Theological librarians discuss managing online libraries during the pandemic
Seventy-five (75) Librarians, representing fifty-three (53) member schools, participated in the ATESEA Web Conference for Theological Librarians on 21-22 October 2021.
The Panelists: Ms. Christabel Wong, Head Librarian, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia; and Mr. Toni Afandi, Head of Prothumia Library, Southeast Asia Bible Seminary, Indonesia, discussed the “Challenges of Theological Libraries in Times of the Pandemic” in their respective contexts.
For the second session, Ms. Megumi Flores, Library Director of Leslie Hardinge Library, Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, gave a presentation on “Data Curation for Theological Libraries: Online Resources Collection and Management for Theological Libraries.”
Workshop on Online Resource Collection and Management was held through breakout rooms in the afternoon of October 21. The participants exchanged ideas on their respective current online services their libraries had adapted since the onset of the pandemic, and the procedures they had developed in collecting e-resources.
During the second day, Dr. Kelly Campbell, discussed on “Managing Theological Libraries in the New Normal.” Dr. Campbell is the Associate Dean for Information Services and Senior Director of John Bulow Campbell Library, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA.
The lectures and discussions had expanded the horizons of the theological librarians on the countless possibilities in handling the challenges they face with the present global crisis. They realized the importance of setting up a library website, with e-resources abreast with the times, and the regular updating their library database. The emerging technological advancements were deemed as urgent calls for the theological librarians to develop their IT skills and expand their creativity to meet the advancing online academic needs of the seminaries.
With the increasing demand for distance education, theological librarians are compelled to prepare to adapt to the digital platform, and to gather more online e-resources. Hence, collaboration and networking among the librarians are regarded as vital for the continued growth of the theological libraries and schools. Undeniably, quality theological education is made possible when the theological libraries are equipped with relevant and updated academic resources, either physical or digital.
