Minutes

Fiftieth meeting

The Tennessee Theological Library Association met on April 20, 2001, in Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt Divinity Library hosted the meeting in the facilities of the Vanderbilt University Club. Registration and refreshments began at 9:00 a.m. CST, and the meeting began at 9:43 a.m. Those present were Carisse Mickey Berryhill, Judy Butler, Marie Byers, Ed Camp, Scott Campbell, Vince Castellani, Eileen Crawford, Ramona Denton, Julie Emerson, Mary Emerson, Betsy Grant, Frank Grisham, Melissa Hamblin, Bill Hook, Bob Howard, David Howard, Marilyn Howard, Rosalyn Lewis, David McWhirter, Violet Medlin, Don Meredith, Dorothy Parks Evans, David Roebuck, Sarah Schaler-Linn, Michael Strickland, Kathy Sylvest, Jane Williamson, and Anne Womack. Mark Roberts also attended the lunch.

President Carisse Mickey Berryhill called the meeting to order and Host Bill Hook greeted the Association. The Minutes for the October 13, 2001, meeting were distributed and discussed. Two corrections were made to the minutes: 1) Annie May Alston was not present at the October 13, 2001 meeting; and 2) Howard Gallimore was present at the initial TTLA meeting on May 1, 1975. Rosalyn Lewis asked that approval of the minutes be delayed until later. The Treasurer’s Report was distributed and approved.

Old Business included the following: First, it was announced that Bill Hook will bring a by-laws revision to the Fall 2001 meeting. Second, Carisse announced that ATLA has approved a $750 continuing education grant for a workshop at the TTLA meeting in the fall. Michael Strickland will chair that workshop. Michael is arranging for a panel on copyright and related issues. Third, Carisse announced that LifeWay Christian Resources will host the fall meeting although no date has been set at this time. Fourth, there was a discussion of a possible ATLAS consortium. Bill reported that ATLAS is still being developed. The obstacle to a TTLA consortium is that any consortium will likely be tied to a specific vendor and TTLA libraries do not all share the same vendor. There is currently a three-tier arrangment: 1) FirstSearch (based on FTE); 2) RBD; and 3) ATLAS. Bill expects further discussion of an ATLAS consortium to be possible following the development of a web-based version. Carisse noted that ATLAS currently has 64 titles. Phase 1 is image only, but Phase 2 will include searchable text files. A general discussion of ATLAS followed the comments made by Bill and Carisse.

As a fifth item of Old Business Carisse reported that TTLA had been invited to present a memorial to Elaine Bryant at the upcoming meeting of ATLA. There was a consensus to ask Howard Gallimore to write such a memorial for presentation. Sixth, Rosalyn read a resolution to honor Dorothy Parks Evans for founding TTLA. Don seconded the motion to adopt the resolution and the resolution was approved by unanimous consent and applause. Seventh, Rosalyn noted the need to amend the October 13, 2000 minutes by inserting her recommendation for a resolution to so honor Dorothy Parks Evans. The October 13, 2000 minutes were then approved as amended here and previously.

Eighth, the nominations committee reported the nomination of Michael Strickland for Vice President and Kathy Sylvest for Secretary of TTLA for the coming term. These nominations were approved by acclamation. Ninth, Carisse expressed thanks for the opportunity to serve as President of TTLA. She also expressed appreciation to Bill Hook and the Vanderbilt Divinity Library for hosting this meeting.

Newly elected President Betsy Grant asked for a round of applause in appreciation for the contribution of Carissee Mickey Berryhill for serving as President and for the contribution of David Roebuck for serving as Secretary of TTLA during the past term. Bill Hook then thanked the Vanderbilt Library staff or their contribution as hosts for this meeting of the Association. Betsy called for any new business and hearing none adjourned the business portion of the meeting.

Eileen Crawford then reported on the exchange program with BETH that will bring Paul Stalder to Tennessee in May and June. Paul will be hosted by Vanderbilt Divinity Library, will visit theological libraries throughout Tennessee, and will attend the ATLA meeting in June. Vanderbilt will contribute to Paul’s expenses in Nashville, and TTLA will provide for his ATLA housing and conference fees. There will be a reception on June 1 at the Disciples Historical Society. After a discussion of Paul’s visit and a future exchange of a TTLA member with BETH, the membership determined by consensus to ask BETH to provide an invitation that will include expectations and opportunities for the TTLA member who is selected to visit Europe. The membership also agreed that a committed comprised TTLA officers should serve as the selection committee.

Following general announcements, individual members reported on activities in their libraries. This portion of the meeting was then adjourned for lunch.

After lunch, President Carisse Mickey Berryhill welcomed several visitors who were invited to celebrate the fiftieth meeting of TTLA. Among those at this meeting who were at the first meeting were Don Meredith, Jane Williamson, Tom Stokes, Rosalyn Lewis, Frank Grisham and Ed Camp. Rosalyn Lewis and Don Meredith reviewed the history of the Tennessee Theological Library Association. Several speakers then recounted some of their experiences during the twenty-five year history of the Association. Speakers included: Dorothy Parks Evans, Frank Grisham, Ed Camp, Ramona Denton, Violet Medlin, Jane Williamson, Carisse Berryhill and Anne Womack. An inquiry was made regarding the library schools that were represented during this meeting. These included Peabody College, North Carolina, Louisiana State University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, University of Wisconsin at Madison and North Texas.

During the closing remarks, Rosalyn Lewis expressed gratitude for ATLA and TTLA for their collegial support of denominational agency libraries. She also expressed appreciation for diversity in TTLA within the Christian tradition, the fact that all members sat at an open table, and the fact that there is more that unites us than divides us.

The newly elected president, Betsy Grant, adjourned the meeting at 3:55 CST.

Respectfully submitted,

David G. Roebuck, Secretary  

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