A Word from the Editor


E D I T O R I A L

  I

A Word from the Editor
Welcome to the spring issue of Theological Librarianship! I, along with the editorial team, have had 
the privilege of working with the content of this journal. We have some fantastic content to share!

Librarians are often asked to serve in disciplines they know little to nothing about. For example, 
my background is in biblical studies and theology, however, the school at which I work has strong 
programs in education and business, disciplines in which I lack professional training. The inher-
ent challenges of working in these areas are multiplied by the fact that we often work alongside 
individuals trained in these disciplines (and sometimes renowned experts). While many of us may 
have stories about our own journeys in this area, this issue begins with an article by Peter Rogers: 
“Supporting the Undergraduate Study of Theology: The Expertise Challenge.” Rogers uses an auto-
ethnographic approach done at Providence College to explore how librarians can offer excellent 
support while lacking subject expertise. The cover image of this issue is a picture of the main floor 
of Phillips Memorial Library at Providence College which provides the context for Rogers’ article. 
This article specifically touches upon supporting undergraduate theology classes at a Catholic col-
lege, but the principles can be applied in a variety of contexts.  While I do have background in 
theology, the principles Rogers discusses in this article were incredibly insightful and applicable in 
a variety of contexts, including my own, where I will apply them to my work in areas like business 
and education. Rogers provides a notable article which is worth taking the time to read.  

An essay by Stirling and Cryle from Highland Theological College in Dingwall, Scotland accom-
panies this article. This essay discusses the special collections held by Highland Theological College: 
the William Temple Collection, the Rutherford House Collection, and the Fort Augustus Collection. 
Stirling and Cryle use this essay to share the intriguing stories behind these collections. I am grate-
ful to Stirling and Cryle for giving readers a glimpse into the deep history of Highland Theological 
Collection through the narrative of these collections.

As always, these articles are accompanied with great book reviews. Theological Librarianship 
publishes content that intersects librarianship and religious studies. Our book reviews focus on 
content of a similar nature and subsequently the books chosen for review are always intriguing. 
Take a look at the reviews and the thorough analysis and insight provided by reviewers.

I hope you find this content helpful to your professional endeavors in a variety of contexts.

Soli Deo gloria,

Garrett Trott
Editor-in-Chief