RELIGIOUS REFERENCE COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Undergraduate Library Reference Collection
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

prepared by
Loring A. Prest


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PREFACE

During the summer of 1996, I was asked to weed and make collection development suggestions for the religion section (i.e., the DDC 200s) of the Undergraduate Library's reference collection. What follows is the text of the report I submitted to the Reference and Head Librarians.

Since the library staff are familiar with the on-line catalog system used on campus, there are undefined abbreviations used in the report. For those who are unfamiliar, LCS and FBR are the two halves of the system. The University Library is very decentralized and includes nearly 40 libraries which are identified with three-digit codes:

HIX = History, Philosophy, and Religion Library
REX = Reference Library (by definition a non-circulating collection)
STX = Main Library Stacks
UGL = Undergraduate Library (considered as a whole)
UGR = Undergraduate Library Reference Collection
UGX = Undergraduate Library Stacks (circulating collection)

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Introduction

According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune ("Majoring in Religion Not Limited to Clergy," April 5, 1996), the number of students majoring in religious studies in U.S. public institutions is increasing. ("A 1995 study of 251 colleges by the Association of the Chairs of the Departments of Religion cited a 36 percent increase in enrollment of undergraduate religion majors over the preceding five years.") Contributing to this rise is an increase in global contact. In the past, geography kept people of other faiths isolated from one another. Today, people from western and non-western religions are often neighbors and campus colleagues. This dynamic is reflected in the fact that the non-western and Islamic courses are the fastest growing areas of religious studies.

In a recent conversation with Prof. Gary Porton, Director of the Program for the Study of Religion at UIUC, I learned that this national trend is reflected on our campus. Student enrollment in the Program is increasing. The fastest growing area is Islamic studies, which has seen a very large increase over the past couple of years. Non-western religions have also drawn a great deal of interest. On the other hand, the department is offering a course in American religious life for the first time this fall--and anticipates a sizable enrollment.

This increase in religious studies students will result in an increase in the demand for research materials. Since our collection is decentralized, there is always the collection development issue regarding how to divide materials between UGL and HIX. According to Prof. Porton, most of the courses offered are 100 and 200 level. There are no graduate level courses in religious studies. It is his opinion that the students in the religious studies classes are not likely to go to HIX for materials, but will instead be coming to UGL for their research needs.

Given these conditions, it behooves the UGL to ensure that it offers a solid core of materials for religious research. At the upper end of materials, it may be necessary to refer to HIX, but UGL should be equipped to handle many of the primary research needs. As the religious studies program grows, UGL should provide increasing attention to its religious materials. A review of the DDC 200s in both UGR and UGX would be appropriate. This project completes the first part of this review by focusing exclusively on the UGR collection. The recommendations seek to provide reference sources in religion that were reasonably current, accurate, and useful to undergraduates and reference librarians.

The first part of this report lists items currently found in UGR (in DDC order). These books reflect several different needs. Some are listed only because they need to be repaired and returned to the shelf. Others are either old and need to be removed or superseded and need to be replaced. Suggested replacement titles have been listed when possible, with relevant bibliographic information. A search was made in ARBA for reviews, and cited if available. Kister's Best Encyclopedias, Balay's Guide to Reference Works, and Reader's Advisor (14th ed.) were also consulted. If a suggested title already exists in LCS, the location is noted after the bibliographical information in the format: LCS: XXX (XXX = library code).

NOTE: The symbol + listed after a review indicates that the book was highly recommended.

This was a very interesting and enjoyable project, ranking as one of the most important experiences I had as a GA in UGL. I would recommend that other GA's be given similar opportunities to participate in collection development.

Loring Prest

Resources Needing Attention:

NOTE: The format for these entries is:

Title, Date of publication, Call number
Three-digit library location code(s). Comments.
Recommendation

Encyclopedic Dictionary of Religion 1979 200.3 En17
UGR, REX. Older, heavily Catholic (not well-balanced). Could be useful, but I wonder if so for UG students. Bibliographies are from the '60s and earlier. Somebody did read the "euthanasia" article (they marked the text!)
Recommendation: Close call.

Encyclopedia of World Faiths 1987 Q.200.3 En19
UGR ONLY. Split spine.
Recommendation: Repair.

Encyclopedia of Religion 1987 Q.200.321 En19 c2
REX, UGR. This is a very good set. Several volumes need repair.
Recommendation: Repair volumes: 2,4,6,9,14.

World Treasury of Modern Religious Thought 1990 200.9034 W893
UGR ONLY. A very nice anthology, but there are no significant bibliographic access points in FBR. Only subject classification is "religion," which means that when you search for this book by subject you also find 6,000 other titles. The assignment of a general DDC also makes it unlikely that one would find this while browsing UGR--and yet, browsing is the only way to find this book.
Recommendation: Move to UGX.

Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Terms 1910 203 B88d 1969
UGR ONLY. This is a 1969 reprint of 1910 original (ARR and REX have 1910 printing). Old and Anglican in orientation.
Recommendation: Along with Glossary of Liturgical and Ecclesiastical Terms and Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs (see below), this title should be removed. In place of all three, add these titles:

Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics 1908 203 En192 c4
STX, REX, UGR. See the "Introduction" in Encyclopedia of Religion (a more contemporary replacement for ERE) for a less than flattering discussion of the approach taken by ERE . Is this set too dated? Nevertheless, it is a classic in its field. LCS says we have v.11, but cannot locate it.
Recommendation: Replace missing v.11. Listed as a set in BIP. Published by T. & T. Clark, dist. by Books International, Inc., Herndon, VA, 800-359-7340. Could try to pick up a used volume as replacement. Move set to UGX?

New International Dictionary of the Christian Church 1978 203 N42 1978 c2
UGR, REX. OK, but not a great work. Basically covers Church History. Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church provides better coverage of the same material (1974, revised 1983), but Oxford has a hard to read typeface and layout. Although more limited in scope, UGR's copy of Dictionary of Christianity in America (1990) provides good coverage of American Church history.
Recommendation: Would like to add a newer volume covering the whole history of the Christian Church. Suggest we keep both New Int. Dict. Chr. Ch. and Oxford. Add the following title:

Dictionary of Christian Lore and Legend 1983 203 M565d
UGR ONLY. Needs repair. Somewhat unique title.
Recommendation: Repair.

Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology 1983 203 R39d 1983 c2
UGR, REX. Good coverage as far as it goes, but no longer contemporary.
Recommendation: Add a more recent text. Consider one (or both) of these:

Protestant Dictionary 1904 203 W93p 1972
UGR ONLY. Very out-of-date (1972 in CN is reprint date). Only useful for historical perspective studies. We have Oxford Dict. Chr. Ch. and New Int. Dict. of Chr. Ch. which cover this area.
Recommendation: Move to STX.

Masterpieces of Catholic Literature in Summary Form 1965 208 M27m
UGR, REX. Could be a useful anthology, but the poor index means that hardly anyone will access the contents of this book. Good for reading, poor for reference.
Recommendation: Move to UGX/STX.

Historical Atlas of Religion in America 1962 209.73 G23h c3
STX, REX, UGR. Very useful information up to 1960. But who wants this info?
Recommendation: Move to UGX/STX.

Nelson's Complete Concordance of the Revised Standard Version 1957 220.2 El4n c2
REX, UGR. Once the "standard" Bible, the RSV is being replaced by the New RSV as the standard study text (published in 1990 by the National Council of Churches).
Recommendation: Each of the following NRSV Concordances has its own strengths and weaknesses--without a clear winner. Add one of them:

New Westminster Dictionary of the Bible 1970 220.3 G27n
UGR, REX. Getting old. We have Harper's (1985) which is better.
Recommendation: Move to UGX.

Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible 1962 220.3 In82 c2
REX, UGR. Once the standard, now old. Anchor Bible Dictionary (1992) is now in UGR and is the new standard.
Recommendation: Although old, it may still deserve space on the shelf.

Dictionary of Biblical Theology 1967 220.3 L55vec
UGR ONLY. This is the first edition (1967), and we have the second (1973).
Recommendation: Move to UGX.

Dictionary of Biblical Theology 1973 220.3 L55vec 1973
The second edition. There are uncut pages that need trimming. A useful resource.
Recommendation: Repair.

Harper's Bible Dictionary 1973 220.3 M61h 1973
UGR ONLY. Spine says "The New H-- B-- D--," but the word "New" does not appear on the title page at all (although this is an 8th edition). This is confusing because we have a "newer" edition (1985) that is simply labeled "H-- B-- D--" giving the impression that it is older. Not only is the information more current, but the 1985 edition looks much better in its layout.
Recommendation: Move to STX. It appears that Harper may be releasing a new edition of their Dictionary, if so, purchase is recommended (see Books in Print, 1995/96 1:991; 0-685-68962-x is different from the 1985 edition). Harper's biblical studies resources usually receive very high marks in reviews.

Jerusalem Bible 1966 220.52 B47 1966
UGR, MUR, HIX (SNAGD). The JB was significantly updated with the New JB in 1985. Catholic in orientation, this Bible has excellent annotations covering cultural and historical backgrounds, philology, and is fair in its presentation of theological issues. Oddly, UGX has a copy of the NJB, while UGR does not.
Recommendation: Add a copy of NJB to UGR (could move the UGX copy). Move JB to UGX.
Also recommend adding another outstanding study Bible, produced in conjunction with the Society for Biblical Literature (the premier association in the field):

New Scofield Reference Bible 1967 220.52 B47 1967 c2
NHR, UGR, STX (MISNG). TOC and James 1 are ripped and need repair.
Recommendation: Repair.

New American Bible 1970 220.52 B47 1970b
UGR ONLY. Already showing signs of acid paper decay. The NT of the translation was significantly revised in 1986. This is the standard American Catholic version.
Recommendation: Replace with a version containing the 1986 NT. The following version offers excellent introductions and study notes, along with the revised text:

Interpreter's Bible 1951 220.7 In82 c2
REX, UGR (v.1 MISNG), STX (v.2-12 LOST). Long a mainstream Christian commentary, it is becoming out of date. The New Interpreter's Bible has just begun publication. Although not complete yet, it will be the standard for decades to come--like its predecessor.
Recommendation: Add the New Interpreter's Bible. When complete (in a number of years), retire the Interpreter's Bible. This is a "must have" in my opinion.

Jerome Biblical Commentary 1968 220.7 B81j
STX, UGR. Has been revised. It would be good to offer several one-volume commentaries representing differing approaches to biblical studies.
Recommendation: Present a contemporary spectrum of biblical interpretation. We already have a good commentary in UGX. Recommend moving the following title from UGX to UGR:
To increase the diversity of coverage, add the following:

Atlas of the Bible 1956 Q.220.93 G89a c2
STX, UGR. Grollenberg's Atlas is old and in bad shape. B/W photos and old looking maps. We have much better.
Recommendation: Remove.

Atlas of the Bible 1985 Q.220.223 R633a c2
MAX, UGR. Rogerson's Atlas is very nice, but the call number seems strange and could hinder access by patrons. Places it away from the other atlases of the Bible. Actually, the CIP gives it a number of 912.122, so go figure.
Recommendation: Classify with 220.9x number to keep with other atlases.

Westminster Historical Atlas to the Bible 1956 Q.220.91 W93w 1956 c5
REX, STX, STX, UGX, UGR. Old.
Recommendation: Remove.

Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament 1974 221.3 B65tew
UGR (v.1-4), STX (v.5), REX (v.1-5). Seven volumes are now available (v.8 in Nov 1996). This is the definitive work for studying the meaning of Old Testament words (like TDNT for the NT).
Recommendation: Retrieve v.5 from STX to UGR. Add v.6-8 (and subsequent volumes).

Holy Scriptures according to the Masoretic Text 1966 221.44 B47 1966
UGR ONLY. Provides Masoretic (Hebrew) text and the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) translation from 1917. Both of these are now out of date. There are two works that should be added to replace this one.
Recommendation: JPS recently published a new translation of the Hebrew Scriptures called Tanakh. This is a valuable addition because many translations of the OT are done by Christians. Tanakh, however, is a Jewish translation of the Jewish scriptures. Those seeking access to the Hebrew text, but without abilities in Hebrew, will find help in the Interlinear NIV Hebrew-English Old Testament. Add these titles to UGR:

Septuagint Version of the Old Testament: Greek and English 1971 221.48 B47 1971
UGR ONLY. OK in a pinch, but not useful for critical work. If someone really wants to see the original text of the Septuagint, they should go to the Classics library which has better texts.
Recommendation: Remove to STX.

Chronological Charts of the Old Testament 1978 221.6 W176c
UGR ONLY. Limited information, simplistic (Sunday School level).
Recommendation: Remove to STX.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature 1957 225.3 B32gea c2
CLR, UGR. This is THE standard in Greek lexicons. A revised edition was released in 1979.
Recommendation: Replace with the newer edition:

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament 1964 225.3 K65teb c2
REX (v.1-10), UGR (v.1-8). UGR never did have the last two volumes of this set. This is the standard in the field (like TDOT for the OT), and v.10 is an indispensable index volume.
Recommendation: Add v.9-10 to UGR.

Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament 1936 225.48 Ab2m 1936
UGR ONLY. Old and hard to read. Either the first or second edition of the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament... above is better than this.
Recommendation: Remove to STX.

Chronological Charts of the New Testament 1981 225.61 H816c
UGR ONLY. Limited information, simplistic (Sunday School level).
Recommendation: Remove to STX.

Glossary of Liturgical and Ecclesiastical Terms 1877 246 L51g 1971
UGR ONLY. Call number says 1971, but actually the content is from 1877. The concept is worth a place on our shelf, but this work is too old.
Recommendation: Replace with New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship and A Dictionary of Liturgical Terms (see recommendations above under "Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Terms").

Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs 1958 264 W434h c2
MUR, UGR. Old, and reflects only the Catholic perspective on the liturgical year. A worthy subject, but we need a more ecumenical and up to date work.
Recommendation: Replace with New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship and A Dictionary of Liturgical Terms (see recommendations above under "Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Terms").

Universe Atlas of the Christian World 1963 Q.266.2 F88ae 1963
UGR ONLY. Old with entirely Catholic focus. Perhaps useful for historical perspectives studies on Catholicism, but since this is published pre-Vatican II, one can question how relevant it is for today.
Recommendation: Remove to STX. Add the following atlas:

Westminster Dictionary of Christian Education 1963 268.03 C89w c2
STX, UGR. Very old.
Recommendation: Remove.

Westminster Dictionary of Church History 1971 270.03 W528
UGR ONLY. OK, but old.
Recommendation: Would like to replace with a newer one-volume dictionary of Church History, but cannot find one. A History of the Christian Church, recommended for purchase above, comes close--but is not a dictionary per se. Recommend keeping an eye out for a work in dictionary form.

Handbook of Denominations 1985 280 M26h 1985 c2
UGR, STX. This is updated on a regular basis. A good source to have, but only useful if current.
Recommendation: Replace with current edition.

Catholic Almanac: 1990 1990 282 N213 1990 c2
UGR, STX. Catalogued as a serial, published annually. REX receives latest (1996) and then ships to STX. UGR has 1990, with 1975, 1987, 1989 in UGX. A good source, but not if it gets too far out of date.
Recommendation: Could we receive the copy from REX and then send to STX?

Research Guide to Religious Studies 1982 291.072 W694r c2
HIX, UGR, STX. As a bibliography, pretty out of date by now. Comes from ALA.
Recommendation: Would like to replace with a newer edition, but not available at this time.

Encyclopedia of the American Religious Experience 1988 Q.291.0973 En19 c3
UGR, REX, UGR. UGR has two copies of this 3-volume set--but is missing v.1 from c3. Given the addition of an undergraduate class in American religion this fall, it may be wise to keep both copies in UGR.
Recommendation: Replace missing v.1. Books in Print lists only as a set from Scribner's, through S and S Trade. We could strengthen our American religion section by adding the following:

Dictionary of Buddhism 1972 294.303 D561 c2
HIX, UGR. Getting old, but still good. Given the increase in non-western religious studies, it may be worth holding on to despite its age. It would be good to add newer works in this area.
Recommendation: Add the following titles:

Hindu World 1968 294.503 W15h c4
STX, UGX (chg'd to UGL Reserves), REX, UGR. Although old, this is worth keeping since our selections in this area are quite thin already. V.2 in UGR is missing.
Recommendation: Replace missing v.2. BIP lists only as a set, through Coronet Books.

Art of Tantra 1978 294.55 R19t 1978
UGR ONLY. Several pages are falling out of this interesting book.
Recommendation: Repair.

Encyclopedia Judaica 1971 Q.296.03 En19 c2
REX, UGR. The standard in this area. When there is a newer edition, we should purchase it. Yearbooks help to keep it up to date. We have 1973, 1974, 1975-76, and the Decennial Book 1973-82--which overlaps the earlier yearbooks.
Recommendation: Remove separate yearbooks. Add second Decennial Book 1983-92.
To strengthen the collection, add the following:

Encyclopedic Dictionary of Judaica 1994 296.03 En191
UGR ONLY. Spine is torn.
Recommendation: Repair.

Encyclopedia of Judaism 1989 Q.296.03 En193 c2 and c3
HIR, UGR, UGR, REX. As fine as it is, do we need two copies of this?
Recommendation: Consider moving one copy to UGX?

Encyclopedia of Jewish Religion 1965 296.03 W49e c2
REX, UGR. Old, and we have other sources that include Jewish religion. This work, however, focuses exclusively on the religious aspects of Judaism.
Recommendation: Replace with something newer. Kister (414) lists a rev. ed. (1986), but cannot locate in either BIP, Int'l BIP, or Whitaker's. Unable to find alternative titles.

Encyclopedia of Islam 1954 297 En19 1954 c2
REX (v.1-8), UGR (v.1-6), STX v1-6 index, v.2). Definitely important, but the slow pace of publication means that early volumes are very old, while later volumes are still appearing. Islamic studies at UIUC are expanding quite rapidly, so we need to improve this area.
Recommendation: Strengthen our Islamic collection by adding:

Shorter Encyclopedia of Islam 1956 297 Sh81 1956
UGR ONLY. Old. Spine needs repair.
Recommendation: Repair.

From Black Muslims to Muslims 1984 297.8709 M352f c4
EDX, STX, STX, UGR. Small monograph that is useful, but not sure that it belongs in reference collection. Doesn't serve a reference purpose.
Recommendation: Move to UGX.

OTHER SUGGESTED TITLES:

In addition to the titles suggested above, the following titles are recommended as additions to the reference collection.

Buddhism:
The Voice of the Buddha, Dharma Publishing, 1983, 726p, 2 vols., $108, 0-913546-84-4. Good primary source for understanding who the Buddha is and what the Buddha taught. "The first complete English translation of a Sutra beloved by all traditions, a work that expresses the Buddha's life, enlightenment, and early teachings in exquisite poetry" (publisher's remarks).

The Three Jewels and Dharma Transmission, (Crystal Mirror 6), Dharma Publishing, (date?), 498p, pbk, $16.95, 913546-59-3. Good introduction to Buddhism. "A traditional presentation of the meaning of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha...[as well as] the Buddha's life and discussion of central Buddhist teachings and major philosophical schools" (publisher's remarks).

Catholicism:
HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Richard D. McBrien, ed., HarperCollins, 1995, 1349p, $45, 0-06-065338-8 (see ARBA 96:1469+). LCS: REX

New Dictionary of Sacramental Worship, Peter E. Fink, ed., Liturgical Press, 1990, 1352p, $69.50, 0-8146-5788-5 (ARBA 92:1415+)

Comparative Religion:
Encyclopedia of Apocalyptic Literature, Valerie P. Zimbaro, ABC-CLIO, 1996, 395p, $65, 0-87436-823-5. Presents "detailed discussions of the four different types of apocalyptic literature covering a span of 21 centuries" (publisher's remarks).

History of Hell, Alice K. Turner, HarBrace, 1993, $29.95, 0-15-140934-x. A fascinating presentation of the development of the concept of Hell and its inhabitants throughout the ages and in differing religious traditions. LCS: HIX

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies, Arthur J. Magida, ed., Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996, 432p, $24.95, 1-879045-39-7. "A straightforward guide to the rituals and celebrations of the major religions and denominations in America from the perspective of an interested guest of another faith...based on information obtained from authorities of each religion" (publisher's remarks). A unique book of etiquette!

Religion: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, David Levinson, ABC-CLIO, forthcoming: Dec 1996, c.352p, $49.50 (pre-pub, $44.55), 0-87436-865-0. Describes the world's major religions, along with articles on religion in general.

New Testament Studies:
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Joel B. Green, Scot McKnight, I. Howard Marshall, eds., InterVarsity Press, 1992, 934p, $39.99, 0-8308-1777-8. Scholarly evangelical perspective. (see ARBA 93:1428+)

Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, Daniel G. Reid, eds., InterVarsity Press, 1993, 1038p, $39.99, 0-8308-1778-6. Scholarly evangelical perspective. (see ARBA 95:1450+)

Religious Sites:
Atlas of Sacred Places, James Harpur, ed., Henry Holt, 1994, 240p, $45, 0-8050-2775-0 (see ARBA 95:1434+, excellent content and stunning photography). LCS: HIX

Encyclopedia of Sacred Places, Norbert C. Brockman, ABC-CLIO, forthcoming: June 1997, c.600p, $65 (pre-pub, $58.50), 0-87436-830-8. "This illustrated encyclopedia describes sacred places throughout the world and discusses their meaningfulness to devotees as well as their historical and contemporary significance" (publisher's remarks).
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Created by Loring Prest (prest@cup.edu) 10-6-96. Last revised: 8-30-97.