Introduction To Theological Libraries

As the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) celebrates the important milestone of its 60th anniversary this year, the editors have brought together in a single-volume anthology some of the best contributions to this field. Essays and papers from the past sixty years are grouped into six topical chapters (theological librarianship's characteristics, dimensions, educational role, settings, development within ATLA's sixty years, and most noteworthy changes), each of which is introduced by a present-day theological librarian. This collection is likely to be valuable in many ways: as a compendium of wisdom and "best practices" over several generations, as a means of securing a grasp of how ATLA's importance and influence as an association has grown over time, and even for the way it brings back to light the life and work of so many fine librarians, Raymond Morris (Yale Divinity Library) and Julia Pettee (Union Theological Seminary) among them. Even more important, A Broadening Conversation affirms vividly that (instead of the ethos of tradition and continuity that one might suppose) a mix of trusted routines with perpetual change is what has always been on the menu for theological librarians in their daily work. This is at the heart of what continues to make theological librarianship such a challenging and rewarding vocation.

How are digital humanists drawing on libraries and archives to advance research and learning in the field of religious studies and theology? How can librarians and archivists make their collections accessible to digital humanists? The goal of this volume is to provide an overview of how religious and theological libraries and archives are supporting the nascent field of digital humanities in religious studies. The volume showcases the perspectives of faculty, librarians, archivists, and allied cultural heritage professionals who are drawing on primary and secondary sources in innovative ways to create digital humanities projects in theology and religious studies. Topics include curating collections as data, conducting stylometric analyses of religious texts, and teaching digital humanities at theological libraries. The shift to digital humanities promises closer collaborations between scholars, archivists, and librarians. The chapters in this volume constitute essential reading for those interested in the future of theological librarianship and of digital scholarship in the fields of religious studies and theology.

This book provides an introduction to the study of theology and its various methods of investigation. While most theological texts focus on one facet of study, The College Student's Introduction to Theology introduces the whole rich and complex area of theological studies. It is written from a Roman Catholic perspective, but the book is consciously ecumenical in its approach. Part I: Foundations examines the nature of theology as both a science and a work of the Church (and the resulting tension between theologians and bishops), the Hebrew Scriptures, and development of the New Testament canon, and an overview of the Church history. Part II: Systematic Questions tackles Christian faith, Christian anthropology, moral theology, and the sacramental and liturgical life of the Christian. Part III: Contemporary Issues introduces the concept and various expressions of spirituality, the Second Vatical Council, and two post conciliar issues: ecumenism and feminism. Contributors include Christopher Key Chapple, PhD; John R. Connolly, PhD; Michael Downey, PhD; Mary M. Garascia, CPPS, PhD; Marie Ann Mayeski, PhD; Mary Milligan, RSHM, STD; John R. Popiden, PhD; Thomas P. Rausch. SJ, PhD; Herbert J. Ryan, SJ, STD; Jeffrey S. Siker, PhD; and Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, D. Phil.

In this first volume in the Library of Biblical Theology series, Walter Brueggemann portrays the key components in Israel's encounter with God as recorded in the Hebrew Bible. Creation, election, Torah, the divine hand in history; these and other theological high points appear both in their original historical context, and their ongoing relevance for contemporary Jewish and Christian self-understanding.

Libraries and librarians are indispensable to student learning and the formation of researchers at the doctoral level. This book identifies five areas and sixteen principles that need to be considered by theological schools when optimizing library operations to serve doctoral programs. As an illustration of these principles, the book provides narratives from four theological libraries – in Nairobi, Hong Kong, Bangalore, and Amsterdam – that have successfully transitioned to serve doctoral programs. The contributors present tested best practice alongside their successful experiences pioneering libraries that serve doctoral programs in challenging situations. An invaluable training resource for Majority World librarians, this book also offers insight into quality guidelines for accreditation agencies supporting theological institutions in developing robust and flourishing programs.