ReGen is excited to announce a new program to work with the Boma Seminary, FACTEB, to help in developing the Library. 

Seminaries in the West have the luxury of being able to support their course offerings by means of libraries whose collections are constantly being replenished with the latest and best in theological scholarship. They also manage to house their library collections in secure air-conditioned buildings. What’s more, their librarians have ample opportunity for professional development.

Such is not the case at FACTEB (seminary) in Boma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the curriculum is no less demanding, but where the seminary must rely on outside help to acquire even a rudimentary collection of theological books; and where the librarian, though well-qualified, has no opportunities for professional development

Once acquired, books have to be protected from the ravages of tropical heat and humidity; but how to do this when air conditioning systems are beyond economic reach and frequent power outages are part of daily life? Fortunately, a work team was recently able to replace the leaky roof of the FACTEB library so that its books no longer need to be stored under plastic sheeting, but more work needs to be done to ensure the long-term physical viability of the collection.

To this end FACTEB, via ReGen, has engaged the services of an experienced theological librarian from North America who will visit Boma this summer and work with the FACTEB librarian to assess the present situation with a view to
•    understanding how best to stabilize the environment of the current library
•    determining the basic physical requirements for a (proposed) new library building
•    developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the library
•    developing an emergency preparedness plan

The two librarians also expect to have wide-ranging discussions about library service, the role of the library in supporting the curriculum, collection development, computerization, and possibilities for collaboration between the FACTEB library and libraries in the West. They will produce a written report summarizing their findings, planning, and professional conversations.

If you would like to get involved with this project, please let us know what your interest is whether that be fundraising ideas, provision of supplies, donations, or prayer support. We would love to hear from you.