Hi,
This is an interesting discussion about what constitutes a library. I
would add to Michelle's definition and the other comments that it might
(or might not) make sense to take into consideration the size (and
financial standing) of the synagogue. The modern Orthodox synagogue we
belong to, for instance, has two full-time staff: a Rabbi and an office
manager. That's it. Custodial services and bookkeeping are outsourced.
The lack of a paid librarian, in that context, is, to my mind, quite
different from a larger synagogue that has 1-2 Rabbis, an educator
and/or cantor, executive director, a rabbi's assistance or other office
help, etc. A two hundred family synagogue is not the same as 800. That
doesn't make the smaller collection a "library" necessarily. But when
we, as AJL, think about accreditation, supporting a wider public in a
variety of ways, etc.--in other words, all American synagogues, not only
those that fit the purpose for which Michelle is compiling the list--I
think that's important to keep in mind. I want to be clear that I am not
criticizing any of the previous responses in any way. They're all
important, as is the question. Just another layer to keep in mind.
Best wishes,
Rachel
--
Rachel L. Greenblatt
Judaica Librarian, Brandeis University
Lecturer in Jewish Studies, Dartmouth College
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