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Professional Development
Karen Clarke-Keesing, Pacific Rim Christian University, Chair

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• Karen Clarke-Keesing, Pacific Rim Christian University, Chair
• Becky Givens, Covenant Theological Seminary
• Andy Loftus, Western Seminary
• Christine Wenderoth, Secretary
• Patricia Yang, Gateway Seminary
• Jamie Lin, Atla Staff Liaison

YEAR IN REVIEW

The Professional Development Committee (PDC) fosters the devel-
opment of librarians and related information professionals who serve 
theological and religious studies scholarship and study. We define the 
infrastructure needed to deliver professional development opportuni-
ties to members throughout the year by determining member needs, 
identifying expert resources, and utilizing a variety of methods and 
delivery mechanisms. In doing so, we facilitate the exchange of ideas 
and support members at every point in their careers. 

In October 2020, the PDC held its first ever virtual annual fall meet-
ing to discuss programming ideas, review and align the PDC’s goals with 
Atla’s organizational ends, and set up an information literacy LibGuide 
project.

To respond to the prolonged isolation and feelings of disconnection 
brought on by the realities of COVID-19, an informal series of Conversa-
tion Groups were arranged to invite members to talk freely with their 
colleagues. These groups were arranged as Zoom meetings instead 
of webinars, and to facilitate open discussion, were sometimes not 
recorded. Topics for these Conversation Groups revolved around the 
effects of COVID-19 on workplaces, morale, and planning for the future. 
One example of these Conversation Groups was “What Happens Next?”, 
held in May 2021 and facilitated by Tim Lincoln (Austin Presbyterien 



Committee & Task Force Reports  13

Theological Seminary) and Kim Herndon (Samford University), which 
prompted a follow-up conversation with the same group of attendees 
and facilitators in July 2021. 

During FY 2021, the PDC also experimented with a new series called 
the “Elevator Pitch Series,” designed to allow participants to collab-
oratively create talking points to engage institutional leadership in 
conversation around specific topics. For example, Brad Ost, Head of 
Reference Services and the Theology, Religion, and Philosophy Librarian 
at Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library, led a discus-
sion on “Advocating for Open Educational Resources” in this elevator 
pitch format. 

The PDC also reviews applications and awards regional grants for 
programming by regional groups and institutions. During FY2020, the 
PDC did not receive any applications for these grants. Many groups 
hold their meetings in the spring, and we can only surmise that, due to 
COVID-19, meetings either went virtual or were altogether cancelled.

As we work within the new COVID -19 normal where Atla member-
ship continues to work remotely, return to their libraries, or a blend of 
the two, the Professional Development Committee will focus on foster-
ing programming that will meet the evolving professional development 
needs during these unique times.



14  A NNUA L Y E A RBOOK

2020-2021 GROUP: [pictured, left to right] Patsy Yang, Jamie Lin, Karen Clarke-Keesing, 
Becky Givens, Andy Lofthus


