SWATLA Meets at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Submitted by Craig Kubic, President, SWATLA

The Southwest Area Theological Library Association (SWATLA) held its fall meeting on October 20, 2017, at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. This event was held in conjunction with the annual meeting of Council of Southwest Theological Schools (COSTS).

Dr. Frank Yamada, the new Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada delivered the plenary address to a joint session of both groups. Dr. Yamada’s presentation addressed current trends in theological education, religious congregations, and societal changes impacting ministry preparation. He entertained questions from the audience after the presentation on the topics related to the impact and expectations on institutional preparation for accreditation.

Both COSTS and SWATLA held focus sessions which addressed specific professional topics. SWATLA was privileged to have Mr. Roger Morales, American Theological Library Association (Chicago), Member Programs Librarian, as the featured speaker. Roger delivered an exceptional presentation on the topic of current trends in theological librarianship.  His presentation considered the current demographics of our membership, diversity, and preparation requirements for beginning in the profession. Engaging conversation with the speaker was enjoyed by the fifteen members who were attending the conference. Of particular interest was the concern for the improvement of authentic information literacy in theological studies. Members shared a lunch meal together with the COSTS members which included a time for updates from friends and colleagues. SWATLA enjoyed having Dr. Yamada as their table guest for the lunch and discussion concentrated on current developments in denominational growth and decline patterns.

After lunch, the group made a short walk to the University of Texas-Austin to visit the Gutenberg Exhibit at the Harry Ransom Center. The meeting for next year has been scheduled for October 19, 2018.

Photo Credit: Jill Botticelli