Setting up a Library: Church/Synagogue
This guide will provide an overview of resources common to all types of libraries, along with some references for some specific situations.
Setting up a Church, Synagogue, or other Religious Library
Resources to help set up a congregational library in a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious institutions.
- The Church and Synagogue Library AssociationThe Church and Synagogue Library Association provides educational guidance and support in the establishment and management of library services in religious congregations. While the Church and Synagogue Library Association dissolved in August 2017, they revived their website in 2019 to serve as a historical record and a placeholder for any future CSLA developments.
- Congregational Libraries TodayQuarterly journal of the Church and Synagogue Library Association
- The Association of Jewish Libraries--Synagogue, School & Center (SSC) DivisionThe SSC division of the Association of Jewish Libraries provides resources specifically for synagogue libraries.
- Catholic Library AssociationThe Catholic Library Association provides support for libraries in Catholic churches.
- Catholic Library Association PublicationsPublications of the Catholic Library Association, including Catholic Library World and A Handbook for Church Librarians
- Starting a Church LibraryDetailed guide to starting a church library from the Evangelical Church Library Association.
- Church and Synagogue Libraries WorldCat listPublished guidance for staff operating libraries in community religious institutions, such as churches and synagogues, including resources useful for those establishing a church or synagogue library for the first time
- List of Library Cataloging Software from the Church and Synagogue Library Association [Archived as of August 2017]The Church and Synagogue Library Association has compiled a list of cataloging software designed to be used by smaller libraries.