A Cathedral Perspective on Theological Libraries

Cathedral libraries face particular issues arising from their situation within a place of worship that is also a visitor attraction. Modern theological collections often side alongside historic collections that include, but are likely not limited to, theological texts, and the varying needs of both collections are an active part of the librarian’s work. Cathedrals also have varying relationships with local educational institutions, secular (e.g. universities) or church-based (theological or ministry training courses), leading to a range of formal and informal relationships, as well as the question of how to develop and nurture a user base outside of an academic institution, and how a library can generate some income. Managing a theological library in a cathedral calls for lateral thinking, and identifying how the collection can work in this context. Engagement with bodies such as ABTAPL enable the cathedral librarian to reach beyond the cathedral world to gain insights from a variety of related but different contexts - such as academic institutions, small and large institutions - to illuminate the contextual issues of the unique world of cathedrals. This chapter will draw on the experience of a range of UK cathedral libraries.