Campbell-Stone

Carisse Mickey Berryhill, Abilene Christian University, Secretary

Members Present

  • David Kiger, Theological Librarian, Milligan University (in person)
  • Carisse Mickey Berryhill, Asst. to Library Dean, Abilene Christian University (in person)
  • Chris Rosser, Theological Librarian, Oklahoma Christian University (in person and online; contributor of notes on the online meeting)
  • Jessica Holland, Library Director, Harding School of Theology (online)
  • Sheila Owen, Associate Librarian, Harding School of Theology (online)
  • Leslie Starasta, Director of Library Services, Lincoln Christian University (online)

Agenda

The meeting took place in two sessions: in person at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Hyatt Regency conference hotel on June 17, 2022, and by Zoom on June 27, 2022.

Round Robin Reports

Seminary Library, Milligan University – The Seminary Library and Welshimer Library at Milligan University enjoy a robust partnership under the leadership of Gary Daught. David Kiger heads the Seminary Library. Enrollment is good.

Brown Library, Abilene Christian University – In its second year under the leadership of dean James Wiser, Brown Library is developing a new strategic plan and strengthening its collections, including emphasizing endowed collections, as the university has now moved to R3 status. Retirements: Linda Childers, assistant to theological librarian Craig Churchill; and Gary Oliver, cataloger and name authority specialist for Stone-Campbell collections. New hires: Susannah Barrington, cataloger; DeDe James, public services coordinator; Nicole Mouat, assistant to the theological librarian. Relocations: Avery Weems to Distance and Online Services, Erica Pye to Special Collections and Archives, and Carisse Berryhill to the Dean’s office as Special Assistant for Strategic Initiatives (half time). The Center for Restoration Studies, directed by Mac Ice, has acquired a first edition of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address (1809), which will be featured during the annual Restoration Day September 7.

L.M. Graves Memorial Library, Harding School of Theology – HST welcomed a new Library Director, Jessica Holland, who has now served in this capacity for one year following the departure of previous director, Bob Turner. Library staff welcome their new director, which coincides with other key changes at HST, including a new Dean (Mark Powell), and new Director of the DMin program (Steve Cloer). 

Beam Library, Oklahoma Christian University – OC has experienced the loss of numerous key staff and faculty positions over the last year, including the departure of Dr. Lee Anne Paris, Dean of Library and Instructional Support. Beam Library also lost librarian Dara Tinius after her resignation in February, and each of these losses heightens our level of difficulty for navigating a tenuous season at OC. 

Jessie C. Eury Library, Lincoln Christian University – Leslie Starasta became Director of Library Services in 2020 and is currently the library’s only full-time employee. Recent staffing reductions have been difficult to navigate, but LCU and the library are navigating changes by focusing on program redesign and restructuring, and by continued focus on how best to serve their patrons.

Other

A common thread among all participant reports is the difficulty of this moment that we must navigate when the continuing pandemic as well as staffing and enrollment reductions complicate and realign our various roles and responsibilities.