2017 American Theological Library Association Annual Conference

As part of a larger ePortfolio project within our Graduate School of Theology at Oklahoma Christian University, we are incorporating digital badging as a means for acknowledging and assessing student achievement in information literacy, a University core learning outcome. Our use of digital badges reflects recent trends to “gamify” learning, opening possibilities for creative instruction and robust assessment. Specifically, badges empower us to better assess reference interactions, research strategies, bibliography construction, information literacy components in larger projects, information ethics, and the development of research habits for lifelong learning. At the ATLA 2017 Conference, we hope to share how digital badging can empower better assessment of information literacy outcomes in theological education.

Good planning is vitally important to the life of an organization. What model of planning would help theological libraries? We are embedded in the field of theological education, which is experiencing a great amount of change. Our greatest commodity, information, is growing exponentially as technology and access develop at a rapid pace. Strategic planning processes, while extremely popular, yield static plans that stay in place for a specified time period. With this model of planning, there is a risk that it becomes outdated and obsolete before its expiration date. Is there a better way?

Integrated library planning begins with a strategic planning process; but once set in motion, it becomes a dynamic, living plan. The planning model presented in this session is an adaptation of integrated business planning models that have surfaced in corporate industries over the past decade. First implemented in a small theological library, this model is adaptable and scalable for theological and academic libraries of any size. The presentation will include suggestions for implementation and examples from its use at Schaff Library, Lancaster Theological Seminary.

Join us for a group discussion on current student engagement with library services and a vision for the future that includes patron consultations on emerging technologies such as virtual reality. Dialogue around current student engagement will begin with a summary of findings from three usability studies conducted at the Andover-Harvard Theological Library. The future of student engagement will then be considered through a pilot initiative that circulates hardware and curates content for virtual reality experiences. The session will then be opened up for audience members to share related usability and emerging technology projects in their respective libraries.