We interrupt this Pinterest Presentation for an important announcement…
Something was posted on the National Church Library Association’s Facebook page this week and that something concerned me a great deal. Due to declining membership and insufficient funding, the NCLA will be closing up shop at the end of this year. This announcement came as a surprise to me as I have often enjoying checking their Facebook page, searching through forum archives and reading Branches, the NCLA’s monthly e-newsletter.
What’s even more disturbing is that the NCLA has been in existence for over 50 years. How could such an excellent organization like this come to such a swift and abrupt end after five decades of leadership for church libraries? Every organization has their ups and downs, to be sure. But to cease existence? That is not only troublesome, it may also be an indication of the future of other church library associations that may currently range from a thriving presence to existing on a wing and, as always, a prayer.
What has seen this dramatically negative change come about? Financial uncertainty may take centre stage but there are always other contributing factors waiting in the wings. Lack of interest? Dwindling participation? Isn’t there some random fact that states 80% of the work done in a church family is completed by 10% of the congregation? I’m willing to bet that similar numbers exist in volunteer organizations. I can write this without malice as I was part of the local church library association and it was not easy to find people to replace those who had been on the board for almost a decade.
So what does this all mean? For one thing, a number of church librarians who used to depend on the NCLA will be left in the lurch. It was interesting to note how quickly other surviving church librarian associations swooped in to leave their information for potential members! Although I’m sure those posting meant well, it was bordering on exploitation – but that’s another matter altogether.
Like any other library these days, the church library has to fight to survive and must have a dedicated group at the helm to keep patrons (and the budget!) coming back. I always found that an association not only gives credence to one’s work but also offers a support system. I hope that members of the former NCLA will be able to find other avenues of support, whether online or in person, to keep their church library ministry alive and well!
