[Publib] WatchTower Publications

[Lise Chlebanowski]

Hi Judith,

 

Thanks for all the information. Now I'm thinking I should just catalog the book. Our collection policy lists "suitability of physical form for library use" as criteria for an addition. I really have nothing against adding this booklet, I'm just thinking the little guy will get lost! But we will see how it goes! Thanks! 

 

Lisë Chlebanowski

Library Manager

Avondale Old Town Library

328 W. Western Ave.

Avondale, AZ   85323

lchlebanowski at avondale.org

623-333-2611

623-333-0260 Fax

 

Now Reading: A Version of the Truth by Jennifer Kaufman & Karen Mack (ARC)

Now Listening: The House of Sand & Fog by Andre Dubus

 

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From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Judith Turner
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 9:17 PM
To: Publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] WatchTower Publications

 

Lise -- 

I checked the Milwaukee County Federated Library System's countycat and they have a copy of the 1996 edition (and other Watch Tower publications ) with a Dewey no. 289.92.  Among the subject headings is Family -- Religious aspects.

A worldcat search turns up 62 publications which are either different English language or non-English language edition of Secret of Family Happiness.  Altogether there are hundreds of copies of the various editions held in worldcat library collections.

If you collect other works on religion or religion and the family, it might be difficult to make the case that the book does not fit within the scope of your collection.  
How does it differ in content from those books?

I do not know if it is accurate to characterize this item as a free tract. According to wikipedia "the Watchtower is now distributed free of charge, however voluntary donations are accepted. These donations have made the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of NY, Inc. one of the top 40 most profitable companies in New York."  Somebody is paying money for the items.

Wikipedia has an informative article about Jehovah's Witnesses: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beliefs_and_practices_of_Jehovah%27s_Witnesses

If your library has a policy against proselytizing works, then that would be the way to go, perhaps this book could be used to discuss, if not develop, a policy.   There's going to be a certain amount of subjectivity, though - what's proselytizing vs. what's informing or educating? Use your policy to establish a firm basis which has support from the library staff, board and friends organization.  

Balance the downside of negative PR (it's possible a church member or the church itself will make an issue of a refusal)  against the likelihood the library will open itself to a big number of similar donations. Given the ever-increasing cost of publications and way religious organizations use the Internet, this is likely to be less of a problem in the future.  You could accept this item as an experiment -- see how well it circulates and use that as the basis for a "yes" or "no" for similar donations in the future.  

Over the years I've rejected donations based on poor physical condition -- mold damage, insect infestations, brittle pages and damaged bindings, but small size and possibility of the item getting lost in the stacks has never seemed a sufficient basis.

Judy Turner
Whitefish Bay, WI

Lise Chlebanowski <lchlebanowski at avondale.org> wrote:

I have a question for the collective brain. A patron donated a 200 page booklet published by Jehovah's Witnesses called The Secret of Family Happiness. 

 

 

  

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