[Publib] "Spiritual Living" -- a new category of books?

[Veselka66 at aol.com]

I'm working on Library Journal's March 06 Spiritual Supplement (I recently 
requested PubLib members' input on a feature that will be appearing in our 2/15 
issue--thanks to each of you who participated) and am specifically interested 
in the increasingly blurred line between spiritual and secular books in such 
nonfiction areas as psychology, recovery, parenting, relationships, business, 
and health. I'm curious, for those of you who have noticed this trend:

- How do you account for it?
- How are you categorizing this influx of not-quite-religious, not quite 
nonreligious titles? 
- When a patron comes to you asking for, say, a book on recovery, and doesn't 
mention religion or spirituality, do you recommend these books--or only if 
s/he specifically requests a spiritual title? 
- Anyone have any anecdotes of patrons returning to the library expressing 
(be it positively or negatively) their surprise at a book they've checked out 
having been "religious?"   
- A book peppered with religious references could have a nondeterminant title 
like "Managing Your Finances" or "Making the Most of Your Career." In 
cataloging, do you keep track of this in any way, with perhaps a note that the title 
has spiritual undertones? 
- Has this topic come up in any staff meetings, and if so, what 
issues/concerns have been raised?

Answers to any or all of these inquiries would be greatly appreciated, as 
would additional thoughts/opinions/musings/suggestions/corrections. I'm 
fascinated by the topic and look forward to receiving all input!


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