Religion Press Release Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL, July 5, 2006—Playing host to over 400 members, presenters, exhibitors, and guests, the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) celebrated its 60th Anniversary in memorable style. Noting that this years’ annual conference in Chicago broke all previous records for attendance and educational offerings, Executive Director Dennis A. Norlin declared it to be ATLA’s largest and most impressive gathering ever. “More and more theological librarians are taking advantage of this opportunity to update their skills and network with colleagues,” Norlin noted. “I am really encouraged by the fact that so many papers are being submitted for presentation now—more than can be accommodated. We’re seeing more professional involvement. People are energized and engaged.”

The conference schedule was filled with an array of diverse reflections and practical tips on theological librarianship. Opening plenary session speaker Martin Marty, a renowned theological historian and the author of more than 50 books, entertained the audience with his compelling and witty observations on the history and influence of religious movements, Chicago-style.

In addition to four pre-conference workshops addressing such valuable topics as online instruction and evaluation of reference resources, attendees were able to select from a range of enlightening offerings, including roundtables, papers, and panel discussions. Sessions were tracked to serve the needs of ATLA’s members, with several offerings specifically tailored to librarians engaged in public services, teaching, or technical services.

Technical services specialist and ATLA member Judy Knop said the ATLA conference is the perfect vehicle for communicating changing standards in the field. “It’s essential for librarians to stay on top of new developments and address common problems,” she said. “The future of cataloging is very much in the news in the library world at this point. At the conference, technical services librarians were able to discuss trends and update their knowledge of a new cataloging code—which was being written even as we met.”

The closing plenary session, led by Dr. Daniel Aleshire, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools, focused on the future of theological librarianship and the continued collaboration between the two associations.

A special highlight of the conference was ATLA’s 60th Anniversary celebration, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the association’s new headquarters in Suite 2100, 300 South Wacker Drive. Editors David Stewart and Melody Layton McMahon were on hand to autograph copies of their new book, A Broadening Conversation: Classic Readings in Theological Librarianship.

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 in support of theological and religious studies libraries and librarians. ATLA's ecumenical membership represents many religious traditions and denominations. ATLA also provides access to the scholarly literature of religion and preserves it for future generations. For more information visit http://www.atla.com/

Press Contact: Margot Lyon, +1.312.454.5100, mlyon@atla.com

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