I'm publishing a first blog entry to announce and commemorate the test launch of the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral Library website. In the future, the library will always be referred to as the St. George Cathedral Library. A few considerations made me decide to implement a website and blog for the Library:
1. I'm completing an Individual Research 2 project for my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at the University of Pittsburgh. The project is on "Eastern Orthodox Parish Librarianship"- hence, I'll be working on our library (although in truth the project is really just an excuse to secure time to finish our library).
2. While I'm sure most of our parishioners knew that we had a library, I have no way of knowing how many of us actually know that the library is being revitalized. I hope to promote the Library through online media and increased contact with our parishioners.
3. A library website and blog will provide increased communication between the Library and its patrons. Patrons can access information about the library and contact the librarian. The Library can reach out with information regarding new acquisitions, highlights, events, the Book Club, etc.
It is my hope that the Library will become an integrated source of information, a source of Christian fellowship, a treasure trove for seasoned Orthodox and inquirers alike, and a resource on our mutual path to Theosis. Glory to Jesus Christ!