









































Denominational Group Meetings  39

Methodist
By David Schmersal, Convener

PRESENT
Wesley Custer (Asbury), Brian Shetler (Drew), Roger Loyd (retired), 
Sarah Brooks Blair (United Theological Seminary), Ellen Frost (Bridwell 
Library, Perkins), David Schmersal (Bridwell Library, Perkins – scribe), 
Chris Anderson (Yale), Ken Boyd (retired), Paul Tippey (Asbury), Jane 
Elder (Bridwell Library, Perkins), Andy Carter (ATLA), Roger Morales 
(ATLA), Amy Limpitlaw (Boston University), Mary-Carol Riehs (Garrett-
Evangelical Theological Seminary), Lynn Berg (Garrett-Evangelical 
Theological Seminary), Seth Miskimins (Bridwell Library, Perkins),  
Ken Cochrane (United Theological Seminary)

Prayer—David Schmersal

ROUND ROBIN REPORTS

 a.  Brian Shetler (Drew) noted that there is much change at Drew: 
hiring and people leaving (no cataloger), SBL transferred 650 
linear feet of archival material and 1000s of books to Drew from 
Emory (?), more classes are coming into the archive —56 class 
visits (very busy); he also noted the connection with GCAH with 
whom he is collaborating on exhibits. 

 b.  Chris Anderson (Yale) noted that Yale has incorporated the  
collections of the Andover-Newton Library, including their 
special collections and archives, and that they are making signifi-
cant progress, from 800 boxes down to small, individual collec-
tions. This includes material covering the rich history of New 
England theology and the mission work, notably the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) connec-
tion. Chris noted he is still learning the collections and will be 
doing an exhibit on missions and the MEC, which has ties to his 
dissertation work, and Methodist World’s Fair in 1919. 



40  ANNUAL YEARBOOK

 c.  Roger Loyd (Duke, retired) noted that Beth Shepherd has moved  
to a library in GA for family reasons, that Katie Benjamin is serv-
ing as interim director, and that the new dean (Elaine Heath) is 
also finding her way and doing a fine job.

 d.  Wes Custer (Asbury) discussed transitions at Asbury, including 
transitioning to a new LMS, working on their discovery layer, and 
updating websites.

 e.  Paul Tippey (Director of Library Services, Asbury) concurred  
with the updates shared by other members of his staff present at 
the meeting.  

 f.  Ken Boyd (Asbury, retired) did not have any updates.

 g.  Jane Elder (Bridwell Library, Perkins School of Theology) 
deferred to Ellen Frost to offer an update on behalf of Bridwell/
Perkins.

 h.  Ellen Frost (Bridwell Library, Perkins School of Theology) shared 
that Roberta Schaafsma has retired from Bridwell and that June 
15th is her last day. She also reported that Bridwell has a new 
director (Anthony Elia) noted that Bridwell had had two direc-
tors for two weeks, and observed that SMU has been using Alma-
Primo for one year.

 i.  Seth Miskimins (Bridwell Library, Perkins School of Theology)  
was introduced as a cataloger at Bridwell and first-time ATLA 
conference attendee. 

 j.  Roger Morales (ATLA) is visiting the various interest and denomi-
national groups present at the conference. 

 k.  Andy Carter (ATLA) was present.

 l.  Amy Limpitlaw (Boston University) noted that BU’s digital proj-
ects librarian position is vacant and that they may bring in a 
consultant to advise them regarding future staffing needs. She 
observed that other staff members from BU were unable to  
come due to family and other commitments. She also shared  
that the library plans to hang stained glass windows from a 
church in Boston. Finally, she stated that Boston University has  
a new university librarian and observed that although she is  
not a direct report, this will still have an effect on the theology 
library.



Denominational Group Meetings  41

 m. Mary-Carol Riehs (public services librarian, Garrett-Evan-
gelical) shared that this is her first time at ATLA, though she has 
been at Garrett for seven years; she also shared updates on the 
staff,  noting that one of their paraprofessional staff members is 
leaving to get an MLS, and that a new person will be starting on 
Monday, June 18th.

 n.  Lynn Berg (Garrett-Evangelical) shared that a new systems and 
digitization librarian has started and is revamping their website; 
she also noted that Garrett-Evangelical has loaned some materi-
als, including their mummy, for an exhibit: https://www.garrett.
edu/news/styberg-library%E2%80%99s-hibbard-mummy-be-
display-block-museum-art. 

 o.  Ken Cochran (United in Dayton) noted that as assistant director  
he is wearing a lot of hats due to staffing situations.

 p.  Sarah Blair (director of the library, United Theological Seminary), 
who is also assistant director of the EUB Heritage Center, noted 
that Union was a EUB school before the 1968 merger with the 
Methodist Church and that in anticipation of the 50th anniver-
sary she is engaged in some “interesting” reading: trying to make 
it through the entire Daily Christian Advocate from 1968. She has 
made it through 600-700 pages, looking at what is the same and 
what is different in terms of tonality and hope. She shared that 
Union has lost one long-time staff person and one short–term, 
very valuable staff member and is looking at options, though 
cognizant of uncertainty due to the situation in The UMC.

Other Agenda Items

 a.  Chris and Brian will be updating the Methodist Bibliography 
(https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Bridwell/Find/UMStudies_
Bibliography(1).ashx?la=en&la=en) and should be releasing an 
updated version in the near future. They mentioned the possi-
bility of uploading the updated version to the Methodist Librar-
ians Fellowship webpage, and Roger and Andy from ATLA noted 
that this will be easier to do once ATLA has updated its website,  
which it will be doing soon.

 b.  Leadership rotation—At the 2017 meeting of the Methodist Librar-
ians Fellowship, the group agreed to adopt a new leadership  

https://www.garrett.edu/news/styberg-library%E2%80%99s-hibbard-mummy-be-display-block-museum-art
https://www.garrett.edu/news/styberg-library%E2%80%99s-hibbard-mummy-be-display-block-museum-art
https://www.garrett.edu/news/styberg-library%E2%80%99s-hibbard-mummy-be-display-block-museum-art
https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Bridwell/Find/UMStudies_Bibliography(1).ashx?la=en&la=en
https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Bridwell/Find/UMStudies_Bibliography(1).ashx?la=en&la=en


42  ANNUAL YEARBOOK

rotation schedule, whereby the chair of the group will rotate 
according to an alphabetical list of member schools (see below), 
contingent on which school is represented in a given year. Drew  
is next in the rotation, and Brian Shetler from Drew has agreed  
to chair the 2019 meeting in Vancouver. 

 • Methodist Librarians Fellowship—Member Institutions:

 • Asbury Theological Seminary

 •  Bethel College (Missionary Church Archives & Historical  
Collections)

 • Boston University School of Theology

 • Candler School of Theology

 • Claremont School of Theology

 • Drew Theological School 

 • Duke Divinity School 

 • Gammon Theological Seminary 

 • Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

 • Iliff School of Theology 

 • Lancaster Theological Seminary

 • Methodist Theological School in Ohio

 • Perkins School of Theology

 • Saint Paul School of Theology 

 • Seattle Pacific Seminary of Seattle Pacific University

 • United Theological Seminary 

 • Vanderbilt University Divinity School

 • Wesley Theological Seminary


	Preface
	committee reports
	Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
	Conference Committee
	Endowment Committee
	Professional Development Committee

	Task Forcereports
	International Theological Librarian Education
	Scholarly Communication

	Interest Group Reports
	Public Services
	Special Collections 
	Technical Services 
	World Religions 

	denominational Group reports
	Anabaptist Mennonite
	Anglican/Episcopal
	Baptist
	Campbell-Stone
	Lutheran 
	Methodist
	Orthodox
	Presbyterian and Reformed Librarians
	Roman Catholic

	memorials
	Officers of ATLA (1947–2018)
	ATLA Organizational Directory (2017–2018)
	ATLA Member Directory (2017–2018)
	historical Annual conferences
	AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF AMERICAN THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
	2017 ATS Library Statistics

