Church Librarian Job Description

Choosing a well-qualified candidate for church librarian is crucial.

Under the direction of a pastor or church board, a church librarian supports a church's goals to educate and provide spiritual direction to its members. There are no educational requirements. These unpaid volunteers learn on the job. The church librarian is responsible for organizing library books and other materials, keeping track of books lent to churchgoers and promoting the library. Without a librarian, a church library is just a roomful of books.

Organize the Library

Good organizational skills create order from chaos

Church librarians organize materials. The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Church Librarians' Organization suggests organizing books according to the Dewey Decimal System, using color codes or labels on bookshelves. The National Church Library Association advises against casual organizational systems that may become ineffective as the library grows.

Establish Library Procedures

Rules keep the church library running smoothly.

In the April 1961 issue of "The Library Quarterly," F. Allen Briggs recalls a simpler time when church libraries were small and simple, but times have changed. A church librarian is responsible for setting rules to ensure that the library runs smoothly. These can include setting a limit on the number of books borrowed at one time, the length of time books are borrowed, whether or not to charge overdue fines, hours of operation and which books will remain in the library for reference purposes.

Publicize the Library

Church librarians promote library services to church members

A church librarian uses creative ways to promote the library. The church bulletin or newsletter is a good place to announce the arrival of new books. Attractive book displays in the church library or church vestibule increase interest in books on subjects related to sermons. Periodically an open house with light refreshments will bring in new church members and remind others that the library is a welcoming function of the church.

Financial Responsibilities

A church librarian plans the library budget

Depending upon the church, a church library receives its funds from the church budget, proceeds from book fairs or through monetary donations. Either way, a church librarian is responsible for the prudent purchase of books, audio visual materials, book and shelf labels, date due slips and furniture. The church librarian must keep thorough records of all purchases. The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Church Librarians' Organization advises creating a book donation policy. Without clearly defined guidelines, a church librarian risks alienating church members who donate obsolete or inappropriate books.

Train Other Librarians

Have a backup plan

In case of illness, a church librarian should have a trained substitute ready to keep the library in good working order. A helpful student already familiar with procedures can fill in temporarily, however, a well-written manual prepared in advance of any emergency will go a long way in assuring the continued operation of the church library.

Benefits

Church librarians do not receive a salary. But church librarians with a strong commitment to their church library recognize their part in providing spiritual guidance to other church members.

References

• "The Library Quarterly"; The Sunday School Library in the Nineteenth Century; F. Allen Briggs; April 1961
• Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Church Librarians' Organization
• National Church Library Association

Resources

• "The Church Library: An Outline of Procedure;" by Erma Jean Loveland, 2003