TLM 2007 Participants
- Alliance Theological Seminary
- Atlantic School of Theology Library
- Angelos Bible College
- Christian Theological Seminary
- Columbia International University
- Cornerstone University, Miller Library
- Covenant Theological Seminary, Buswell Library
- Duke Divinity School Library
- Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest
- Florida Center for Theological Studies, FCTS Library
- Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (AZ)
- Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (Mill Valley)
- Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (Pacific Northwest)
- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Harvard Divinity School, Andover-Harvard Theological Library
- Harvest Bible College
- Houston Graduate School of Theology
- JKM Library
- Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Loyola Marymount University
- Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
- Mars Hill Graduate School
- Moravian Theological Seminary, Reeves Library
- Oblate School of Theology
- Perkins School of Theology, Bridwell Library
- Phillips Theological Seminary
- Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Reformed Theological Seminary
- St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
- Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity
- St. Mark's Library, General Theological Seminary
- St. Mary's Seminary, UST Graduate School of Theology
- St. Peter's Seminary
- Saskatoon Theological Union
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Trinity Lutheran Seminary
- Union-PSCE
- United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
- Union Theological Seminary, Burke Library
- Vancouver School of Theology
- Victoria University
- Virginia Theological Seminary
- Wartburg Theological Seminary
- Western Seminary (Sacramento)
- Western Theological Seminary
- Yale University Divinity School Library
TLM 2007 Success Stories
Our 2007 theme will center around "Favorite Things" in line with our "Add us to your Favorites" campaign for the year to get students to link to the library in their Internet favorites. We had colorful Moo cards printed to distribute as bookmarks using that theme.
Current plans include an exhibit/reception that features the favorites (book, reference book, database, website, serial, job, library moment, etc.) of our library staff and faculty. We also plan to feature, through displays, the multiplicity and diversity within ATLA and of theological libraries' connections and contributions, using that opportunity to instruct about research through WorldCat and the interlibrary loan services of the library. A contest, flyers, and table tents for the cafe are also in the works.
-Cheryl Felmlee, Director of Library Services, Alliance Theological Seminary
Christian Theological Seminary
Our celebration of TLM started on October 4, to coincide with the CTS Library’s 30th Birthday. The staff wore tee-shirts with appropriate quotes (see below), which were purchased for us by the Library Director.
We had cake and goodies on a table outside the library all day. There were two quizzes for folks to take: Test your knowledge about the CTS Library! and Whose Favorite Book? which involved matching the library staff member (including student workers) to their favorite read. In addition people could guess how many pieces of candy filled a jar (which sat on the Circulation Desk till the end of the month). The prize for all the quizzes was a $10 gift certificate to the CTS bookstore. Student winners also got a certificate good for $5 worth of photocopies.
The contest which had the most participants was the candy-guessing. This was funny because it’s a contest I borrowed from the public library where I used to work; I wasn’t sure that people would go for it! The other two quizzes had low participation: 8 and 5 respondents respectively. Fifty people guessed in the candy contest; the winner also got to take the candy jar home.
It was good to be able to combine the beginning of the festivities with the Library’s birthday celebration. However, I feel that we lost momentum because the week of October 15 was fall reading week. All in all, though, it was a good experience, but more work than I had anticipated!
-Cheryl Miller Maddox (a.k.a Library Cheerleader), Public Services Librarian, Christian Theological Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary, Buswell Library
We decorated the circulation area with an Autumn leaves motif. The orange leaves across the front spell out "October is Theological Libraries Month!"
Continuing the Autumn leaves theme, we invited students and staff recommend books to other patrons by writing on leaves and affixing them to my office window.
-Steve Jamieson
Our students, faculty and staff are receiving this email today (Friday, October12). They all return from fall break on next Monday.
Subject: Theological Libraries Month: At Your Service
Please join us in these activities, celebrating Theological Libraries Month, during October.
- All of October: Display of a facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible, the two volumes open to Genesis 1 and John 1
- Starting Monday, October 15: Enter the "Top Ten Reasons I Should Come to the Divinity Library" contest. Prize-winner announced at the reception on October 31. Follow this link to enter. More information is on our website: http://library.duke.edu/divinity
- Starting Monday, October 15: Book giveaway shelf returns to the library (unneeded gift books), in celebration of the end (more or less) of the LC conversion project (though thousands of "problem books" remain and are being processed, the Backstage employees have moved on to the science
libraries) - On Wednesday, October 31, at 10:00 am: Library staff leads Service of the Word, Goodson Chapel
- On Wednesday, October 31, at 12:00 noon-2:00 pm, join us for a reception in the library (Baker Room), where we will provide a light lunch, announce the entries and winner of the "Top Ten Reasons" contest, and otherwise engage in TLM and Halloween celebrations. Yes, in the library! The "Top Ten" readings and announcement will occur at 1 pm.
I hope you'll participate when you can. Thanks!
-Roger L. Loyd, Director, Divinity School Library, Duke University
Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley Campus
GGBTS-Mill Valley is hosting an event for Theological Library Month. It is a lecture, followed by a reception, of renowned New Testament scholar, Dr. Craig L. Blomberg, whose books are widely used as texts in many seminaries and theology programs. He is an outstanding speaker and scholar who has devoted a good part of his academic career to the topic of his presentation, "On the Historical Reliability of the Gospels." Although a conservative, Dr. Blomberg is known for engaging other faiths and taking a critical approach to American evangelical scholarship.
The program will begin at 1:00 on Monday, October 15, in the chapel at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary. The reception will be in the library.
You might be wondering why we are featuring a theologian, rather than a librarian, for theological library month. There are several philosophical responses one might give for this decision, having to do with the role and preparation of the theological librarian and improving communication with faculty, etc.
But the truth is, we really wanted a speaker who would draw a lot of people so we could show off the library and let people know we are here. We hope that you too will come. The event is open to the faculty, students, staff, and the public.
Click here to see a pdf of the invitation to Dr. Blomberg's lecture.
-Emily Nedell Tuck, Digital Services Librarian, GGBTS-Mill Valley Campus
Update: On October 15, Community residents and local alumni joined current students, faculty and staff at a special lecture at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary─part of the seminary library's TLM celebrations. During his lecture on the "Historical Reliability of the Gospels,” distinguished author and New Testament Scholar Craig Blomberg addressed how periodic sensation claims (newly discovered artifacts such as the Gospel of Juday or the family tomb of Jesus) fall apart in the face of scholarship.
Click here for a detailed article about the lecture, published in Baptist Press, can be found here.
Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Pacific Northwest Campus
During October, the library is celebrating with laughter, games, food, seminars, prizes, and fellowship for the seminary and building. Most of the activities will be on Mondays and Tuesdays, when classes are in session, but some will occur on other days of the week.
The library is a place to study, research, connect with ideas and communities of thought from througout the ages, and a place to interact with other students and patrons, to figure out how to read e-books and scan that picture into your paper. Check out the new periodicals room where it is ‘okay’ to be as loud as you want, or the printing room to make copies, pick up materials printed from the library and periodicals room computers, use the scanner, or for needed supplies of cardstock (Hebrew students), paperclips, rubberbands, holepunches, paper cutters, pencil sharpener, staplers, scissors, white-out…
So what’s happening this month?
Free food:
Candy, cookies and/or veggies & nuts every week for energy to stay awake during classes!
Tips & Tricks Seminar on e-books--Eat your lunch in the library on Oct. 8-9, with cookies and coffee provided (11:30-11:55 a.m.)
Pizza lunch for the seminary community on Oct. 29-30 provided by the library (after the Olympics/Scavenger Hunt)
Free Drawings for Students:
Prizes include book sets, individual books and Starbucks gift certificates
Must be in the library at the time of the drawing to win
Free Books
YES! You may check out any book, cassette, video, CD or DVD in the Circulating or Reserve collection for absolutely No Charge! All booksale items are FREE this month in honor of Theological Library Month!
Displays
Check out our displays on Medieval and Renaissance Libraries, Reading Through the Ages, your Professors’ Favorite Books, and Primary And Secondary Sources (new display each week)
Contests
There are five contests, four with individual prizes, and one campus-wide prize.
Two Question Boxes
- How many different periodical titles do we have in the periodicals’ room? Closest answer wins!
- Get in the Top Ten List of ‘Why I go to the library’ to win a prize
- Who checks out the most books during Theological Library Month
- Whoever asks the most reference questions (real ones only!) during October
- Heather and I have challenged the other GGBTS campuses to a contest. Whichever campus has the most books checked out per student during October wins. Our campus is usually second or third highest in items checked out per month, so we can win this one if everyone starts their research early! Whichever campus wins gets a prize (food??)!
Library Olympics & Scavenger Hunt—October 29-30
This was a big hit last year, so we are bringing it back with some old races and some new ones. If you have an idea for a race, please let Heather or Patsy know. Pizza lunch follows the competition each day. Prizes will be given to the individual or team that gets the most points each day.
We’ll be sending out weekly reminders of the activities for the following week on Thursday or Friday each week.
-Patsy Yang, Regional Library Assistant, GGBTS-PNWC
Gordon-Conwell Seminary Libraries
We are adding the logo to each of library web pages and posting a news release about Theological Libraries Month for students in our S.
Hamilton and Charlotte campuses. We will look for other ways to inform our seminary community.
-Robert J. Mayer, Senior Librarian and Director of the Gordon-Conwell Libraries
Harvard Divinty School, Andover-Harvard Theological Library
In addition to the public announcement on http://www.hds.harvard.edu/library/news/archive/2007/tlm.html, we’re doing staff introductions on the HDS intranet and pushing our new pencils and bookmarks.
-Clifford Wunderlich, Head of Public Services, Andover-Harvard Theological Library
Houston Graduate School of Theology
We began the month with a faculty forum in which several of our distinguished professors submitted and presented papers with the theme "Preaching in America." It was a huge success, with the grand lecture hall filled. HGST gave away free gift bags that included pens, pencils, highlighters, folders, and other classroom supplies to all our students.
We set up a display of rare books and historical documents. One of the featured displays included a love letter written to someone over 100 years ago! It was found in a donated book which was also over 100 years old. The library took one of its featured guests, "the Knight," and placed the classic "King Lear" in his hands to read.
HGST celebrated the Inspire Women Conference in the greater Houston area. Several of our students are members of Inspire Women and HGST staff were privileged with an opportunity to take several staff members and students to the Inspire Women luncheon. The library staff helped students participate in a drawing in which free t-shirts and baseball caps were given away.
We also participated in "scrubs day" in which the entire staff dressed in scrubs to kick off a sermon series entitled "Grace Anatomy." The staff had so much fun with this that we featured it on our website!
To finalize the month, the library staff arranged for the student lounge to be converted into a breakfast buffet and students were invited to attend. It has been a wonderful month and the students, staff and faculty have had a blast.
-Sue Arredondo, Director of Library Services, Houston Graduate School of Theology
Louisville Presbyterian Theolgoical Seminary, Ernest Miller White Library
The library celebrated TLM with a number of activities:
- Opening reception which paired TLM and ALA’s banned book’s week
- Displayed books from the library collection that have been challenged and special display of a much older banned book - one of Calvins’ commentaries from 1564.
- Contest to guess what Library and IT Staff are reading
- A scavenger hunt to test one’s research skill
- Chapel service lead by the Library and IT Services Director, Doug Gragg
- Ended on Halloween with a costume contest and reception.
Visit the website that gives the full story http://www.lpts.edu/Academic_Resources/E._M._White_Library/TLM_at_LPTS.asp
-Angela G. Morris, Head of Public Services, Ernest Miller White Library, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
As a university (rather than a seminary) library, and given the limitations of our exhibit space, our activities are somewhat limited. So I did what I did last year: Filled our vertical entryway case and two yard-square cases with dust jackets of new titles not strictly theological, to show that theology and religion reach into many other subject areas. I installed a bookmark holder on one of the cases, and also distribute them at the Circulation desk. Given their professional look, I also had two copies of the poster mounted in the Theological Studies area, and have TLM bookmarks distributed there as well.
The attached photos give an idea of what the exhibit looks like:
I'm looking forward to October 2009, when our new Library building is slated to open; we will have a lot more exhibit space, and I hope to do something a lot more special.
-Tony Amodeo, Reference Librarian/Instruction Coordinator, Charles Von der Ahe Library, Loyola Marymount University
The Mars Hill Graduate School Library is celebrating Theological Libraries Month in several ways. This month has been a great opportunity to make ourselves known and reach out to students, staff, and faculty.
Display
We asked school staff to give us a list of books they would like to share with the MHGS community along with a picture and short biography. Part of our goal was to use books to introduce students to staff whom they may not get a chance to meet otherwise. Through books, we are putting a name and a face to staff such as MHGS’s Accountant, Director of Human Resources, and Marketing Manager. These books, bios, and pictures are on display in the library through the month of October.
Contest
We asked faculty to share with us the top five books that have informed their theologies. Students are invited to guess which faculty member chose which group of books. Whichever student gets the most correct will win an iPod shuffle (by a drawing if necessary). So far this contest has been a big hit and has sparked many good conversations with students.
Treats
We are providing candy throughout the month, and our marketing department helped us create the first ever official MHGS Library bookmark. We chose not to make it specific to Theological Libraries Month so we can use it throughout the year. We also posted the TLM logo on our library homepage.
Film
Our main event for the month was a screening of the film The Hollywood Librarian on Friday, October 5th ( www.hollywoodlibrarian.com). The screening was a huge success! We had 90+ attendees, almost all of whom were from outside the Mars Hill Graduate School community. Most were librarians or friends of librarians and as such were eager to take and read our marketing literature, making the occasion a great public relations opportunity. The MHGS Library was one of only three sites in Washington State to show the film, and we felt honored to be able to host this event.
-Anne Belk, Mars Hill Graduate School Librarian
Perkins School of Theology, Bridwell Library
Here is a link to the Bridwell Library Theological Library Month activities: http://www.smu.edu/bridwell/events/tlm.htm. Among our activities are: highlighting two exhibits - one is on Christian Writers and Their Readers and the other celebrates the career of Page Thomas; holding an open forum with the new Bridwell Library director; providing alumni/ae access to ATLAS.
-Roberta Schaafsma, Director of Bridwell Library, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
Above: Colin Douglas, Master of Divinity student, places his entry in the drawing for the Cokesbury gift certificate.
Phillips Theological Seminary (PTS) celebrated Theological Libraries Month, a time set aside by the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) to highlight the vital role libraries play in theological education. As a participant in this national program, PTS offered opportunities for individualized computer training, door prizes and refreshments.
Sponsored by ATLA, each October is designated as National Theological Libraries Month. “This event is a great opportunity to generate awareness of library resources and services while creating a welcoming environment for students during a particularly hectic time of the semester,” said Mary Coniglio, technical services and special projects librarian for PTS, who coordinated the celebration.
The Phillips library held a one-week celebration, concentrating on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 9-11, the days of the week classes are in session. The brightly-decorated library featured sign-up sheets for students to schedule individualized computer/information literacy training and various handouts including "Top Ten Things to Know about the PTS Library" (Q &A) and Theological Libraries Month bookmarks (provided by ATLA), personalized for Phillips with useful information such as library hours, phone number, email address, library website (catalog) address, materials and resources available, and passwords.
Refreshments and door prizes completed the offerings, with the main prize - a $25 gift certificate to Cokesbury, a Christian bookstore - won by Jason Williams, Master of Divinity student. The gift certificate was graciously donated by the Tulsa Cokesbury store.
The PTS Library boasts more than 90,000 bound volumes and extensive files of periodicals and other non-book materials. Students also have 24/7 access to full-text journal databases, including ATLA serials and New Testament and Old Testament Abstracts. As part of Phillips’ commitment to support the continuous spiritual and educational enrichment of pastors and other leaders in the church, the Library offers special borrower’s privileges to local clergy and their staffs.
“The event was highly successful,” said Sandy Shapoval, Director of the Library. “Foot traffic in the library increased by more than 25 percent and student patrons expressed appreciation for our effort.”
Coniglio added, “We plan to participate in Theological Libraries Month next year; perhaps including additional elements to the celebration. The event increased the library staff’s awareness of the goodwill that can be created by such events; and, in addition to Theological Libraries Month, we plan to hold other special library days periodically throughout the year.”
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
PTS celebrated its first TLM by hosting a Fall Book Fest, a Faculty book signing event. This was a first for Pittsburgh Seminary as far as we can tell. The entire Barbour Library staff helped with the logistics. We posted colorful posters, ordered lots of finger foods, and collaborated with the campus bookstore to make sure we had plenty of books to sign. We advertized throughout the campus, on the website, as well as through alumni/ae news. Other programs on campus also sent out announcements to their constituencies. We timed the event for late afternoon, 4pm to 6pm when there were no classes. And we held our breath. As our first-ever event, we were not sure how many folks would show up. We were delighted with a large group of eager people who bought books, had engaging conversations with the professors, and loved the food and hot cider.
We chose a beautiful, though underutilized room in the library as our setting
. 
The attached conference room housed the refreshments.
We set up signing stations for six of our faculty members who had published books in the past year. Each faculty member was asked to speak for 5-7 minute talk on how they came to write their book and any interesting tidbits they wanted to share about the writing process. This proved to be a highlight of the afternoon, since these were new stories, even for those who knew the authors well.
The best thing about the event was that we broke old stereotypes for our library. In addition to a new type of teaching and learning, we had laughter, food and drink. It brought faculty en masse to the library and the honorees were highly appreciative of the honor bestowed upon them. We are planning to make this a regular event for our campus.
At St. Peter's Seminary Library "Let's Celebrate" is our theme for the month. With a new Chief Librarian, Claire Callaghan, and a refreshed look, which includes artwork and additional shelving, we have much to celebrate as we join with other institutions in this year's Theological Libraries Month. Specially designed posters and bookmarks, as well as links on our library's website promote Theological Libraries Month and demonstrations of the ATLA Religion Database and other full-text resources available through the Shared Library Catalogue will be offered to our faculty and students. ( www.stpetersseminary.ca/library)
-Frances Theilade, Assistant Librarian/Public Services, St. Peter's Seminary
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
This year is the first time that the Southeastern Baptist Theological Library (SEBTS) participated in ATLA Theological Libraries Month. The theme, “We are here for you,” provided the perfect opportunity for the library to focus on the students in the Seminary and College.
We introduced our students to our library by displaying a tri-fold poster that illustrated the history, staff, organization and the work we do, and services that are offered.
Each week we provided different styles of complimentary bookmarks in various languages that represent our student body. The bookmarks were a hot hit with the students.
We wrapped up the month-long event with an outdoor reception for everyone; free drinks and snacks were provided to show our appreciation and to say “Thank you” to the students for their support of the library.
By participating in the ATLA Theological Libraries Month, we have improved our library’s visibility and provided the students with additional information on how they can utilize the library and librarians as a resource.
-Nancy Yu, Catalog Librarian, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
We had three major events to commemorate and celebrate this fall, so our display plans had to revolve around them. One was the arrival of our new President, Dr. Brian Blount; we created a centennial display titled "Our First President - Our New President," highlighting the contributions of Dr. Walter W. Moore (who became President in 1904) and the career to date of Dr. Blount.
The second event was the centennial of the Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, which was founded on our campus in 1907 (Dr. Moore was instrumental in its early history).
The third event was the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown settlement, so we prepared a rare book display featuring several precious volumes with connections to the history of Jamestown.
We did adorn our historical displays with colorful cards showing the TLM logo, so I think they still count as part of the whole!
-Dr. Paula Skreslet, Reference / Archives, William Smith Morton Library, Union-PSCE
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
We are celebrating TLM in the following ways:
- Treat of the Week and TLM bookmarks at the Circ desk.
- Tip of the Week e-mailed to faculty and put in the weekly e-news.
- Display of artifacts found in donated books and other library oddities.
- Library “scavenger hunt” for masters and nondegree students (prize is a donated set of the Anchor Bible Dictionary in excellent condition).
-Susan Ebbers, Director of the Library & Professor of Theological Bibliography, The Spencer Library, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Yale University Divinity School Library
In addition to tours of the library and a library school reception (where students had the opportunity to meet with local library school representatives), the Yale Divinity School Library held a brownbag lunch forum for students who might want to consider theological librarianship as a career.
