Chicago, IL, March 18, 2011— Registration opened this month for the 65th Annual Conference of the American Theological Library Association. More than 400 members, presenters, exhibitors, and guests of the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) will experience a “Theological Block Party” in Chicago June 8-11, 2011.
Chicago is the perfect place for conference attendees to sample the theological and neighborhood diversity. The city’s parks, restaurants, and architecture— and its stunning setting on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan— will be the ideal backdrop for a week filled with education, networking, and socializing.
“We’re delighted to welcome so many of our colleagues to Chicago for the conference,” said Matt Ostercamp, Head of Technical Services, North Park University. Volunteers from the Chicago Theological Library Association (CATLA) and Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) comprise the Annual Conference Local Host Committee, which is charged with introducing conference attendees to the local culture. “While they are here in Chicago, they will be able to experience historic architecture, numerous museums, wonderful markets, great dining, and many incredible bookstores,” Mr. Ostercamp declared.
The conference schedule offers a range of programming, from academic reflections on theological themes to practical tips on theological librarianship. There will be presentations about emerging technology as well as discussions on the preservation of historical artifacts.
The opening plenary address will be delivered by Dr. Scot McKnight, a widely-recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. Dr. McKnight is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University and will address the participants on the emerging church and its impact on theological education. The second plenary session will be led by Mr. Keith Michael Fiels, Executive Director of the American Library Association. Mr. Fiels will address trends in librarianship.
In addition to conference workshops addressing such valuable topics as cataloging foreign language materials, conducting qualitative research, and the role of teaching and learning in the library in support of theological education, attendees are able to select from a range of informative conversation groups, papers, and panel discussions. Sessions are designed to serve the needs of theological and religious studies librarians, with several offerings specifically tailored to librarians engaged in public services, teaching, or technical services.
Several excursions have been planned by the Local Host Committee. Attendees will be able to visit the Newberry Library special collections and Morton Arboretum, and they will have the opportunity to cruise the Chicago River. Visits to member libraries are also on the agenda, as well as a bus tour of World Religion sites around Chicago.
About ATLA
Established in 1946, the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) is a professional association of more than 1,000 individual, institutional, and affiliate members providing programs, products, and services for theological and religious studies libraries and librarians. ATLA offers a prestigious product line of electronic resources to support the scholarly study of religion and theology, including the ATLA Religion Database® (ATLA RDB®) and ATLASerials® (ATLAS®). For more information visit http://www.atla.com/.
Press Contact
Margot Lyon, +1.312.454.5100, mlyon@atla.com