I am in desperate need of help.
Our library is under the umbrella of our church's Education Committee. This committee has put a halt to purchasing books until a "process" is developed in which books are approved for purchase.
With the exception of children's books (approved through our children's minister) I am now unable to buy any books without this process - and no one can agree on what to do.
One suggestion is to have someone read the book before purchase. That sounds clunky, time prohibitive and a lot to ask of members. While I have no problem with people reading books ahead of time, it just doesn't sound like a reasonable policy for ALL books (fiction and non-fiction).
Another suggestion is to provide two or three third party reviews (Kirkus, Christian Library Journal, etc) of the book and have a committee say yes or no based on the reviews. Then maybe requiring a majority vote of yes for the purchase.
I can't speak for other churches, but our church has gone through phases of having no fiction and only strict theological books to having Christian fiction in addition. We now have a policy of allowing "uplifting books", or books that have a "positive message." Which includes biographies and more current reads.
The problem with the more broad definition of "uplifting" etc is that it is subjective and there is always that one member of the committee that holds up the process because something is too subjective.
We are at a complete standstill. There is no agreement. Something has to give. I'm trying hard not to inject my opinion into this post because I don't want to influence anyone's answers.
What do you all do when deciding what books to purchase?
I am desperate. Please help.
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Update...
I successfully made the case that having someone read the book was not a requirement to purchasing a book. Thank you to all of you for your input and prayers regarding this.
There are no plans to give the library its own committee, and no immediate plans to add me to the Ed Committee as a standing member.
Overall I'm pleased with the meeting. I know it isn't about what I want, but what God wants, so we will move on from here.
Thank you all!
Sharln
My heart rejoices with you! Thank you, God.
Congratulations! One step at a time, and continue to have patience and peace that God will lead.
The most used section of our library is the Christian Fiction section. I sometimes let some of these readers go ahead and read books before they are cataloged. They are my proof readers. I have recently pulled books by two different authors. One of these Christian authors was very popular for a while. I considered her a trusted author because I trusted my ladies to tell me if books weren't appropriate for the library. So, I hadn't read her books but when I did, I couldn't believe no one had complained. If I weren't Librarian, I would have had strong objections to her books. I think I even suggested her on this site in another thread. I had discussions with two of the ladies in our church about her books. One opinion was that her books show the consequences of sin - which is true but the sin is repeated over and over throughout the series and by almost all of the family members. I pray I have no confrontations over this.
I need to look at the Mediagraphies on this site. I don't think I've seen it.
Fiction is the most-used area in our library, as well...in the adult section, anyway. Our kids' area gets quite a bit of traffic also.
We have quite a variety of books in our fiction section, and no one person in the church would like or possibly approve of everything in it. We have older ladies who love Amish fiction and similar books; we have younger women who like mysteries and suspense; we have men who have discovered Stephen Lawhead and the like. I am fairly sure that there are people in each of these groups who would not consider reading a book from the other categories. So for us, having someone have to read and approve a book would be pretty hard. As I said before, we do take input from readers, and we "consider the source" when listening to what they have to say. We have "16+" labels which we put on the spines of books which contain adult themes, as an indication that they are not suitable for young teens.
Now you have me curious who it was I read one the other day that was 2 in one by different authors the 1st I could have but the 2nd no way It was a donated book so I put it in the pile to take to the used book store for credit on 'new' books
I did learn that Thomas Nelson is now owned by HaperCollins when I read a couple that were marginal it is their Christian division
Interesting! I'll be watching the Thomas Nelson literature a bit more closely. Thank you.
Debbie ~ I believe I understand what you're saying.
We too have proof readers and people know they can bring any concerns to the Library. When I stepped up to be librarian 2 years ago, I began to take closer look at the books. It seems as if I'm more conservative in my thinking than others at my church. I'm in the midst of trying to figure out what we should or should not keep in the Christian fiction section.
Even with a policy, you sometimes have grey areas. This is where prayer & discernment come into play.
It is good to talk with others (of mature faith) about what is appropriate & what is not. For instance, I've discussed a particular book with 3-4 people (trusted, stable Christians) in order to make a decision to keep or not keep that certain title. Others brought insight to my decision-making process which I appreciate greatly.
Best wishes Sharin!
Thank you all for thoughtful responses.
Just to clarify some things. I wrote a book selection policy last year that was voted on and approved by the Education Committee. Since that time, plenty of books were purchased and approved by this committee.
For whatever reason, they decided that the process didn't work for them. Without consulting me (the librarian that they voted on and approved) they sprung this decision on me. Their decision, again without my input, was to require someone to read the book before it is purchased. They never resolved the issue of who is to pay for and/or acquire the book before it is purchased.
To make matters a little more interesting, my husband is the chair of this committee. He has taken the hands off approach and let the others debate the issue, rather than getting involved. In this case, I really don't blame him. I have asked multiple times to be able to speak at their meetings, and I'm hopeful that I finally will be able to make my case at the end of the month.
My suggestion to the committee will be to remove the requirement that the book be read first. Their argument is that if someone isn't willing to read the book, then it shouldn't be in the library. I personally find that to be faulty logic, but I understand that we all want the same thing, for the library to be used and to be a blessing to our members. Rather than require someone read the book, I will suggest that if the book is included in the published mediagraphies on this website, or if the book is to replace an old edition, lost, or damaged book that the book be purchased without approval necessary. I am fine having a panel of people approve books, but I would suggest that they make their decisions based on book reviews and/or recommendations, rather than having it be read. I pray that this will be an acceptable compromise, and that we can finally put this issue to bed.
I truly believe that God wants me to be there. I am passionate about this space in our church. I have received nothing but positive feedback and praise. Circulation has increased. I am coming off of a very successful summer reading program for the children in our church. I would add more programs, but at this point, it is only me in the library.
A few church members have already noticed that there have been no new books in a long while. I pray that we can compromise and resolve this issue. I ask for your prayers also.
Thank you all.
Any updates? Have you been able to meet with the Education Committee? May God give you wisdom as you relate.
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