The official publication of the ACL, The Christian Librarian serves to publish articles, provide a membership forum, and encourage writing. Issues include the Christian interpretation of librarianship, theory and practice of library science, bibliographic essays, reviews, and human interest articles relating to books and libraries.

In 1957, The Christian Librarian (TCL) began as a newsletter detailing the first official Christian Librarians Conference on the campus of Nyack Missionary College; information on conference presentations and solutions for library challenges were included. TCL continues to offer a variety of content including book reviews, articles, and peer-reviewed content. Articles are relevant to faith and librarianship and best practices in library science. The Christian Librarian is available in print format and through open access, which has increased its visibility outside of the Association.

The publication is indexed in the Christian Periodical IndexInformation Science Abstracts, and Library Literature. The Christian Librarian is a member of the Evangelical Press Association. Issues are available in microform from UMI, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

ISSN for TCL print version: 0412-3131

Subscription Information

Individual membership in the Association of Christian Librarians includes a subscription to the journal. The Christian Librarian is available through several subscription agencies including WT Cox, EBSCO, etc. Subscription rates are $30 per year in the US or $35 outside of US. Contact info@acl.org to purchase past issues.

2022 Publication Schedule Update

The ACL Board of Directors approved a shift in the publication schedule to release articles throughout the year with a compilation of the articles printed into an annual issue that will be produced mid-December. This change will begin with volume 65 (2022).

We invite you to contribute to the publication!

WRITE

As a writer, publishing in TCL allows you to share your ideas with an audience that reaches beyond the Association. If you have ideas that can strengthen other libraries, consider submitting an article for the next issue of the journal.

The peer-review component is being offered with the goal to advance the scholarship of ACL members and provide a publishing option for those interested in the critique and feedback provided by the peer-review process.

REVIEW A BOOK

Reviews in The Christian Librarian are directed primarily to librarians, who use them in the selection of materials and in providing reference services. College and seminary faculty and students also make use of the reviews.

Librarians are invited to select a book from our list to read and then write a review for publication in our journal. Please note the specific guidelines.

Author & Review Guide

Editorial Policies

  • Content must be in accordance with the mission, statement of faith, constitution, and corporate viewpoints of the ACL. Additionally, it must reflect the purpose of the publication and ACL, and relate to the concerns of ACL and Christian librarians in institutions of higher learning.
  • Statements in articles published are the responsibility of the author. Publication does not imply endorsement.
  • Unless arranged in advance, manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that The Christian Librarian has first rights.

Reviewers may keep the books in exchange for their reviews. Book or resource reviews should be relevant to the scope of the journal and should include the subject and scope of the work and a statement of the author’s thesis. Reviews should reveal the nature of treatment: reference, introductory, scholarly, textbook, etc., and a synopsis of the content. They should evaluate the work and identify the author if they are not well known. Reviews should address how well the resource achieves its purpose. How does it compare with others of its kind? What does it contribute to its field? Is it clear, thorough, and well-documented?

Book review submissions should be no more than 1,500 words. Reviews should be headed with the appropriate format of the following samples:

Work
Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Location: Publisher, Date.
Last Name, First Name, ed. Title of Work. Location: Publisher, Date.

Reviewer
Jane A. Smith, University of Higher Education
John A. Smith, Pastor, City Church, Chicago, IL

Reviews should be submitted through the online submission portal at https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/tcl/

Read the Latest Issue

Issues dating back to 2000 are available through open access.

TCL Team

Joshua Avery, Editor-in-Chief
Wheaton College

Addison Lucchi, Editor for Reviews
MidAmerica Nazarene University

Amy James, Editor
Baylor University

Lana Wilson, Editor
Taylor University