Serving the Religious Information Needs of Our Communities Without Blowing the Budget

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some Indiana public libraries are hesitant to purchase religious materials, especially small and medium sized libraries. The most frequently cited reasons are a potentially high demand upon a limited budget, the enormous pool of materials from which to select and the sometimes controversial nature of religious materials. Yet religious information needs are as real as any other need for information and, within the context of the current war, are of special importance for American citizens. After first addressing these hesitations in more detail, this article will offer practical suggestions for building a modest collection of religious reference materials for small Indiana public libraries.