Call for Chapter Proposals for the Seventh Volume of ‘The Theological Librarian’s Handbook’ Series

06/27/2025

Atla seeks proposals for the seventh volume of The Theological Librarian’s Handbook, an open-access book series published by Atla Open Press, on the topic of collaboration and development in theological libraries. Projected to span seven volumes, previous titles in the series include:

  • Volume 1 – Introduction to Theological Libraries, published 2020;
  • Volume 2 – Administration in Theological Libraries, published 2021;
  • Volume 3 – Collection Development in Theological Libraries, published 2022;
  • Volume 4 – Preservation of Collections in Theological Libraries, published 2024.
  • Volume 5 - Management in Theological Libraries, published June 2025.
  • Volume 6 - Theological Library Services, due Spring 2026.

 

Series Description

The Theological Librarian’s Handbook is a multi-volume guide to the practice of theological librarianship. It is intended for library staff at theological and religious studies libraries who do not possess professional training in the field of library and information science. This handbook offers perspectives and advice from theological librarians working in different types of theological libraries and institutions worldwide.

Volume 7: Library Collaboration and Development

Collaboration is of vital importance for today’s libraries and the driving force of their continuous development. This volume will introduce readers to various means of collaboration that a theological library can pursue to increase its awareness and impact in the community, and develop its collections, services, and staff. These collaborative means will range from engagement in the local community to participation in interdisciplinary and interprofessional groups on the national and international level. The book will also introduce advocacy and fundraising initiatives and practices a theological library can undertake in its work.

Appropriate chapters for this volume include (but are not limited to) the following topics:

  • Library outreach to different external groups and audiences
  • Local community engagement
  • Library consortia
  • Interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration and partnerships
  • Theological library associations
  • Sponsorships (either government or agency) & fundraising 
  • Advocating for the theological library
  • Training and development programs for theological librarians
  • Sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Fostering a collaborative and innovative culture in the library

 

Submission Instructions

Proposals are welcome from single or co-authors. Authors from different global contexts are especially encouraged. Proposals must include a 250-word abstract describing the topic, a working title for the chapter, and a current CV or resume for the author(s). Inquiries on this project and proposals for chapters should be submitted electronically by October 10th, 2025, to https://books.atla.com/atlapress/chapter-proposal.

Review of submissions will begin immediately, with the determination of final selections by December 2nd, 2025.

Accepted authors must submit completed chapter manuscripts by 26 June 2026. Chapters should be approximately 1,500 – 2,500 words and conform to the Books@Atla Open Press Manuscript Preparation Guidelines. The anticipated publication date is Spring 2027. The final product will be available open access under a CC-BY-NC license as PDF and EPUB and also available in print on demand.