Sarah Mitchell
Organizing a library can be a very personal affair, and there is no one correct way to do it. However, for those looking to organize a Catholic library, there are several resources and methods to consider. The design, contents, and organization of a library can reflect the interests and values of its owner or its intended users. This is especially important for Catholic libraries, which often aim to provide educational and spiritual guidance to their patrons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Design | Personal |
| Contents | Books, articles, electronic books, PDFs, Word docs, audiobooks, MP3s, videos, blog posts |
| Organization | By themes (Catholic, Culture, Conservative), by categories (Saints, Biographies, Popes), by subcategories (New Testament, Gospels, Greek, Individual NT Books, etc.), by authors, by names |
| Tools | Zotero, Libib Pro, Library Things, Dewey Decimal System, Sears Subject Headings, QR codes, spine labels, colour stickers |
| Resources | Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources, The Church Librarian’s Handbook, A Classification System for Church Libraries, Baker Exegetical Commentaries, Word Biblical Commentaries, New Bible Commentary, International Bible Commentary, Baker Commentary on the Bible, Bible Knowledge Commentary |
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What You'll Learn
Categorisation by subject matter
When it comes to categorising a library by subject matter, there are a few different approaches you can take. One common method is to divide the books into broad categories such as fiction and non-fiction, as seen in public libraries. Within these broad categories, books can be further organised by genre or topic. For example, within the fiction section, you might have shelves dedicated to specific genres such as science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance. Similarly, in the non-fiction section, you could have shelves for history, science, philosophy, and so on.
However, when it comes to a Catholic library, there may be a need for more specific categorisations that align with the themes and subjects relevant to Catholic teachings and beliefs. For instance, you could have separate sections for Catholic apologetics, Catholic theology, and Catholic saints' biographies. This approach ensures that users can easily find books related to specific aspects of the Catholic faith.
Another way to categorise the books in a Catholic library is by creating themes for different walls or sections of the library. For example, one wall could be dedicated to Catholic-themed books, another to Culture, and a third to Conservative themes. This approach allows for a visual representation of the different subject matters and creates a unique browsing experience for visitors.
Additionally, within each of these broader categories, you can further organise the books by author or title to make it easier for users to locate specific books. This hybrid approach combines subject categorisation with alphabetical organisation, providing a comprehensive system for your Catholic library.
Finally, it is worth noting that the Dewey Decimal System, a traditional library classification method, might not be the best fit for a Catholic library due to its secular nature. Instead, consider utilising alternative classification systems like Sears Subject Headings or Libib Pro, which offer more flexibility and are better suited to the unique subject matter of Catholic libraries.
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Using the Dewey Decimal System
The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), commonly known as the Dewey Decimal System, is a library classification system that allows new books to be added to a library in their appropriate location based on subject. It was first published in the United States by Melvil Dewey in 1876 and has since been adopted by libraries in at least 135 countries. The system is especially useful for small libraries and is recognized worldwide, allowing for consistency across different libraries.
DDC organizes library materials by discipline or field of study. The scheme comprises ten classes, each divided into ten divisions, with each division further divided into ten sections. The system's notation uses Indo-Arabic numbers, with three whole numbers making up the main classes and sub-classes, and decimals designating further divisions. Libraries can trim right-most decimal digits from the class number to obtain more general classifications. For example, 500 represents Natural Sciences and Mathematics, 510 narrows it down to Mathematics, and 516.3 to Analytic Geometries.
DDC allows for efficient book organization and makes it easier for librarians to maintain collections. It is flexible, allowing for expansion to cover special aspects of general subjects. A unique classification number is assigned to each book, making it possible to locate and return any book to its proper place on the library shelves.
DDC is continually revised to keep up with new knowledge, with editors proposing revisions and expansions that are reviewed by an international board. These updates ensure that the classification system evolves with new subjects and modern knowledge fields.
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Organising electronic resources
While organizing a library is a personal affair, there are tools and systems that can help with the process. The Catholic Library Association, for example, provides support for libraries in Catholic churches.
For electronic resources, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can use a platform like DSpace to store, organize, and retrieve electronic documents. However, reference management and remote access may not be possible with this platform. Another option is Mendeley, which offers 24/7 access from anywhere and is designed for users who want to organize their personal research collections on their desktops or laptops. Alternatively, you can create a LibraryThing account to catalogue your resources with links to their location on your computer. Google Drive is another useful tool, allowing you to organize files and perform quick searches within folders.
To organize electronic resources by subject, you can utilize databases. Databases are organized around specific subjects or academic areas, making it easier to find relevant resources. Additionally, consider using apps like Libib Pro or Library Things, which can help with subject and inventory location and provide the benefit of creating an Accession file.
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Arranging by target audience
When it comes to arranging a Catholic library by target audience, there are several factors and approaches to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions:
Identify Target Audiences
Firstly, it is essential to determine the specific groups you intend to serve with your Catholic library. This could include a diverse range of audiences, such as young children (pre-readers), beginning readers, older children, pre-teens, teens, married couples, parents, homeschoolers, church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and the elderly. By understanding the needs and interests of these target audiences, you can effectively organise your collection to cater to their unique requirements.
Categorise Content Appropriately
Once you've identified your target audiences, you can begin organising the library's content accordingly. For younger audiences, consider creating sections dedicated to picture books, early readers, and interactive titles that engage and educate. For teens and young adults, offer a range of fiction and non-fiction options, including books that explore relevant themes and topics they can relate to. For married couples and parents, provide resources on relationships, parenting, and family life within the context of Catholic teachings. Homeschoolers and students may benefit from educational materials that align with their curriculum, and church leaders and teachers may appreciate a dedicated section for theological studies, sermon preparation, and spiritual guidance.
Offer a Variety of Media
Different target audiences often prefer different media formats. For children, consider offering audiobooks, interactive DVDs, and even digital resources that combine entertainment and education. For teens, young adults, and adults, maintain a selection of magazines, journals, and periodicals that cater to their interests and provide thought-provoking content. Don't forget to include alternative formats such as CDs, videocassettes, and CD-ROMs for those who prefer them. By offering a diverse range of media, you ensure that your Catholic library serves the varying preferences and learning styles of your patrons.
Stay Relevant and Up-to-Date
To effectively serve your target audiences, ensure that your Catholic library remains relevant and up-to-date. Stay informed about new releases, best-sellers, and recommended titles within the Catholic publishing industry. Resources like "Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources" by John Glynn can help you identify "must-have" titles for your collection. Additionally, consider including a section for donated books that aligns with your audiences' interests, ensuring a constant flow of fresh content.
Utilise Appropriate Classification Systems
When organising your Catholic library by target audience, consider employing classification systems that cater to specific age groups or interests. While the Dewey Decimal Classification System is widely used, some Catholic libraries may find it too secular for their distinct subject titles. In such cases, creating your own classification system or utilising colour-coding and stickers for subject headings can be more flexible and intuitive for patrons. Alternatively, resources like "A Handbook for Church Librarians" published by the Catholic Library Association can offer valuable guidance on establishing and managing Catholic church libraries.
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Grouping by author
While there is no one correct way to organize a library, and the design and organization are very personal, there are a few systems that can be used to organize a Catholic library by author.
One system is the Dewey Decimal System, which is a widely used method for organizing books by subject. It uses numbers with decimal points and includes ten main sections: Computer Science, Information and General Works; Philosophy and Psychology; Religion; Social Sciences; Language; Science; Technology; Arts and Recreation; Literature; and History and Geography. However, this system has been criticized for being too secular for Catholic libraries and not allowing for distinct subject titles.
Another option is the Library of Congress Classification System, which uses a combination of letters and numbers to organize books and is commonly used in university and college libraries. While this system provides more specific categories, it also reflects biases, such as favoring American history over world history and grouping books on women's history and achievements with family management.
Alternatively, a simple approach is to group books by author, alphabetically, within broader subject categories. This method allows for flexibility and can be easily adapted to the specific needs of a Catholic library. For example, within the subject of Catholic theology, books can be further organized by author, placing the works of Augustine, Aquinas, and other prominent Catholic theologians together.
In addition to these methods, there are numerous ways to customize the organization of a Catholic library. Some individuals choose to group books by author based on personal connections or interests, such as placing authors who are friends or whose works share similar themes together. Press-specific sections can also be created, separating books published by different presses or imprints.
Ultimately, the organization of a Catholic library by author can be tailored to the specific collection and the preferences of those using and managing the library.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to organize a Catholic library. You can organize books by subject matter, keeping categories simple and using Libib Pro or Library Things apps to help with subject and inventory location. You can also use the Dewey Decimal System, which is widely used by church libraries, or the Sears Subject Headings.
There are several resources that can help you organize your Catholic library. The Church Librarian’s Handbook by Betty McMichael is a detailed guide to starting a church library. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources, by John Glynn, gives lists of "best buys" and "recommended" books. The Gospel Coalition and Desiring God also have useful topical indexes to help you organize your categories. Additionally, the free program Zotero can help you organize and track your books.
In addition to books, you may want to include magazines, audiocassettes, DVDs, videocassettes, and CD-ROMs. You can also include electronic books, PDFs, Word documents, audiobooks, MP3s, videos, and blog posts.
