Sacred Stacks: The Higher Purpose of Libraries and Librarianship

by Nancy Kalikow Maxwell

"Librarians serve a higher purpose that no amount of digitization or computerization can ever replace…Libraries have survived and will continue to thrive in the future, because they fulfill eternal needs for people."―Nancy Kalikow Maxwell from the Preface Librarianship as a calling is a powerful perspective. While it's been a long time since libraries were exclusively the provenance of monks, some of those sacred roots remain, according to librarian and theologian Maxwell. Many librarians sense the deeper meaning and higher purpose in their work, yet rarely have time to contemplate it. Maxwell's down-to-earth candor combined with scholarly insight is designed to inspire and enlighten her library peers and colleagues. Drawing from history, sociology and philosophy, Sacred Stacks voices the importance of the library profession and libraries as community institutions in a secular time. Considering these higher purposes of libraries, she outlines the work of librarians and libraries Librarians, LIS students and educators, as well as trustees can step into these Sacred Stacks to reignite meaning in their everyday work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Librarianship, Library Science, Spirituality, Books About Books

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My customer at the coffee shop and colleague in my field recommended this book to me and I am so glad he did.  So Danny, if you're reading this, thank you!!  This book follows Maxwell's journey in librarianship as she understands it as a place of worship.  After all, many do say that librarianship is a higher calling, that libraries are a place of soul searching, knowledge, and culture.  

Given the history of libraries--and Maxwell does a fantastic job at describing how libraries became what we know them today--it's no surprise how utterly similar they are to places of worship.  Texts were only accessible to scholars and those who could read--similar to the Bible and how priests could only read them.  Libraries also commanded silence and respect--people were studying, after all!  And in places of worship, people were praying.  

The fact that the library is placed in the same category as churches in the first place is something incredible and amazing, and shows just how important both are in our society--regardless of how we feel on these topics.  They are important, they provide knowledge, solace, and community.  

This book was just so intriguing and interesting, and the concept held me all the way through.  Definitely a great read if you're interested in the librarian position.  

Review cross-listed here!

[Benjamin Fasching-Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maxwell presents libraries as places of worship, library collections as an aspect of the all-knowing, and librarians as counselors, clerics, or at least, people dedicated to a holy mission. There's no smoking gun, but as a confirmation of library values and the higher-meaning of librarianship, the book succeeds. Her argument relies on some sociological studies about the role of religion and God in our century, but I suppose when the sky pilots were heavier in past centuries, libraries were heavier too, so, that's that. I wanted more of her own experience as a Jewish woman working in a Christian institution but she dispenses with all that in the introduction. The last chapter, "implications," was a bit of a groan, but that would be true of any but the most astounding ten-year-old prognostication about libraries.

It's generally a good sign if my biggest gripe is that the portion was too small, so yeah, I would recommend this slim volume, and I would like something more academic and historical that revisits the questions discussed here.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't in love with the whole book but there were parts that I really did love. I have never compared a library to a church but now that I have seen this comparison it really does click. I do get that revered feeling when I enter the old time cathedrals and some of the libraries. Maxwell hit the money when she described some churches that are built more like a building for entertainment. Those new mega-churches turn me off something fierce. Give me the old wooden pews and stained glass windows. Same with libraries but most of the libraries I've been in are newer but they don't put me off like those mega-churches.

I'm not so sure Nancy really understood her Catholic graduate studies. She has several things wrong about the Catholic religion. That was a little turn off for me.

I did like her statement that a lot of patrons go to the library to be alone, together. So true.

[Becca Levin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who recently started working at a library and got my passion for libraries reignited to the extent that I'm going for my Master's in Library and Information Science, I loved this book. It shows all of the ways that libraries are vital community spaces and how all the services we provide contribute to a well cared for and well educated community. As a spiritual but not religious person with a family background of Catholicism and Judaism, I loved Maxwell's comparisons of librarian's work to priests, pastors, and rabbis. I've definitely felt a reverence and spirituality during my time in a library both as a patron and as an employee.

[Benjamin Wilkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concept and valid comparison between the role of libraries and the role of religion, but I wish it had spent more time focusing on how libraries were sacred spaces (examples and anecdotes of literary transcendence, etc.) and less time padding the argument with general comparisons.

[Kenzie Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, insightful book. Read with library colleagues and it generated good discussion of the intersection of our job and our faith. Has interesting insights, especially as there are differences in faith and she brings up different aspects I wouldn't have thought of. Certainly a good read.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected, but then again, what did I expect. Some good thoughts about libraries, librarians and calling. Probably a bit dated.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting thesis – libraries are the secular counterparts to religious institutions – but Ms. Maxwell didn’t convince me. The research is sparse and repetitive (I read Matthew Battles’s Library: An Unquiet History – which is referenced dozens of times here – and his book alone points to many, many sources Ms. Maxwell should have cited directly). This book reminded me of an ambitious paper written by an undergraduate who does not yet possess the depth and breadth of knowledge to fully illustrate her point. As a former liberal arts college student who had an interest in religious studies, I was a bit surprised by the shallow analysis and inability to go beyond a few oft-repeated comparisons between libraries and religion (primarily churches). My gut says this is a version of Ms. Maxwell’s master’s thesis for her graduate work in theology (she already had a master’s in library science), and frankly, it concerns me that any institution would consider this work worthy of a degree. A passing grade in a 200-level religious studies course, yes, but nothing more. Not recommended.

[Jinnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a librarian with a Masters of Divinity, I wanted to love this book. Alas! While some of it was very good, whole chapters were theological stretches of fancy, trying far too hard to make the connection between librarianship and "higher purpose." Would have been a great topic for an in-depth essay or magazine article. Just a little too much of a stretch for a whole book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting take on the similarities between the reverence for libraries and learning and the awe often reserved for religious tradition and practice. She makes a strong case for the importance of libraries in communities and nations albeit with a very unique perspective and idea. Above all, the lady loves her libraries and highlights all the ways in which they enhance the lives of everyone and provide a service fundamental to a healthy society.

[Jane Dugger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting thought provoking book. It would be great for discussion with a bunch of other library-ahols.

The best part was the description of the protestant minister, it could have been written for a reference librarian.

[Birdie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book seemed out of touch with libraries today, especially it says that people go to libraries to read, without acknowledging the many who go to libraries to use computers or check out DVDs. Maybe libraries where I am (Pacific Northwest) have changed more than where the author lives.

[Donna Burtwistle-Popplewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presented an interesting perspective of the role that libraries and librarians play in today's society. Largely connected to a religious theme, Maxwell's discussion and observations of libraries as sacred spaces was very unique.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a pleasant and short read. I enjoyed it as a celebration of librarianship but didn't find myself particularly convinced by the authors central argument. Recommended for bibliophiles and librarians looking for an ego stroke, but outside that it's a little inconsequential.

[Terry Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read and intriguing essay, the author articulated well my pre-existing feelings about libraries. I didn't read the book as research, but as an affective affirmation of where I work and live, and was well rewarded. Working in a seminary library only added points of contact.

[Cade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of her arguments were tenuous at best, but it was interesting. I was rather put off by her calling Catholicism a denomination of Protestantism, however; that is just incorrect. I did learn some fun facts though.

[Jack Phoenix · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maxwell's thesis has potential and the book is ripe with good ideas and speaks well for the importance of libraries. Unfortunately, what unfolds are weak attempts to force inconsistent puzzle pieces together and a lot of fluff regarding librarianship.

[BookOfLife]

Hear an interview about Sacred Stacks with author Nancy Kalikow Maxwell on The Book of Life podcast's April 2007 episode at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com.

[Patricia Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh . . . the higher purpose of what we do! ...literature for all.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book and the first page really grabbed me. Unfortunately it went downhill from there...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warming without being too preachy.

[Mrs C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite the book I expected it to be.

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my manifesto. There were so many points where I had to restrain myself from yelling out Yes!!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. It could have been better, and the word "loose" is used for "lose" at least three times! Arrggh!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting thesis bringing to light the ways in which librarianship can be similar to ministry; libraries as a secular form of religion.

[Amy Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite