History of Church Libraries

[Sarah]

Greetings to all!!!

 

I am seeking information concerning the history of Church Libraries, from their early origins to the present day. This includes their development over time.

If you could recommend an e-book, that would be appreciated, or alternatively, share any relevant information, If you have any printed books on this topic in your libraries.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in providing pertinent information regarding the History of Church Libraries.

 

With thanks and regards.

[Paul T. Jackson]

I found this set quite interesting regarding the collections in churches and religious institutions.

 

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📚 Books on the History of Church and Monastic Libraries

1. Libraries and the Organization of Knowledge in the Middle Ages – Malcolm B. Parkes

• Covers how knowledge was classified, stored, and accessed in church and monastic libraries.

2. The Medieval Libraries of Great Britain – N.R. Ker

• A detailed catalog and study of libraries held in British religious institutions during the Middle Ages.

3. Scriptorium and Library at Monte Cassino – Francis Newton

• Focuses on one of the most important monastic libraries of the early Middle Ages (Monte Cassino in Italy, founded by St. Benedict).

4. The Library of the Church: A Guide to the History and Use of Church Libraries – John T. Ensor

• Offers practical and historical insights into church libraries, primarily from a Protestant tradition.

5. Libraries in the Ancient World – Lionel Casson

• Not solely focused on churches, but includes discussion of early Christian libraries within the broader Greco-Roman tradition.

6. The Cambridge History of Libraries in Britain and Ireland (3 vols.)

• Especially Volume 1: To 1640, which discusses cathedral and monastic libraries in depth.

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🏛️ Themes You Might Explore

• Monastic scriptoria: Where monks copied texts, including the Bible, patristic writings, and classical works.

• The role of cathedral schools: Centers of learning before the rise of universities.

• The dissolution of the monasteries (16th c.): How church libraries were scattered or destroyed.

• Reformation & church libraries: Shifts in how books were collected and what was preserved or banned.

• Parish libraries in England (17th–18th c.): Early public-access religious libraries.

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[Sarah]

Thank you. You have provided a substantial number of collections. I will review them.

[Pat Shufeldt]

Church and Synagogue Libraries, edited by John F. Harvey. (Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, c1980).   I don't know that it is available as an ebook, but you can probably borrow a copy through your public library's Interlibrary Loan service. 

Contents

Introduction: The American church and synagogue library world / John F. Harvey -- Part I. Overview -- History of religion, education and libraries / Theodore Wiener -- Collection development in church and synagogue libraries / Jacqulyn Anderson -- The demography of American church and synagogie libraries / Joyce L. White -- Architecture and finance / G. Martin Ruoss -- Part II. Jewish libraries -- Synagogue, temple and Jewish center libraries / Helen B. Greif -- The relationship of the synagogue school and its library / Maurice S. Truchman -- The temple library, Cleveland / Miriam Leikind -- Part III. Catholic libraries -- Roman Catholic church libraries / Jane F. Hindman -- The cathedral library, Baltimore / Adele-Ethel Reidy -- Part IV. Protestant and other Christian libraries -- Lutheran church libraries / Wilma W. Jensen -- Southern Baptist church libraries / Wayne E. Todd -- Libraries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints / David M. Mayfield and LaMond F. Beatty -- United Methodist church libraries / Maryann J. Dotts -- United Presbyterian church libraries / Ruth H. Winters -- Episcopal church library activities / Claudia Hannaford -- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) libraries / Fay Wiseman Grosse -- The Bethesda United Methodist Church library / Ruth S. Smith -- Part V. Religious library associations -- The Catholic Library Association parish and community libraries / Bernadette Young -- The Association of Jewish Libraries / Mae Weine -- The Church and Synagogue Library Association / Dorothy J. Rodda -- Notes on contributors.

[Sarah]

Thank you. A lot of collections you have given. I will check the availability. . 

 

With regards,

Caro

[Marty Woodall]

library.samford.edu › special › baptist-collection 

Samford Universary has the Alabama Baptist Historical Society. they have a lot of information about our organization. ( I know because I gave it to them). At one time it was not unusual to have a 3 day conference at Shocco Springs Conference center with 150 or more attendees and 12 - 15 different conference leaders. I really miss that time. 

[Sarah]

Thank you. The special library collections and the history is useful. 

With regards,

Caro

[Morlee Maynard]

Sarah, are you interested in history of individual church libraries? Or broad history of church libraries? Or all of the above?

[Sarah]

Morlee,

Greetings!

I have started the discussion for broad history of church libraries.

I wish to document the history of church libraries from their origins to the digital age, So that we can trace the evolution of library practices, their role within the church, and the impact of digital technologies.

This documentation is for looking at different time periods and developments, such as the ways church libraries serve their communities and Pastors/ Leaders.

And Your information regarding Southern Baptist Church libraries is also helpful in case study.

Study of specific church library and their digital initiatives may be a guide to other libraries to build their own. 

Thank you for that.

 

[Barb Sagraves]

Hi,

Since you are starting with a broad history of church libraries that brings to mind the earliest works of Christianity.  The Vatican library has a history page: 

https://www.vaticanlibrary.va/en/the-library/history-of-BAV.html

I would also consider some of the early monastic centers and the work done in copying manuscripts. 

Best wishes.

Barb.

[Sarah]

Thank you.  I have got more inputs from your suggestion. 

 

With Thanks and Regards

Caro