Core Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of theological librarianship is grounded in three foundational principles: contextual relevance, metaliteracy, and collaborative learning. I am committed to preparing students to become active, informed, and ethical participants in today’s complex information environments—not merely consumers of information, but critical evaluators, ethical producers, and collaborative sharers of knowledge.
Metaliteracy as Pedagogical Framework
Drawing from Jacobson and Mackey’s (2013) metaliteracy framework, I embrace a transformative approach to information literacy that empowers learners to be discerning, informed, adaptive, and collaborative. This framework guides my practice in several key ways:
Metacognitive Reflection
I incorporate activities that encourage students to reflect on their own learning processes, biases, and evolving roles as metaliterate learners. This self-reflection helps students develop self-awareness and personalized strategies for lifelong learning.
From Passive Consumer to Active Creator
I am dedicated to moving students beyond simply absorbing information to becoming active creators and contributors to the digital spaces. Following Freire’s pedagogy of the oppressed, I encourage students to take ownership of their learning, recognizing their dual roles as both consumers and producers of theological discourse.
Critical Thinking and Evaluation
Students must be equipped with skills to critically assess the reliability, credibility, and potential biases of information sources, particularly after the arrival of generative A.I. I emphasize the importance of questioning information and considering its context, especially given the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation that can impact theological understanding and ministerial practice.
Ethical and Responsible Engagement
I foster ethical practices in the use and sharing of information, including respect for intellectual property and understanding the implications of generative AI and digital content. I promote responsible digital citizenship, encouraging students to consider how their online actions impact others and the broader theological community.
Collaboration and Community Building
My teaching encourages collaboration and constructive participation in online communities and learning environments. Students learn to work together, share diverse perspectives, and contribute to knowledge building in respectful and inclusive ways that honor the diversity of the global church.
Values in Practice
As both theological librarian and library director, I prioritize these essential values:
Grounding in Community and Theological Disciplines
I help faculty and students engage with information, digital tools, data, and generative AI in ways that are critical, value-based, and fundamentally human-centered. Human-centered technological development serves the flourishing of humans and non-humans, prioritizing human agency to choose care and sustainability over economic interests, efficiency and technical prowess. Technology engagement starts with the needs and values of the community, not the reverse.
Inclusive Learning Environment
I ensure that our library creates an inclusive space where multiple perspectives are welcomed and valued, recognizing that the global nature of Christianity brings rich diversity to theological dialogue and biblical interpretation.
Overcoming Barriers to Learning
I am committed to helping students move beyond intimidation or anxiety around research and technology, empowering them to become confident, lifelong learners who can adapt to changing information landscapes throughout their ministries.
Vision for Impact
This philosophy reflects my dedication to developing essential skills that enable students to thrive in digital and generative artificial intelligence-integrated environments while remaining grounded in their theological calling. By fostering critical thinking, ethical behavior, collaborative engagement, and self-aware reflection, I prepare future leaders and theologians to serve effectively in an increasingly complex and connected world.
Through this approach, my goal is to empower emergent leaders and practical theologians who can navigate challenges with wisdom, engage diverse communities with respect, and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing work of theological scholarship and Christian ministry.
Elonda Clay 