Hello. I am new here and to running a church library. I am the children's minister and have just taken over the volunteer position of running the library and in return I get my own office. We have a very nice library that I do not believe is used very much. Currently it is self serve and works by people filling out a library card and leaving it in the basket when they check out the books. Everything is written by hand and I believe the current processing system takes a while to find all of the information. I would at least like to put our catalog on the computer. Money is an issue. I would love to have something that i can type in the ISBN and get the information I need. I was looking at libib and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this and had any insight or tips or even just any tips to help me get started. Our previous librarian's life has become overwhelming and I believe I have several books that need ot be processed.
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I use the pro version of Libib and love it! The big win for us was that you can create an online website where your congregation can view the library and place items on hold as well.
We looked at LibraryThing, but between the two, thought Libib was more intuitive and nicer to use.
Susan, thanks for your hard work. My sympathy to you and family in the loss of your loved one. Through the library, his memory and name can be everlasting established with the memorial of a book.
Yes, I have purchased a couple that he liked over the holiday and will donate them in his name from myself and from our daughter. We are very blessed because he died a very holy death and was very close to Our Lord and Savior so I have no worries for his soul.
So sorry Susan, to hear of your hubby's death, but glad you have found a special place to get yourself "back into circulation!" I think working to get fresh materials is great, and if you have kids' books hopefully parents will check out too!
One thing I have found about getting volunteers is to find many ways for them to help. Nowadays, many people will volunteer for a one-time job of an hour or two, and then later on perhaps decide to help in other ways, so try to offer a few work days or special tasks that can be done without much expertise. Things like changing a bulletin board quarterly, or wiping off covers of children's books, etc. You could even hang up or place at the check-out counter a clipboard with several tasks listed or a general sign-up for an upcoming workday, etc. I have several ladies who help out on work days but don't want to commit to working behind the counter.
One year I had a volunteer simply go through all the books and underline the last checkout on the card with a colored pen. We had just moved the library. Now, years later, if we see that there are still no checkouts after the line, it's definitely time to weed. They can also check to be sure the right card is in the pocket.
When we ask for new helpers to run the library between the services, we advertise it as a "mini-ministry" - and we try to maintain a team of two people for each Sunday. We have 4 regular teams and each team is assigned a specific Sunday (1st, 2nd, etc.) We have a special team that just does the 5th Sunday and subs as needed. This way, each one knows their regular shift and they don't get burnt out from an every Sunday commitment. We have a calendar posted and we pencil in our names by the end of the previous month. Any team that can't do their Sunday can trade with another team by mutual consent, and then change the names on the calendar. This way, I can check at any time and know who's on duty. Hope these ideas help!
I used Microsoft Excel for all of my needs and it's free on your computer. I just retired and the committee is transferring everything to LibraryThing which is also free. They are using the barcode on the book as a guide. When I started in the 1990's there wasn't the software that is available now. I would have gone the route of scanning if I could have. I know other churches have successfully used LibraryThing as well. I suggest that you WEED the books before you use any software. It is a task but in the end, you'll have a clean and fresh library. Do not take any "hand me downs" that are older than 1990's at this time. You don't want to have a dated library from the start. Be firm. I have a Procedure Policy that I would be willing to share with you. Just reply and I'll attach a copy for you.
Bev, I am not Virginia but would be interested in seeing your procedure policy! I just took over our Parish Library. It is just about to reopen after having the materials in storage for about two years while our Church built a new building. I am blessed to be working in a beautiful new space and we have a good computerized system. However, while I just pulled hundreds of duplicates from our collection, I have a lot more weeding to do. I am also trying to develop a policies and procedures manual for our library, which will include guidelines for accepting items into our library.
Susan, I have attached the file named Policies & Procedures. I adapted the guideline in accordance with our church (I was part of the Christian Education Committee, but reported directly to our Senior Pastor. So feel free to adapt. If you cannot open the document (I've never done an attachment on this website before), write back and I'll send you a hard copy. Blessings for your work waiting for a new library. When a person brings in a book to donate, I hand them the Procedures & Policies form so that they know from the start that their donation is not a given to be included. Ask if they want the book back if you do not want to include. I've had the experience of very gracious people and some that even called me a few unnecessary names. People get real personal about handing over books. Be firm. Refer them to the pastor or your "upper level person". Don't get caught in the middle. Good luck.
Policies & Procedures for the Library.doc
Thank you so much for this! I was able to open it without any issues. We have a library committee that I have to answer to, but the upside is I can blame them! LOL
We do plan to have some limited controversial materials and materials for the purpose of establishing ecumenical relations and unity, but those items will be clearly marked.
I also have a "Wish List" started so if people want to buy a book for the library they can pick from something we actually want!
Excellent idea for a wish list. Then you don't have to deal with unwanted donations. Yet with human nature, some people are determined to "give away" their mothers/grandmothers items and they assume that the library will take them. If you feel so inclined, indicate with your wish list, the items that you already have an abundance of (i.e. Amish fiction) and hopefully they will notice. I also have a 3 ring binder at the Information Desk where families can give a book in honor/memory of a loved one. Parents/grandparents love to remember a child's birthday or sponsors a baptism. They sign up for the specific date for remembrance and I usually have a supply of books (age appropriate) to select from and insert a bookplate in the front of the book. I charge $15 for each book donation. That amounts to about half the cost of some books, but I take the balance of the cost from my budget. Peace and blessings to you.
Yes! I just presented the donation idea at the library committee meeting. The way that I think we will do it is that the person can purchase a book from the wish list that is in the price range of what they want to spend and then I'll put the donation label in it before it goes on the shelf. I am going to make a donation myself in honor of my husband who passed away this past March.
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