1. Where can I go to learn more about the meetinghouse library and my duties as librarian?

Answer: Consult "Meetinghouse Libraries," section 13 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders (1998), 285–88. Much of the information on this page is taken from this section of the handbook. This section is available from Church distribution centers or can be ordered online (item 35713). Also, refer to the Stake Director of Libraries and the Meetinghouse Librarian, Ward Librarian, and Assistant Ward Librarian pages on this site.

2. Who is responsible for orienting and training ward librarians?

Answer: Ward librarians are called by a member of the bishopric and oriented by a member of the ward Sunday School presidency. Training for librarians should be provided by the stake director of libraries, the meetinghouse librarian, or other librarians.

3. How can librarians encourage members to check out materials for use in Church callings and at home?

Answer: The Church handbook instructs librarians to publicize resources, schedules, and ideas in sacrament meeting bulletins, in ward newsletters, or on bulletin boards. Open houses may be held to help members become familiar with materials, equipment, and services that are available. Librarians should preview materials and recommend them to individuals and families with specific needs.

4. Can books or audiovisual materials donated by ward members be included in the library?

Answer: Books and audiovisual materials produced and distributed by the Church may be stored in and circulated from the library. Commercially produced books and materials, even if authored or created by Church members, are not to be included in the library. Teachers are to be discouraged from using unauthorized materials to prepare or teach their lessons.

5. Should the library continue to store equipment and materials that are no longer used by ward members?

Answer: No. Equipment and materials that are no longer used by ward members should be discarded. For further instructions, see the Procedures for Adding and Discarding Materials page on this site.

6. Is it permissible for librarians to miss priesthood, Relief Society, or Sunday School meetings in order to assist teachers and attend to other library duties?

Answer: If there is not adequate time to assist teachers between meetings, then librarians should consider opening the library prior to the meeting block or during one or more evenings of the week. In multiward buildings, librarians from one ward may also help staff the library during the meeting time of another ward. Such a schedule could be reviewed and approved by the meetinghouse library coordinating committee, which oversees the meetinghouse library.

7. How should librarians determine the meetinghouse library budget?

Answer: Librarians and the ward Sunday School presidency should request an annual budget based upon library needs. The Sunday School presidency recommends to the bishopric how to use the ward budget allowance funds allocated for the library. In multiward buildings, the meetinghouse library coordinating committee should meet to help determine the library budget and its allocation among the wards using the library.

8. How often should the meetinghouse library coordinating committee meet?

Answer: The frequency of meetings is determined by local priesthood leaders. The chairman of the committee is responsible to call meetings. The meetinghouse librarian may inform the chairman of issues that should be considered by the committee.