In December, the American Theological Library Association (Atla) accepted a proposal from Bro. Andrew Kosmowski, SM, to coauthor a chapter for The Theological Librarian's Handbook, Volume 7: Library Collaboration and Development. Bro. Andrew will collaborate with Kayla Harris and Stephanie Shreffler, two librarians at the University of Dayton (UD), to explore the unique relationship between their institutions.

While NACMS and UD share a common Marianist heritage, their overlapping collection specialties can sometimes lead to "collision" rather than collaboration. Since Bro. Andrew previously worked as a UD librarian, the intentional collaboration between the entities has grown. This is especially evident in the collection development of both institutions, yet also in working together with cataloging and classification of Marianist materials.

Drawing on this collaboration, the chapter—tentatively titled "Colliding or Collaborating Collections?"—will share strategies for institutions with shared roots to work together more effectively. By streamlining cataloging, classification, and collection development, these entities can better promote their common mission while maintaining their distinct identities. Atla anticipates the handbook will be published in 2027. Please join us in congratulating Bro. Andrew on this significant and important work.

Published in the January 2026 edition of the NACMS Newsletter.