What are important books to have that are not already in the Platinum Collection?

Sometimes I get so confused with what books i should own for my library after reading some of the plugs for various books on prepub and the blog. they all sound so vital.

So what do i need outside what I already have in the Platinum collection for good bible study?

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Edwin Bowden

My top 3 suggestions:

IVP Essential Collection (Dictionaries)

http://www.logos.com/products/details/1516

IVP OT Collection

http://www.logos.com/products/details/4713

Commentary on the NT Use of the OT

http://www.logos.com/ebooks/details/COMNTUSEOT

Mike S.

You really don't "need" anything more!

It's more a question of what you might be able to use to augment what you're are of interest/study/work is. In other words, maybe you could tell us more about what you are in interested in or need?

Another way to approach this is to ask the question "would I pay for this book or set in print?" as a starting point. Another is to ask the question "what am I missing, or what would I like to see from my searches or passage guide reports?"

Mark Smith

So what do i need outside what I already have in the Platinum collection for good bible study?

You already have more tools for good Bible study than pastors in most of the world. You also have more tools than you can probably fully use.

I really don't think there is anything on pre-pub that you need for good Bible study. There is a temptation, however, to think that one more set or one additional book would unlock insights one doesn't already have in another book. Instead it would be better to think, how far can I get with what I already possess?

If you are a layperson who teaches regularly you have more than enough to understand and teach the Bible. If you are a pastor, I would look not at the pre-pubs but some of the volumes Edwin pointed out as well as some of the commentary sets not in Platinum. Perhaps you'd find some theology works helpful as well.

Most people don't take my advise, but I suggest you build slowly based on the weaknesses you discover in your library as you study. Some of the most sought after volumes for Logos have recently been released and are no longer on pre-pub. I think of the NIC series of commentaries, the Tyndale set of commentaries, and some of the volumes that Zondervan released for Logos this past year. If you'd asked while these were on pre-pub I might have recommended them. But currently, besides those that are filling out series I already have but are incomplete, I don't 'need' anything on current the pre-pub list.

If you are a scholar your needs will be different (but you would know that and not be asking this question here). If you have an interest in one area of study your needs will be different. If you are a lay person, I'll repeat, there is nothing on the pre-pub list you need for good Bible study beyond the awesome library and tools you already own. Others might recommend additional items that are good resources (there certainly are many in Logos), but you can do very good Bible study with what you have.

Matthew C Jones

Sometimes I get so confused with what books i should own for my library after reading some of the plugs for various books on prepub and the blog. they all sound so vital.

So what do i need outside what I already have in the Platinum collection for good bible study?

The Platinum Collection is a very well rounded library a lot of pastors would find 90% sufficient for their work without additions. You are blessed to be starting there. The first obvious thing missing from the Platinum line-up is a Bible Encyclopedia.There are lot's of Bible Dictionaries though. (The Portfolio Edition includes the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) Logos also offers the Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary http://www.logos.com/products/details/1660 that is really a detailed encyclopedia.

Check the Comparison Chart here http://www.logos.com/comparison and you will see the extra titles Portfolio has that Platinum does not by scanning down the right side of the chart. You might not ever be interested in those additional titles but is shows what Logos thought might be nice additions. Towards the bottom of the chart you will notice Platinum gets thinner in the Theology department. Logos has lots of theological works from lots of different perspectives. You can add what you find useful and skip the rest. If you have a specific area of interest you can focus your library additions where they will serve you best.

edit: added this after-thought: I would like to add, Logos can be helful outside of Bible study. There are several resources that can help with homeschooling and practical Christian living. I just bought several this week:

Nancy Wilson Collection (3 Vols.) http://www.logos.com/products/details/4579
Seven Tools for Cultivating Your Child’s Potential http://www.logos.com/products/details/6970
101 Things Husbands Do to Annoy Their Wives http://www.logos.com/products/details/7610

And these on Pre-Pub:
The Harvard Classics and Fiction Collection (71 Vols.) http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/3662
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/6336

Todd Phillips

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/182878#Comment_182878

The first obvious thing missing from the Platinum line-up is a Bible Encyclopedia.

Platinum has the 4 volume Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. However, the ISBE and AYBD are both more detailed than the Baker one.

Greg Corbin

John, my advice to you would be to avoid the prepub "hype" and make a list of what you really need/want to round out your library. You will ultimately get more "bang for your buck" if you have a plan - that way you can look for things on sale, etc. etc.

I agree with the others who replied that the Platinum has a better library than most pastors. If you are a layperson/Sunday school teacher then I would say the Platinum has everything you need for personal study and preparing lessons. If you are a pastor then you have more advanced needs to study. That being said, to answer your question, in my opinion, even the Platinum collection is weak in three key areas...

1) Bible dicitionary/encyclopedia - The Baker Encyclopedia is pretty good (and included in Gold and above) but in my opinion, a heavy duty encyclopedia such as ISBE or Anchor Yale is needed.

2) Old Testament commentary sets - While Platinum has some extraordinary NT resources, I find that the OT commentaries are sorely lacking comparatively. That is why I would suggest The Expositor's Bible Commentary and the Tyndale Commentaries. Those are two excellent commentary sets on the entire Bible - not too technical but certainly meaty enough to be well worth the money. Eventually the NICOT/NICNT would be a nice addition if you have the money.

3) Systematic Theologies - the included theologies are good but older. In my opinion, one should purchase Grudem's Systematic Theology, Millard Erickson's Systematic Theology, and Norman Geisler's multi-volume Systematic. These are invaluable resources that you will use over and over again in your studies.

Kevin Taylor

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/182900#Comment_182900

I would respectfully differ in opinion in some of the replies given to your question. Your budget will probably be the largest consideration in deciding how to fill your library. My training has always been to continually build a library with no definitive end point, in other words no amount of books about the most important Book ever written is enough.

Even though you can not utilize all your resources simultaneously I believe it best to budget with the idea of building a more complete library. Pre-pubs are the best way to do this obviously due to the cost savings but you should probably consult a pastor-teacher whom you respect to get a list of valued books you "should" have and start there. Currently I have a list of hundreds of books from lists generated by my pastor-teacher and seminary book lists compiled for the benefit of students.

You might want to consider what I think to be one of the single greatest resources Logos offers, the Theological Journals Library volumes 1 to 12. Also, systematical theologies, dictionaries and quality commentaries are all very helpful in achieving a greater depth of study.

Research the men of God that have impacted you from times past and get their collective writings. Also get materials that may be in "opposition" to their positions so that you can strengthen your own convictions. Never neglecting prayer and the measuring rod of the Word of God as the final authority.

Why have a ceiling on how many books you own? Many of the men I respect most in theological matters have collections in the tens of thousands and vigorous reading habits. My pastor-teacher reads, studies and prays at least 5 to 7hours every day and it shows in his teaching. Even if we are no going to study that much what a great "habit" to follow.

Most book recommendations are given based on our own theological persuasions. If I could offer a couple of choices it would be:

The Essential IVP Reference Collection Version 3 (An incredible value!!!!!) http://www.logos.com/products/details/1516

Theological Journals Vol. 1-12 http://www.logos.com/products/details/3582

Lewis Sperry Chafer 8 vol Systematic Theology http://www.logos.com/products/details/2223

Norman Geisler Systematic Theology 4 vol. http://www.logos.com/products/details/3598

The Norman L. Geisler Apologetics Library http://www.logos.com/products/details/1756

I too have Platinum and these were worthy additions that I used in abundance.

Take an amount that you put aside weekly or monthly and spend it when you have enough for the next title. Whether this is $10 or $100 it will grow your library and with good categorization into your Logos library you can make the most of all of your books as they are needed.

Edwin Bowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/182914#Comment_182914

Logos produces a huge number of titles for a wide variety of interests. Many are for specialized interests.

Most users are only going to be able to afford a fraction of the titles that become avaialble.

Watch for recommendations from other users. Read reviews on www.bestcommentaries.com, etc.

Ask for specific recommendations concerning titles that appear to be of your interest.

As you see recommendations that seem to fit with your library goals, make a wish list.

From time to time, Logos offers titles at special sale prices. That's the best time to add to your library. You've already identified what will be of greatest value to you and wait for it to be available at a better than normal price.

For example, after using one of the Pillar Commentaries in print form, I decided that I would like to have the set in my library.

When the set became available in the Platinum pkg upgrade, I jumped at the opportunity (there were some other titles in the pkg from my wish list as well). As additional titles became available at pre-pub prices, I added them, rather than paying a higher price later.

Another example was when the Commentary on the NT use of the OT was offered on special last year, I jumped on it.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/182928#Comment_182928

The first obvious thing missing from the Platinum line-up is a Bible Encyclopedia.
Platinum has the 4 volume Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. However, the ISBE and AYBD are both more detailed than the Baker one.

I don't know how I missed that one. I am pretty settled on AYBD as my "go-to" encyclopedia.

to continually build a library with no definitive end point, in other words no amount of books about the most important Book ever written is enough.

Kevin makes it all sound so acceptable. [H] I was answering the post from a toolbox perspective. Platinum will help you get the job done. Now if you like the books as much as Kevin and I admit to, the library will never stop growing. Every poster here has given you factual answers. You will have to balance those facts with your personal situation. Or you could just give up and do what I did; cast yourself with reckless abandon into building your Logos library; forsaking all other time consuming occupations, and see what happens. [:P]

In the old days of hardback book libraries I had to find space and shelving for new acquisitions. My wife and I had an agreement. I was to jettison books from my shelves to make room for any new books. (The library hovered around 3000 then.) We do not have that "problem" with our Logos libraries.. [8-|] Even the hardback library is shrinking!

John W

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/182953#Comment_182953

This is very helpful! I am in FTCW and often teach( MA -Theo Studies) . I desire to take advantage of anything that can significantly leverage my study of God's word. I really enjoy Bible study and am willing to do scholarly study on subjects that I find helpful.

How do you all rate the Zondervan Enc of the Bible compared to AYBD?

Allen Browne

John, as you already have lots of good broad replies, let me make some very subjective suggestions.

For me personally, the most important purchase I've made in Logos outside the base packs has been the 3-vol Christian Origins and the Question of God Series by N T Wright. This has been life-changing, in terms of how to read the gospels from a historical perspective, understanding Jesus in his Jewish culture. It has certainly revolutionized my Bible study (particularly the gospels.)

Beale & Carson's Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament has also been invaluable.

I also use the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia every day.

If you study in original languages, you might consider Stuttgart Electronic Study Bible (SESB), Version 3.0 for Logos Users (18 Vols.)

Amongst my favorite additional commentaries are the Bible Speaks Today NT series (invaluable), and the Word Bible Commentary (which I purchased before I had Platinum, currently on special.)

Additional dictionaries I use regularly include Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible and IVP Dictionary of the Old Testament Bundle (2 vols.).

In the end, it comes down to your interests, needs, and academic level, but hopefully that subjective experience is of some use for you.