starting from scratch

[Becky]

I'm going to be organizing a small congregational library over the
summer. Does anyone have any advice for me about how to get started
with Weine? Does anyone know if there is a computer program for Weine?

[Louise & Dan Brown]

Becky, Do you live in the Boston area? The temple librarians from this
region are meeting Friday morning May 9 at Temple Israel, Boston at 9:30
a.m. and it is a great place to discuss mutual concerns.
I started a temple library almosst 40 years ago when our synagogue met
in a church and I had to truck the books back and forth in cartons. I have
always used Weine because of its ease of use, just like the Dewey System.
Even though it isn't updated that often, it works well. My temple
collection is now about 1,500 and would be much more if I had a bigger room.
The backbone of the collection is the reference section, with Talmud, the
Encyclopedia Judaica, Midrash, Hebrew-English dictionaries, etc. Reference
books, especially Talmud, are used weekly at Torah study sessions.
The regular collection has philosophy, Bible, Talmud, commentaries,
customs, ceremonies, rituals, cookbooks, Israel, anti-semitism, Holocaust,
mysticism, biography and fiction, women's issues, outreach (intermarriage),
books for children and young adults, periodicals such as Moment, the
Jerusalem Report, and others.
No. 1 You might want to develop a library policy on various topics such
as : on what categories of books and periodicals you will purchase. (I don't
get popular fiction even if it is Jewishly oriented because they can get it
at the public library)
For example: state that gifts are accepted, but may not be
added to the collection if they do not fit your guidelines.
No. 2 Establish an account with a reputable dealer who will give you a
good discount. I buy from Baker & Taylor as they give a much better
discount to me that the religious bookstores. I also maintain a profile
with them so the books come covered and with catalog cards if available. (I
adapt them)
No. 3 Your policy might also say how you will select books, i.e., from
reviews, recommendations. I find the journal from the Association of Jewish
Libraries is an excellent source for selecting acquisitions.
No. 4 When books arrive, I use Weine to select classification numbers
and subject headings. Since my library is not yet automated, I make a main
card, by author usually and a shelflist card arranged by Weine number. The
books get a pocket, book card and label for shelf arrangement. You can
order some of these items from Demco or Bro-Dart library suppliers. The
local public library gives me pockets which they don't use.
No. 5. Publicize your new acquisitions. Shelf them on a special shelf
of new books. Annotate them if you can for your synagogue bulletin so
people will know what you have.
No. 6 Your policy should mention something about withdrawing or
"Weeding" to remove dated, older, falling apart books, items that never
circulate.
I run the library as a volunteer with a helper or two. I spend about
half-a-day a week there and do some typing and ordering at home. There is a
small budget, but mostly donations to the temple library fund help. I would
say I buy about 60 titles a year and are gifted with hundreds, most of which
I do not keep.
Hope this helps a little. Louise R. Brown, Congregation Beth El, 105
Hudson Road, Sudbury MA 01776