Each issue of Congregational Libraries Today contains news about CSLA and its chapters, feature stories about congregational libraries and librarians, promotion ideas, information on using web sites and computers in the library, and reviews of books, videos, CDs and audiotapes for adults and children. Congregational Libraries Today is produced by a publications editor; reviews are written by a media review editor and her staff of volunteer reviewers.

As useful and informative as Congregational Libraries Today is on larger issues affecting congregational libraries, it's also full of handy tips to make librarians' lives easier. Consider, for example, one blogger's mention of an idea she gained from Congregational Libraries Today (click here).

CSLA is proud to provide a sample copy of Congregational Libraries Today online. To download the sample, click the link below:

Download Sample Copy (.pdf format)

We're also happy to provide you with a downloadable annual index of all articles and media reviews appearing in the pages of Congregational Libraries Today. Our indices may be helpful if you're searching for a particular article or review. Note: Indices for 2006 only are available at present, but other indices will be added in the near future.

2006 Article Index (.pdf format)
2006 Media Review Index (.pdf format)

Please contact the publications editor if you would like to write for Congregational Libraries Today. Contact the media review editor if you would like to review books or other media.

Subscription Rates

For non-members, the cost for a subscription to Congregational Libraries Today is $40 per year (Canada: US$50; Foreign: US$60). Single copies of any Congregational Libraries Today issue are available for $6. To obtain a single issue, send us an e-mail (don't forget to let us know which issue).

A subscription to Congregational Libraries Today is included in the membership fees for CSLA members. Membership in CSLA is open to all interested persons, groups, churches, or libraries. Click here for information on joining. An extra subscription for CSLA members may be obtained for $5 (Canada and Foreign: US$10).

Writer's Guidelines

We are always looking for stories, and for writers and photographers who can share their expertise with other congregational librarians. Some article needs:

• Basic librarian skills
• Using the library to advance your congregation's ministry
• Promoting the congregational library
• Attracting special interest groups (e.g. Gen Xers/Gen Yers, singles, men)
• What has worked for you in your library — share your successes!
• Interviews with authors
• Recruiting and keeping volunteers
• Other useful ideas for congregational librarians

Articles should be no more than 500 words (if you need more space, please clear this with the publications editor prior to submission). We prefer copy to be submitted either on disk or as an email attachment. Please run a spell check before sending, and do not indent or use tabs to start paragraphs. Include a brief biography with your story (two to three sentences in length).

We regret that we cannot pay for article, but you will receive a byline. Rights revert back to the writer upon publication.

If your story has been published elsewhere, please send written permission from that publication to reprint your story, along with its requirements for wording of acknowledgement, if applicable.

Book/Media Review Guidelines

Media reviews are an important part of our bimonthly publication. If you are interested in helping with reviews, please contact the media review editor, and let her know your areas of interest:

Tell briefly what the book is about. Limit reviews to 200 words or fewer.

Don't be too technical -- your review will provide guidance for "grass-roots" volunteer librarians.

Readers are both church and synagogue librarians, hence the term "congregational libraries" is usually the preferred term, unless the book is specific.

Reviewers should provide title, author, number of pages, publisher, year published, price (indicate if paperback), ISBN, Dewey number and a subject heading.

The following points are not essential but might be considered in preparing your review: is there anything interesting or important about the author; is there anything unusual or important about how the book is structured; is the book informative; who is the book written for (scholars, young people, special groups, etc.); do you recommend the book (for the congregational library or some special library); how might the book compare with others on the same subject?

Include your name, the name of your church or synagogue along with its city and state.

PERK: Many publishers send us copies of new books for possible review. Any books/media that you receive from us for review purposes are yours to add to your congregational library or dispose of as you wish.

More detailed guidelines will be provided with the media you are asked to review.