The 2025 ATESEA Conference for Theological Librarians
In front of the National Library of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
Photo courtesy of Tai Fui Fong, Sabah Theological Seminary
From 14-18 July 2025, staff from seminaries around the region gathered in-person in Bangkok, Thailand and online for ATESEA’s 2025 Conference for Theological Librarians to learn about “Digitisation in Theological Education.” Speakers ranged from the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, to the Assistant Professor and Librarian in charge of Central Philippines University’s Archives, Special Collections, Institutional Repository, and Website. While the lectures emphasised the importance of a digital repository to ensure long-term access, authenticity and usability of paper as well as born-digital materials, the workshops gave us hands-on experience at setting up this much-required yet oft-neglected database.
The highlight of the conference was the visit to Thailand’s National Library and National Archives where we were hosted by the Directors of the respective institutions. Touring the premises which were adjacent to each other, we discovered the rich history and heritage of bookmaking in Thailand and were introduced to the painstaking efforts of archival preservation. As we perused ancient records in their various forms—stone, palm leaves, mulberry paper—I was informed that not all the ancient script could be deciphered; and that some of the materials were deteriorating faster than they could be preserved. This drove home the theme of our conference: the importance of digitally preserving and maintaining the legacy of records and documents that have been entrusted to our care, before they too disappear into a forgotten history.
Needless to say, I entered my first ATESEA conference as a novice in digital preservation and emerged inspired and resolved to safeguard our past and present for the sake of our future.
Genevieve Goh, Library Officer, TTC
Workshopping an institutional policy for digital preservation, Bangkok Christian Guesthouse, Bangkok, Thailand
Photo courtesy of Tai Fui Fong, Sabah Theological Seminary
In front of the National Archives of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
Photo courtesy of Tai Fui Fong, Sabah Theological Seminary
With key personnel from the National Library of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
Photo courtesy of Tai Fui Fong, Sabah Theological Seminary
In-person participants from Indonesia, East and West Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, Bangkok Christian Guesthouse, Bangkok, Thailand
Photo courtesy of Anietessie Palmes, ATESEA
