Theological Libraries in Ireland: Past Lessons, Present Strengths, and Future Challenges

This chapter provides an overview of the current state of theological libraries in Ireland, that is, libraries of institutions which teach theology, or train for church-based ministry. Details of the formation, growth, collection strengths, users, and special collections of these libraries will be given. The chapter presents the most common themes from theological librarians’ responses to a survey conducted in October 2024. The perceived major threats faced by their libraries and successes in the last 70 years, as well as emerging challenges, are examined in the light of relevant literature. Considering these threats and successes, the benefits of ABTAPL membership, both in terms of advantages for their libraries and for them as information professionals, are outlined. Some ways in which ABTAPL could assist library services and librarians to face emerging challenges are identified. It is therefore recommended that to gain maximum benefit from ABTAPL membership, individual members must actively participate in the network, learning from, and sharing their learning with others.