Protestant Theological Libraries: Past, Present and Future

by Mitchell, Christine R.

Protestant theological education in the United States has progressed through three stages of development: college, parsonage and seminary. The theological library has progressed as well collecting, maintaining and disseminating a collection of resources that are the shared stories of believers in the Divine. Organizations such as the Association of Theological Schools and the American Theological Library Association have helped to further the work of theological libraries in the ministry of the seminary. What challenges will theological libraries face in the 21st century? Inextricably linked, theological education and the theological library must work together as partners to faithfully serve the Church.