How to Be Clergy Librarian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 14, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of technology has had a profound effect on the role of the clergy librarian. With a greater emphasis on digital access to religious texts, the traditional duties of the clergy librarian are shifting. They are now expected to help churches navigate the constantly changing world of digital religious resources, as well as help them manage and make sense of the vast amounts of digital data available.

As a result, clergy librarians must now possess an even greater range of skills, from technical and digital literacy to an understanding of copyright laws and digital resource management. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, the need for knowledgeable and up-to-date clergy librarians will only become more apparent.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree. Many clergy librarians have a degree in library science, religious studies, or education.
Take courses related to religion and religious history. Knowing the history of different religions and denominations is essential for being a clergy librarian.
Get certified as a library technician. It is important to have the technical skills necessary to manage and organize libraries. Certification programs can help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills.
Develop strong interpersonal skills for interacting with patrons. Clergy librarians need to be able to develop relationships with their patrons in order to provide the best service possible.
Work as a volunteer or intern at a church library. This will give you an opportunity to gain experience and learn more about the position.
Pursue continuing education opportunities. Clergy librarians should stay up-to-date on the latest library technologies and trends in order to provide the best service to their patrons.
Consider obtaining a master's degree in library science or religious studies. This can help you to further your career and gain more knowledge of the field.

The need for clergy librarians has greatly increased in recent years as churches and other organizations look for qualified professionals to help manage and maintain religious texts, archives, and libraries. To become an ideal and qualified clergy librarian, one must possess a variety of skills and traits, including an excellent knowledge of religious texts, strong organizational and communication skills, and a passion for helping others. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of library science, including cataloging, indexing, and preservation of materials, is important for properly managing the library. With these essential qualifications, clergy librarians can be successful in their role of providing organizations access to valuable resources and knowledge.

You may want to check Clergy Mentor, Clergy Member Services Representative, and Clergy Youth Minister for alternative.

Job Description

Provide research and reference assistance to clergy and other staff members.
Manage library collections, including cataloging, processing and maintaining library materials.
Develop and conduct library orientation sessions for new staff.
Develop and maintain library databases and online resources.
Create, promote and facilitate library programs, such as book clubs and book talks.
Maintain records of library circulation and use.
Research theological topics, as needed.
Develop and maintain relationships with local churches and other organizations to promote library services and resources.
Assist in the writing of grants for library resources and services.
Develop and implement library policies and procedures.
Participate in professional development activities to remain current with library best practices.
Assist with budget management and reporting activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of library science principles, practices, and procedures
Proficiency in cataloging and classification of library materials
Ability to use a variety of library and archival software programs
Knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of library services
Ability to identify and access research and reference materials
Ability to develop and maintain library collections
Familiarity with church history, theology, and sacred texts
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of preservation and conservation
Strong customer service skills
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks efficiently

One of the most important skills to have as a Clergy Librarian is the ability to conduct effective research. Research is essential for not only finding reliable and accurate information, but also for connecting with other clergy and scholars in the field. Good research skills can help clergy librarians to better understand and navigate the vast amount of religious literature, resources, and research available.

Furthermore, being able to effectively conduct research can help clergy librarians to provide their patrons with the best possible resources for their needs. research skills can also help clergy librarians to create better catalogs, databases, and other tools for organizing and accessing religious materials. Finally, being able to effectively research can be a great asset when clergy librarians are looking for new ways to support their patrons or develop new programming.

Research can open up new possibilities and opportunities for those in the clergy library profession.

Clergy Community Liaison, Clergy Multimedia Content Creator, and Clergy Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a library?
How would you handle a patron who is not following the library's rules?
How would you suggest libraries improve their services?
What techniques do you use to stay organized and manage your time?
What approaches do you take when working with diverse populations?
How do you keep up with the latest trends in library science?
How would you help someone who has difficulty following library instructions?
How would you handle a patron who is disruptive or difficult to work with?
What methods do you use for cataloging resources?
What strategies have you used to increase library usage and awareness?

Common Tools in Industry

Library Management System. A software system used to manage library collections and services. (Eg: Koha Library Management System)
Digital Asset Management System. A platform used to store, organize, and share digital content. (Eg: Libris by PhotoShelter)
Citation Management Software. Software that helps organize and format citations for research papers. (Eg: Zotero)
Cataloging Tools. Software designed to help library staff catalog and manage information about library resources. (Eg: MarcEdit)
Electronic Resource Management System. A platform used to manage e-resources and subscriptions. (Eg: OCLC EZproxy)
Metadata Management Tool. Software used to create, store, and manage metadata. (Eg: OMEKA)
Online Reference Sources. Online databases which provide access to digital sources for research. (Eg: Oxford Reference Online)
Research Support Tools. Online tools designed to help with research tasks. (Eg: Google Scholar)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Library Association (ALA)
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
National Information Standards Organization (NISO)
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)
Association of Christian Librarians (ACL)
Catholic Library Association (CLA)
Clergy Library Network (CLN)

We also have Clergy Missionary, Clergy Intern, and Clergy Graphic Designer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Canon Law. The body of laws and regulations made by or adopted by ecclesiastical authority to govern the discipline and practice of the members of a specific religious denomination.
Ecclesiastical. Relating to the church or its clergy.
Ecclesiology. The theological study of the nature, structure, and purpose of the church.
Liturgy. The form and content of public worship in a religious faith.
Homiletics. The art of preaching or delivering sermons.
Hymnology. The study of hymns and their origin and use in the church.
Missiology. The study of missionary work and its principles.
Sacraments. Rituals that are accepted as having spiritual significance within a religion.
Sermons. Discourses delivered in public by religious authorities, typically to interpret a Biblical passage.
Synod. A church council or assembly convened to discuss matters of doctrine, discipline, or administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Clergy Librarian? A1: Clergy Librarian is a cloud-based software platform that provides churches with a comprehensive library of digital resources to help them develop and maintain effective ministries. Q2: What type of resources are available in Clergy Librarian? A2: Clergy Librarian provides churches with access to over 1,000 resources including sermons, worship plans, devotions, articles, and more. Q3: How is Clergy Librarian different from other library software? A3: Clergy Librarian is designed specifically for churches and provides an intuitive interface that makes it easy for churches to find, store and share digital resources. Q4: Does Clergy Librarian offer a free trial? A4: Yes, Clergy Librarian offers a free 14-day trial for churches to explore the platform and test out its features. Q5: How much does Clergy Librarian cost? A5: Clergy Librarian offers a variety of subscription plans starting at $9.99 per month.

Web Resources

Clergy and Other Religious Professionals | Harvard Divinity library.hds.harvard.edu
Clergy Self Care | Columbia Theological Seminary www.ctsnet.edu
Library Resources - Seton Hall University clergy.shu.edu