Books for the Library

[MarginOfError]

I was recently called into the Sunday School presidency and the president assigned me to look after the library. I've long thought that the library is a wasted opportunity and would love to take some steps to improve it. (I'm just not a fan of the model where the library is where you go to get copies, crayons, and chalk.

Fortunately, our library has a lot of space that isn't being utilized, so we could really do a lot if we chose to. So I'm going to pose a couple of questions hoping for the wisdom of the masses to guide me some.

1) What resources do you think would make the library more useful for you?

2) What books and/or other media would you add to your library if you could?

Personally, I'd like to convert all the VHS videos to DVD format and get rid of the VCRs.

Next, I'd like to start adding books to the library that can be used as reference, education, or general interest reading material. For instance, I would like to put add to the library:

• Teaching by the Spirit, Gene Cook
• Biographies of the Prophets
• Institute Manuals
• The recommended missionary library
• The Joseph Smith Papers
• McConkie's Messiah series

Admittedly, these are books that interest me, and they would make good resources. But they won't appeal to a more general reader. I'd also like to get books that fit the following criteria (warning: potentially offensive content will follow)

• It needs to be simple to read. Preferably between a 6 and 10th grade reading level.
• There need to be books that appeal to new converts
• These should be books that avoid controversial topics, but focus on spiritual upliftment
• The books should accurately describe doctrine, or give uplifting interpretations and applications of doctrine (for example, a gospel-centered parenting book).

Keep in mind that I live in an ethnically split area. 60% of the students in my school district are African American, and are thus more likely to be under educated. While about 96% of my ward is Caucasian (and not from this area), I would like to see the area build up the African American membership base, so I would like the library to appeal to their needs.

Thoughts or ideas?

[applepansy]

You need to read the handbook and check with your bishop. It is my understanding (from the time hubby was in the bishopric) that the only resources that are authorized to be in the library are Church Publications.

Edit: I love the old buildings where books from the 30s and 40s have been donated and are sitting on a shelf. When I worked in the library 17 years ago there were a few wonderful old, out of print, books in the library. No one really knew they were there. Our Stake was reorganized and a new building was built.... now we're in the new building and I don't know if those books are still there.

Putting all the VHS on DVD sounds like a great project.

Second thought:

My current calling is in the library. We just finished being the host ward. If you're in a building where more than one ward meets, remember to include the other wards in any decisions, alterations, etc.

Edited January 26, 2012 by applepansy

[Guest]

MOE... I think you might be confusing the use of the library.

My understanding is - the library is not like the Public Library where you can go and get books for reading pleasure. The ward library is a resource center for teaching the gospel. So, all the books there has to be something that a teacher can use as a reference for a lesson.

And no, I've never been in charge of the ward library before. Also, we don't call it the library in the ward. The sign on the door says Material Center.

[MarginOfError]

I'm well aware of the policies on the meetinghouse library, and have no confusion at all about the fact that what I'm doing is a pretty clear violation of those policies. I just don't care.

I've also looked over the list of "approved" materials for the library, and it's ridiculously inadequate. Essentially, the only things allowed in the library are the things that the Church wants every member to have at home. At that point, the library really becomes nothing more than a place to pick up your chalk and maybe a poster or two. It has next to nothing to offer in the vein of actually improving gospel teaching or knowledge. By that list, not even seminary or institute manuals are approved for the library.

Also, if it were an option to pick up some of these books at the local public library, I wouldn't care all that much. The fact is, gospel-oriented books just aren't available at public libraries in Ohio. In my area, there are more books than you might expect, but that probably has to do with our proximity to Kirtland. And there still aren't a lot. If we want to provide an opportunity for the people our ward serves to read further about the gospel, they'll need a place to get reading material*.

So, let's not debate policy, because my mind is made up that I'm not going to follow it, and I'm not going to be persuaded.

* Most of our investigators have enough trouble paying for the gas to get to church, let alone buying books.

[MarginOfError]

Edit: I love the old buildings where books from the 30s and 40s have been donated and are sitting on a shelf. When I worked in the library 17 years ago there were a few wonderful old, out of print, books in the library. No one really knew they were there. Our Stake was reorganized and a new building was built.... now we're in the new building and I don't know if those books are still there.

My ward in Maine had a lot of books that weren't approved for the library, and it was awesome. I wish more libraries were like this.

[applepansy]

I'm well aware of the policies on the meetinghouse library, and have no confusion at all about the fact that what I'm doing is a pretty clear violation of those policies. I just don't care.

I've also looked over the list of "approved" materials for the library, and it's ridiculously inadequate. Essentially, the only things allowed in the library are the things that the Church wants every member to have at home. At that point, the library really becomes nothing more than a place to pick up your chalk and maybe a poster or two. It has next to nothing to offer in the vein of actually improving gospel teaching or knowledge. By that list, not even seminary or institute manuals are approved for the library.

Also, if it were an option to pick up some of these books at the local public library, I wouldn't care all that much. The fact is, gospel-oriented books just aren't available at public libraries in Ohio. In my area, there are more books than you might expect, but that probably has to do with our proximity to Kirtland. And there still aren't a lot. If we want to provide an opportunity for the people our ward serves to read further about the gospel, they'll need a place to get reading material*.

So, let's not debate policy, because my mind is made up that I'm not going to follow it, and I'm not going to be persuaded.

* Most of our investigators have enough trouble paying for the gas to get to church, let alone buying books.

It was not my intent to debate anything. You didn't state in your OP that you understood the policies. So my next suggestion is: talk to your Bishop and include the other wards. It is really sad when one ward spends a lot of money and the other ward removes the books because their bishop wants to follow policy.

Best Wishes!

[john doe]

If you are not the agent ward, the decisions are not yours to make. You may make suggestions on what to put in the library, but it's generally reserved for official church publications. There is a list of minimum materials that must be in the library. If you don't have that list, I may have one that I could scan for you. You can add things to the list, but you run the risk of a future librarian tossing them out if they are not on the official list. You should seek the approval of your bishop and/or stake Sunday School presidency if you wish to add materials that are not officially distributed by the church.

Some items on VHS are not available on DVD and should not be discarded. If you wanted to copy them to DVD that would probably be okay but you still should keep the VHS unless it is unusable.

[Blackmarch]

I was recently called into the Sunday School presidency and the president assigned me to look after the library. I've long thought that the library is a wasted opportunity and would love to take some steps to improve it. (I'm just not a fan of the model where the library is where you go to get copies, crayons, and chalk.

Fortunately, our library has a lot of space that isn't being utilized, so we could really do a lot if we chose to. So I'm going to pose a couple of questions hoping for the wisdom of the masses to guide me some.

1) What resources do you think would make the library more useful for you?

2) What books and/or other media would you add to your library if you could?

Personally, I'd like to convert all the VHS videos to DVD format and get rid of the VCRs.

Next, I'd like to start adding books to the library that can be used as reference, education, or general interest reading material. For instance, I would like to put add to the library:

• Teaching by the Spirit, Gene Cook
• Biographies of the Prophets
• Institute Manuals
• The recommended missionary library
• The Joseph Smith Papers
• McConkie's Messiah series

Admittedly, these are books that interest me, and they would make good resources. But they won't appeal to a more general reader. I'd also like to get books that fit the following criteria (warning: potentially offensive content will follow)

• It needs to be simple to read. Preferably between a 6 and 10th grade reading level.
• There need to be books that appeal to new converts
• These should be books that avoid controversial topics, but focus on spiritual upliftment
• The books should accurately describe doctrine, or give uplifting interpretations and applications of doctrine (for example, a gospel-centered parenting book).

Keep in mind that I live in an ethnically split area. 60% of the students in my school district are African American, and are thus more likely to be under educated. While about 96% of my ward is Caucasian (and not from this area), I would like to see the area build up the African American membership base, so I would like the library to appeal to their needs.

Thoughts or ideas?

Having a "History of the Church" series on hand might be nice. I'm assuming there's already copies of al the manuals that are currently being tought out of. THe teachings of the prophets, as well as the books dedicated to their discourses and etc..

If the church has compiled conference talks into books and published those, those might be helpful. ON second thought it might be more helpfuls to have a copy of each of the church magazines. and maybe organise the conference editions together.

Personally a thesaurus/dictionary should be in every library... no idea if that really would be an improvement or not in a local wardhouse library tho.

Edited January 26, 2012 by Blackmarch

[RMGuy]

I'd also like to get books that fit the following criteria (warning: potentially offensive content will follow)

• It needs to be simple to read. Preferably between a 6 and 10th grade reading level.
• There need to be books that appeal to new converts
• These should be books that avoid controversial topics, but focus on spiritual upliftment
• The books should accurately describe doctrine, or give uplifting interpretations and applications of doctrine (for example, a gospel-centered parenting book).

Thoughts or ideas?

Margin of Error, I'll bite...and no you didn't offend me. I do have one thought for you though. If your goal for a library is a place of resource material so members can learn and grow then why would you:

1. avoid controversial topics? Shouldn't this me a place that they can go to get information? I guess alternately they cold google it, but I'm not sure that doesn't lead to even bigger problems.

2. I would agree with accurately describing doctrine, but I'm not so sure about giving uplifting interpretations. Isn't the truth the truth? One of the biggest reasons that I believe some people turn away from the church isn't because of what they find out about church history, but rather, how they find out about it. For example, most members understand that the church practiced polygamy. Whether they like that history or not is irrelevant, they are still active members. Yet, when some find out about polyandry and the way that polygamy was practiced they feel that they have been lied to or decieved because they were only fed the "uplifting" parts of the story.

I liked everything else that you had to say. Clearly there is no need to place a copy of the God Makers in the library by any means, but I think that making a decision to not place a well researched book into the library because we are uncomfortable with the truth might be counter productive. Using ward funds for something like RSR, might not be what I have in mind either, but if someone donated a copy to the library I would have no hesitation with including something like that or "In Sacred Loneliness"

Just my $.02

-RM

[Jennarator]

I don't know what kinds of suggestions you want, but here is my 2 cents.

I think books on food storage would be cool. Books and such on inexpensive cooking and meal ideas. Things that go along with gospel principles. (Since you dont care about the policies, why not?) I would ever love to see some simple sewing books. (Since the RS often has sewing machines that can often be loaned out for short times, or used in the church buildings.) Jeepers, if you are going all our rebelion, why not some good John Bythway books for teens? After all they need to be told how it is, and a person that can do that and still keep the kids reading is great!

Good luck!

[MarginOfError]

Margin of Error, I'll bite...and no you didn't offend me. I do have one thought for you though. If your goal for a library is a place of resource material so members can learn and grow then why would you:

1. avoid controversial topics? Shouldn't this me a place that they can go to get information? I guess alternately they cold google it, but I'm not sure that doesn't lead to even bigger problems.

2. I would agree with accurately describing doctrine, but I'm not so sure about giving uplifting interpretations. Isn't the truth the truth? One of the biggest reasons that I believe some people turn away from the church isn't because of what they find out about church history, but rather, how they find out about it. For example, most members understand that the church practiced polygamy. Whether they like that history or not is irrelevant, they are still active members. Yet, when some find out about polyandry and the way that polygamy was practiced they feel that they have been lied to or decieved because they were only fed the "uplifting" parts of the story.

I liked everything else that you had to say. Clearly there is no need to place a copy of the God Makers in the library by any means, but I think that making a decision to not place a well researched book into the library because we are uncomfortable with the truth might be counter productive. Using ward funds for something like RSR, might not be what I have in mind either, but if someone donated a copy to the library I would have no hesitation with including something like that or "In Sacred Loneliness"

Just my $.02

-RM

By controversial subjects, I had in mind things like Women and Authority or David O. McKay: The Rise of Modern Mormonism. Books like these sometimes come across as hostile. While I think they have valuable information, I wouldn't recommend them for the casual reader. In fact, I think they'd run very high risk of killing a fledgling testimony more than uplifting it.

I guess I'd want the meetinghouse library to be a resource in building one's testimony to be sustainable through some of the harder questions that they might be able to explore outside of the the library, if that makes sense. I don't want to discourage people from reading about tough topics, but I'd like them to have a sufficient foundation in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to endure the grayer corners of the church.

Rough Stone Rolling would be a good example of a book that I would like to have in the library. It does touch on some of those tougher questions, but still casts Joseph Smith and the Church in a positive light.

[MarginOfError]

I don't know what kinds of suggestions you want, but here is my 2 cents.

I think books on food storage would be cool. Books and such on inexpensive cooking and meal ideas. Things that go along with gospel principles. (Since you dont care about the policies, why not?) I would ever love to see some simple sewing books. (Since the RS often has sewing machines that can often be loaned out for short times, or used in the church buildings.) Jeepers, if you are going all our rebelion, why not some good John Bythway books for teens? After all they need to be told how it is, and a person that can do that and still keep the kids reading is great!

Good luck!

Those are great suggestions, Jenn. Thanks so much.

[Martain]

I'd definitely want to add a section regarding marriage if it was up to me. Perhaps "You and Your Marriage" by Apostle Hugh B. Brown?

What about a section on the LDS views towards politics, proper government and the war against communism/socialism? There's a large list on LDS Freedom Portal: Your Gateway To LDS Freedom Resources... of publications we've been recommended to ready by Church leaders. Personally I would put in all of H. Verlan Andersen's books. I'd have become politically active years ago if I'd understood what he taught me from the scriptures that I know now from reading his books.

A section to help prepare an individual for the temple would also be nice. Perhaps "The Holy Temple" by Boyd K. Paker and "The House of the Lord" by James E. Talmage

"Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith" Complied by Joseph Fielding Smith would be a wonderful addition to any library.

There's quite a few volumes released that are a compiled reference of different president speeches and teachings like "The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson" by Ezra Taft Benson. I expect there's one for each of our more recent Latter-day Prophets.

Doctrines of Salvation I-III by Joseph Fielding Smith is useful and so are the books by Talmage like the "Articles of Faith".

A few books regarding the atonement and how to apply it in our lives would be valuable as well. Personally I'd put "How Great Shall Be Your Joy" by Steven A. Cramer and "Miracle of Forgiveness" by Spencer W. Kimball

A few thoughts =)

Edited January 27, 2012 by Martain

[Suzie]

Hey Rebel...*cough* Ummm... I mean.... hey MOE!

I would love the addition of a book recommended by President Kimball called "As a Man thinketh" by James Allen, excellent book! Of course, you must have the History of the Church series and I would also like the "History of Joseph Smith by His mother". "The Words of Joseph Smith" by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W Cook....for those interested in starting to study Church history The Story of the Latter Day Saints by James B. Allen and Glen M. Leonard and hey maybe include a lil Hugh Nibley somewhere there?

[jayanna]

Yeah, MOE asked a question up my alley!!!

Okay (rubbing hands together) lets talk library. I have worked in the ward library. It was my first calling. First, pray. It is the Church of Jesus Christ, and if it is His, then He should have a say. My first experience with having the Holy Spirit talk to me during a calling happened in my ward library. It was when I was looking for a hearing device for an older member. Someone had moved them. I was desperately searching in the cabinet they had been in for a long time. The Holy Spirit said, "Stand up, turn around, and look one shelf up." So I stopped my hands, stood up, turned about face, and looked up one shelf. There they were. The Lord is aware of every move in that library.

Okay, next, you are on the right track in thinking about the people who will be using it. Each area of the population has different needs, some based on economic issues, some based on length of time in the gospel, some based on education level (though I have found that it usually does not stay a problem once the Spirit starts to educate them), some based on the amount of time the patrons/members have in using the materials. You also want to consider, are there going to be materials you do not wish to leave the building? How long can patrons/members check things out for? Do members get to come in the library and browse the shelves, or do they stand at the door and request what they need. Organizing the entire library will be based on this. For example, if members can come in and browse and be largely independent, things should be divided as Things Not to Leave the Building, and Things That May Be Checked Out.

Do not limit yourself to enhancing one type of collection. Pictures are an important part of teaching. Many people are visual learners, especially children. FHE can be much better when pictures are included in the materials. Pictures for classes can be numbered and indexed according to principle taught, era, and people who are involved in the action depicted. You might want to consider making a couple of picture kits available for circulation.

Music= again if you have materials that can be checked out you want to have them clearly marked. You must always keep in mind the budget. How many CDs will you need to keep on hand? Copies of Childrens Songbooks? What about small instruments/music time enhancements like sticks with ribbons on the end or shakers.

Movies= you have VHS that need to be copied onto DVD and then archived. Archives are a common thing for libraries. Archives are usually done according to available space, and replacement ability. Some things that you have archived my be available online, some may be the only copy, in which case DVD is a wise decision. There should be a policy on archived video, you may want to check with your Bishop about that. Also, making a good video collection can really boost circulation. Once your video collection is indexed, let the ward know they can be checked out and used in their homes. New members especially cannot get enough of the church videos. When circulation is up, which you can show by keeping records, more funds can reasonably be applied to the library, and in turn invested in those collections.

Magazines= how far back does your church magazine collection go? It may seem obsolete due to the use of the internet, but there is a reason that the library copy of the Ensign disappers for two weeks...sisters especially love to have a physical copy of the Ensign to browse in their down moments. Many members can get a copy of the ht/vt messages from it. You want it to be easily accessible, and yet it is not a good idea to have the most recent copy circulating. Most libraries (secular) keep the current issue of a magazine as a reference material, so it cannot be checked out, and only allow back issues to be checked out. This will allow all members to get a copy of the HT/Vt msg and not just the first person to snag it. My public library puts the current mag issue in a clear folder, held by a metal strip down the inside of the binding. This lets patrons and circulation staff know at a glance which issues can be taken and which must not. The Dec. issue is mucho important in each years collection as it indexes the entire year. You want to keep at least one copy, maybe two, and probably 3 years worth, depending on circulation, which should go up as you make changes to the current system.

Equipment= inventory what equipment is available, what works, what is used, and what is lacking. If you have older members wanting to check out VHS, but all you want circulating are the DVD copies, you may consider a small DVD player available for check out. I know, we're living in a tough economy, but if you want to increase library use, some changes have to be made. It could even be a used one donated by a member who is upgrading their home system, but it really is a good idea, especially if you have members that are challenged in the home entertainment area. The missionaries sometimes have a problem showing new investigators videos when there is no DVD player in their home. If they have one that can be checked out that problem is solved. Other equipment can be microphones, copier, projectors, easels, hearing devices (that should be cleaned), CD players, and classroom materials.

Books, ah, books, well, I'm not going to tell you which ones to make available as I do not claim to have stewardship. Investigators need BOM's and Bibles. You need to keep both in there, a very postive investigator in my ward turned away after finding the library had not one Bible in it. Also you may want to have an amount of Spanish copies. A book collection can be judged on many criteria...age of collection (newer collections are preferable as opposed to dated ones), condition of collection, and use of collection which reflects patron satisfaction. Each of these three categories are examined much the same way, except of usage and patron satisfacation, which is done by poll or survey, but I digress, nothing in the church of Jesus Christ is done by popular opinion, all is under direction, it is a house of order after all. Which ones to use as reference, and which to be circulated? Be aware that newer members could wish to read some of these, seeking meat when they are only ready for milk. Line upon line and all that.

Anyway, if you start adding books that have been donated, BEWARE there is a trap, a pitfall if you will. Once people see donated books being circulated by the library, they will donate books and expect them to be included in the collection. These will inevitably include fiction. Yes there LDS romance books (much to my surprise) that members regard as being doctrinally instructive!!! Be prepared, therefore, when you have sisters (those kind little sisters with their little ones clinging to their skirts) who will tearfully hand you a brown paper bag stuffed to the brim with their favorite page-turners, and honestly believing that they are doing the ward a monumental service, be ready to explain to them why their books will never be seen lining the shelves when your personal favorites are being carried about the ward.

Displays are a great idea. You don't have to have one permanently, but displays are amazingly dynamic. Displays will be the greatest, fastest method to show members what is available that interests them. Some will want videos, some old books, some new books, some music, and so on. Displays are the best way to advertise. They speak for themselves when you are too busy doing other things, and are a reminder to many to stop by the library. Eavesdrop when you see people looking at the display, ask them what type of things they would like to see. Share with them what is newly available. This will increase circulation.

Records. Why keep a record? This will help you chart was is used, and what you need to get more of. If there are high demand items, you might want to put a shorter limit on circulation turn around. When it comes time to ask for more funds, these numbers can really help. They will help you determine where to spend the money after the manuals are purchased and distributed.

Edited January 27, 2012 by jayanna

[Over43]

Book fo Mormon Compendium by Sjodahl and Reynolds.