Pradeep is the Director of Library Services at Beulah Height University (FTE: 500+) in Atlanta, GA. He has been a member of ACL since 2007.
Describe yourself using a book title: World Class Traveler and Explorer–I love to travel and explore many new cultures, different people – their lifestyles, customs and traditions, various historical and biblical sites, flora and fauna, exotic foods etc. So far, I have traveled to more than 40 different countries and territories around the world. I planned to do more every year. I am also very passionate about Global Missions – I have planned, organized, and led several groups in Short Term Mission trips to different countries.
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Being a librarian is an exciting and challenging job — to learn, discover, gather, process and disseminate information and knowledge to others. So being a Librarian means, you become a “Professional Information Specialist.” My desire is to teach, equip and guide students, especially the younger generation to become life-long learners, become better people, and good citizens of the country.
What are you currently reading? Miracle Food Cures from the Bible by Reese Dubin. This is a practical guide. It is about God’s plan for our optimal health. This books reveals the remarkable healing power of many amazing food and herbs described in the Old and New Testaments.
Describe ACL in three words: Professional / Inspiring / Networking
How have you, as an academic librarian, contributed to your campus? Good Managerial and Administrative skills have helped me to run the Library smoothly and efficiently in an organized manner with limited resources. I always try to make the Library a good learning center for all academic programs, from undergraduate to Doctoral. My main focus is the students and their needs. I am serving here for more than 20 years. I also wear several other hats — one of them is to serve as the Secretary to our Faculty Committee. Also, for the last 12 years, I have been serving as an Evaluator in TRACS Accreditation Agency and have done team visits to more than 16 institutions. This has helped me to learn and bring new ideas and perspectives to our campus. My goal is to take our University to the next level of higher education.
I began my career as a librarian...My professional career began in 1997, at Beulah Heights University, Atlanta (formerly Beulah Heights Bible College), when I got my MLS degree. In 2000, I was promoted to the position of Director of Library.
How were you introduced to ACL? I was introduced to ACL by some dynamic ACL professionals, such as Nancy Olson. Since then, I am enjoying and moving forward. For the last two years, I am serving as the Chairperson of the BCS (Bible College Section). I love ACL. It is a very good Christian professional organization and we all need to work together to make it great and bigger!!!
What do you value about ACL? I feel honored and privileged to be part of ACL, which is the largest association of professional Christian librarians in the world. I feel proud to be a member of ACL. The comradery among the members, the fellowship, and the training workshops during the conferences are excellent. The networking and sharing of information with one another through ACL discussion list is very helpful.