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This chapter will outline the history and current state of theological librarianship in Australia and New Zealand.

The earliest theological libraries in both countries were often the private library collections of individual clerics. Over time, the development of theological libraries tended to be aligned with the development of theological teaching institutions. These were often denominationally-based and/or associated with seminaries or the formation houses of particular religious orders. The establishment of consortial arrangements between these theological teaching institutions has also been a feature of the theological education landscape. These have provided economies of scale, opportunities for collaboration, and access for members to an increased range of library resources. In the region, significant theological library collections are also located in the state and national libraries, and at some of the larger universities which have theology or religious studies departments. In addition to discussing the development of theological libraries, this chapter will include an overview of options for generalist librarianship education, outline the roles and status of the peak professional library associations in both countries (ALIA and LIANZA), and detail the professional development opportunities for those working in Australasian theological libraries. Integral to the work of theological libraries in this region is the Australian and New Zealand Theological Library Association (ANZTLA) and this