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