Academic Bio
Michelle Spomer became the Donald G. Miller Librarian and director of the Clifford E. Barbour Library at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2016. Formerly, she served at Azusa Pacific University (California) as head of The James L. Stamps Theological Library in addition to a variety of previous roles there, such as associate professor of theological bibliography and research and head of reference. Prior to her work at Azusa she served in two other libraries: that of her Master of Divinity alma mater, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and California Baptist University (Riverside). In 2012 she completed a one-year program of the American Theological Library Association titled Creating Leaders of Tomorrow. Also a graduate of San Jose State University (MLIS), Michelle has held memberships in and filled leadership roles for a number of professional organizations: the American Library Association, American Theological Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, California Academic and Research Libraries, Southern California Theological Library Association (former president), and Statewide California Electronic Library Consortium. She also serves on prominent library advisory boards, gives presentations at professional conferences on topics ranging from resources for faith integration research and scholarship to social networking on Facebook, and publishes articles and book reviews both online and in printed journals.
Story Profile
In the winter of 2016, Michelle Spomer moved east across the country to begin her appointment as director of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Clifford E. Barbour Library. With well more than a decade’s worth of experience in theological librarianship, Michelle contributes important insights and leadership as the Seminary moves forward with the renovation of the 50-year-old Clifford E. Barbour Library building. Not only does Michelle bring to her position a breadth of experience and a deep commitment to theological librarianship, but she also exudes enthusiasm and collegiality in our welcoming, hospitable campus community.
“PTS is in a time of transition, so a lot of exciting things are happening as a result,” notes Michelle. “Barbour Library will have a chance to support the mission of PTS in a number of ways. Most immediately, the Library’s renovation will provide a variety of spaces that support the research needs of students and faculty, as well as providing collaborative spaces for the PTS community and a variety of on-campus events. Library staff are also looking forward to building on current instruction initiatives and will be evaluating how best to meet the needs of both current and future courses.”
Before coming to Pittsburgh Seminary, Michelle served as head of The James L. Stamps Theological Library at Azusa Pacific University, where she had earlier served in a variety of other capacities, such as associate professor of theological bibliography and research. Prior to her work at Azusa she served in two other libraries, including that of her Master of Divinity alma mater, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
Also a graduate of San Jose State University (MLIS), Michelle has held memberships in and served in leadership roles for a number of professional organizations: the American Library Association, American Theological Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, California Academic and Research Libraries, Southern California Theological Library Association (former president), and Statewide California Electronic Library Consortium. She has given presentations at professional conferences on topics ranging from resources for faith integration research and scholarship to social networking on Facebook. She has also served on a number of library advisory boards.
Selected Publications
“The Fine Art of Throwing Sheep: How Facebook Can Contribute to Librarianship and Community at Theological Institutions,” Theological Librarianship 1/1 (2008)
Review of Religion & Politics, CHOICE 52/7 (2015)
Review of The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Gender Studies, CHOICE 52/9 (2015)
Critical review of World Christian Database, The Charleston Advisor 15/3 (2014)
Critical review of Encyclopedia of Religious Revivals in America, Theological Librarianship 1/1 (2008)
Review of Digital Library of the Catholic Reformation and Digital Library of Classic Protestant Texts (databases), Statewide California Electronic Library Consortium website (2007)
