Atla Annual 2025

Five years after the COVID pandemic started, theological libraries are still coping with the aftermath. Many of the library processes and services had to change immediately in order to resource students, faculty, and staff. While much of what libraries do has either gone back to “normal” or transformed into something new, there are still some things that remain more fluid, such as working remotely. In this session, the results of a short survey will be summarized and panelists will share their specific circumstances related to working remotely. Need or have ideas? Come to our session!

Learning Outcome

Attendees will learn what issues are involved with staff working remotely so that they can apply relevant processes and ideas in their own situations.

Audience Engagement

We will engage the attendees by going through survey results, by sharing panelist “case studies,” and by allowing time for a robust Q&A.

This panel will explore the transformative impact of leadership development in theological librarianship, highlighting the variety of approaches individuals can bring to leadership. Through a narrative-driven style, the session aims to inspire attendees to recognize their potential as leaders and pursue opportunities to cultivate their distinct skills.

The Leadership Development for Theological Librarians Program, launched in 2023, will celebrate the graduation of its second cohort in May 2025. Funded by a grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion and co-led by Kelly Campbell from Columbia Theological Seminary and Myka Kennedy Stephens from Fosgail, the program provides mentoring and executive coaching for theological librarians from varying backgrounds, roles, and institutions.

Panelists will share the origin story of the program, discuss their unique leadership journeys, and reflect on how the program has shaped their professional growth. Following the presentation, an open discussion will invite audience members to examine the importance of leadership development in theological librarianship, explore challenges in this area, and engage in a dynamic Q&A session.

Learning Outcome

In this session, audience members will:
Discover how Atla members are leading the way to fill a leadership development gap in theological librarianship
Learn about the impact of intentional leadership development in theological librarianship
Hear stories of leadership from a variety of contexts
Discuss leadership development needs and opportunities in Atla

Audience Engagement

As mentioned in the description, in an open discussion we will invite audience members to examine the importance of leadership development in theological librarianship, explore challenges in this area, and engage in a dynamic Q&A session.