America, Europe and beyond and/or the difficulties faced by libraries with the growth of interest in world religions. Some points of discussion might be collection development in the field of world religions; growth (or lack thereof) of courses in world religions in seminaries and universities and the response to this by affiliated theological libraries; concerns of reference librarians in pointing students and others interested in the study of world religions to good sources, etc. Please come prepared to share your experiences in regard to world religions in your own institution and what you have learned from them.

Roundtable • Serving Patrons With Disabilities • Blake Walter, Library Director, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Brimson Grow Library

Come prepared to participate in a discussion of the best ways to accommodate patrons with disabilities. Do you have any solutions that have worked well for your library? Have you encountered problems when trying to serve a patron with disabilities? Bring any brochures, vendor information, or bibliographies with you to the round table (or better yet, submit them to Blake Walter ahead of time) so they can be collected as a resource for everyone to consult.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Closing Banquet

The closing banquet will be in the Wolfe Point Ballroom of the Holiday Inn. The Banquet will feature Spirit, a local women’s gospel group and cuisine from around the world offered at stations for your dining pleasure.

Sunday, June 25

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting

Annual Conference Committee

Education Committee