Library and Information Science Commons^™

Bible Software, Michael Bain

The Christian Librarian

This article is a statement of unbridled praise for the present state of software available for Bible studies, particularly in the use of the Biblical text in its original languages and alphabets. After giving examples of various products related to Bible study, the article turns to descriptions and comparisons of three programs, Gramcord, Logos, and BibleWorks.

The Beginnings Of A Small Ethiopian, Organizational Leadership Library Collaborative, Evelyn Shimazu Yee

The Christian Librarian

An Azusa Pacific University Reference Librarian describes the logistical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of a library building journey to Ethiopia which brought the means for a successful implementation of a new small academic library to hundreds of university students in the African country. Discusses the positive impact of the Christian global community on the university’s global distributed learning programs, the academic program in Ethiopia included well-attended Organizational Leadership courses through the university’s Operation Impact Program supported by the new library.

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

William Tyndale As An Evangelical Theologian, Donald Dean Smeeton Ph.D.

The Christian Librarian

William Tyndale is rightly remembered as a sixteenth century Bible translator, but he was also a significant contributor to the formation of the English language and, more importantly, he was a theologian. This article highlights Tyndale’s contribution in each of these three areas and shows that his theology is compatible with ACL’s Statement of Faith. His theology motivated and guided his work as a translator and as a polemical and exegetical theologian.

Managing Up: Subtle But Effective Communication With The “Powers That Be”, Lindsay L. Van Sicklen

The Christian Librarian

There are plenty of resources on managing employees but only in recent years has there been an emphasis on managing those to whom we report. The article entitled “Social Styles and the Art of Managing Up” by John R. Darling published in the Journal of Academic Librarianship in 1987 was the springboard for a lively discussion that included seven library directors and eight individuals from a variety of positions.

Weeding The Circulating Collection At Bailey Library, Mick Williams Ma, Mls

The Christian Librarian

The weeding process used at Nyack College’s Bailey Library involves a year-round, piecemeal approach during a five-year cycle. The weeding of the circulating collection involves roles for student assistants, librarians, and teaching faculty, and is designed to be user-friendly and yet contain necessary checks and balances.

An Unhealthy Case Of Mold, Mary S. Lane

The Christian Librarian

Mold is a serious problem which threatens the well-being of both collections and staff. Preventative maintenance and a good disaster plan are the most effective way of handling mold. However, unforeseen circumstances can infect a library; in which case, librarians must be able to recognize and treat the problem immediately. Finances can affect the manner in which the mold is cleaned. Librarians need to be aware of a variety of options open to them, as well as, a variety of resources upon whom to call in the event of a breakout. A low budget process is presented as an alternative …

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 50:1)

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Integrating E-Books Into The Collection: Some Practical Considerations, John Doncevic, Kathryn Floyd

The Christian Librarian

About five years ago, when many believed digitization would become the panacea for libraries, some of our colleagues predicted that e-books would supplant print. For example, Andrew Pace wrote in 2000: “In five years e-book sales will match those of traditional print; in ten years, e-books will outsell print. There is little doubt left in my mind – e-books are among us and are here to stay.”1 While the proliferation of e-books has not matched the lofty predictions, the availability and usability of e-books is expanding each year. The options for reader and search platforms have increased, more titles are …

The Nine Commandments, J. Ray Doerksen

The Christian Librarian

Recently, I found a file of old letters in the attic. Gently opening the folder, I noticed one unusual manuscript among the yellowing documents. It looked new, even though I was confident that this file had not been touched for decades. What was this letter, and why was it in such pristine condition? Curiosity got the best of me, and taking the paper in my hand, I began to read: My Dear Bookworm, You know how Our Father Below successfully tempted Eve in the Garden many years ago. Our Father appealed to the creature’s pride by convincing her that through …

Utilizing Online Software For Surveys, Alice B. Ruleman

The Christian Librarian

In institutions where assessment is part of our everyday vocabulary, we are always looking for ways to collect the data that we need in a more efficient manner. Online surveys may be one answer. There are some major advantages in using online surveys but there are also some critical disadvantages especially concerning representative population samples. In order to make an informed decision, we need to determine if and how these advantages and disadvantages affect our situation. We also need to understand what features are offered in these programs so that we can select a program that meets our own needs …

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 50:2)

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Reaching Out To The Faculty: Providing Subject-Specific Academic Resources, John Jaeger

The Christian Librarian

Library journals frequently have articles emphasizing the large gulf that seems to exist between academic librarians and teaching faculty members.1 Librarians view this divide as a serious problem and have suggested different strategies to overcome it. Ideas that have received particular prominence include establishing library liaison relationships, providing course-integrated instruction, and encouraging library/faculty research collaboration.

This article focuses primarily on a different method of engaging the faculty. Regularly sending teaching faculty helpful articles and web sites related to their academic disciplines is an easy and effective way to do outreach.

Preparing For Abhe Accreditation: Suggestions For Essential Elements 7 And 11, Carol Reid

The Christian Librarian

What can you do to bring your library up to the ABHE Standards for Accreditation? At the 2006 ACL Conference, a panel of librarians (Patty Agee, Tony Garrett, and Carol Reid) looked at two essential elements of the requirements to see how our libraries measured up. Our areas were the library’s relationships with the faculty (essential element number seven) and with the information technology personnel on our campuses (number eleven). After examining the new Library Guidelines for ABHE Colleges and Universities, which are posted on the ACL website as a member benefit under the Bible College section link, we graded …

Improve Your Church Library, John Engle

The Christian Librarian

I began my journey as librarian for my church sometime at the end of 2004. I truly enjoyed the library experience at my previous church and wanted my new church home to offer a wide variety of great materials for our congregation. The good news for me was that we already had a room and materials that served as our church library. The bad news was that most of the materials were really outdated and only a very few people were using the library. So, I took a step back and devised a strategy for bringing our library back to …

Frontmatter (The Christian Librarian 50:3)

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Rural Libraries Of Romania, Libraries And The Information Infrastructure Of Rural Romania, Mary Ann Buhler

The Christian Librarian

In May 2005 faculty and students from Emporia State University and Ball State University visited Lunca Ilvei, a small mountain village in rural Romania, to gather qualitative information on its information infrastructure. Researchers interviewed diverse village residents, taking field notes, documenting field observations, and conducting surveys, all recorded photographically.

This paper focuses on Lunca Ilvei’s libraries and how they fit into the village’s information structure. It reports on the research findings and suggests ways to help village residents address their information needs.

Democracy In Action For God, Adam Holland

The Christian Librarian

A recent graduate reflects on becoming involved in a socially aware and progressive profession. This involvement leads to a conclusion that Christian librarians can share professional activities despite having distinct motivations.

The G. Allen Fleece Library Goes To Prison, Jo Ann Rhodes

The Christian Librarian

Preparing a library and setting up library services in a state prison setting presents some unique challenges for the planners. The librarians at the G. Allen Fleece Library at Columbia International University have recently faced such a challenge as they participated with other college officials in the Prison Initiative Program planning and preparation. Tools provided by the Association of Christian Librarians proved exceptionally helpful in the planning and preparation of the library, and in its usability once the program began.

A Christian Librarians Response To Government Secrecy, Dora Wagner

The Christian Librarian

The nature of Christian librarianship requires professionals to remain aware of current political decisions made in our government that directly affect the public’s access to relevant information. Utilizing past literature concerning what it means to practice Christian librarianship and exploring the current administrations’ actions regarding The Freedom of Information Act, the author concludes the Christian library community must educate itself and its patrons and demand honesty and integrity from the government.

Resources Available For Review, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Blogging: Rants, Raves, And Random Thoughts, Linda Jones

The Christian Librarian

Unless you have been asleep or just born in the past three years, you will have found many library articles touting the growth and value of the weblog.1 You may also have attended one of the many technology/library conferences, such as Computers in Libraries, and even an ACL Conference and gone to a presentation on blogs. You will have heard that you must blog, and in conjunction use RSS – whatever that is – if you wish to communicate more effectively with your patrons, your staff, or anyone else.2 Hopping on the blogging bandwagon can “save” your institution, make you …