Question about Library Building: Beginner moving to more of a power user

J.C. Thompson
J.C. Thompson Member Posts: 3
edited November 21 in English Forum

Hey everyone,

I am almost through with my M.Div and will be transitioning soon to preaching full time. I am looking for what everyone would recommend as necessary tools to begin building a library.

I have a few things now thanks to my academic discount, but would like to take advantage of more.

Specifically, I do not have a base package, is it worth it to purchase one of those? Currently I have my most common Bible translations, some basic Greek and Hebrew tools and then one commentary set that I find helpful.

I am trying to transition most of my library to LOGOS, either through purchase or highlights of files/notes in the Notes section.

I would love any help that anyone would be willing to offer. I am in my mid 30s, so I have time to develop a library, but need something affordable that can get me started off on the right foot without breaking the bank.

Thanks!

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Comments

  • JT (alabama24)
    JT (alabama24) MVP Posts: 36,489

    Welcome JC! [:)]

    My 2¢: Base Packages are the most economic means to accumulate a library, but they are not for everyone. If I were in your shoes, I would probably want to add some commentary sets, bible handbooks, backgrounds, etc. 

    When do you graduate? The best time to purchase a base package is when major new releases happen. FL does not "pre announce" releases, but based upon previous official comments, a safe guess is that new packages will be released in the fall. If you will still have a discount at that time, it would be a good time to buy. 

    On the other hand, I bought Logos at the very end of my academic career. I wish I had acquired it sooner. Also, the packages get restructured when new ones come out, so if "the one you want" is available now, you might want to pull the trigger. 

    Are you familiar with how dynamic pricing works? 

    macOS, iOS & iPadOS | Logs |  Install

  • J.C. Thompson
    J.C. Thompson Member Posts: 3

    that is good to know on packages restructuring. I am familiar with dynamic pricing which I really love. I appreciate you posting. Just trying to be wise. I know I'll be pleased, but still hesitant.

  • Lynden O. Williams
    Lynden O. Williams MVP Posts: 8,974

    Mission: To serve God as He desires.

  • Brian Davidson
    Brian Davidson Member Posts: 813 ✭✭

    I want to chime in and say packages really are the way to go. The discount you get on resources in packages is stunning. Spend time going through the denominational packages, and don't let the denominational title given to any package turn you away. There are great things in each one. Keep notes on what you can get on each package and work your way up. Payment plans are great, but the monthly fee (5.99) is pretty steep.

  • J.C. Thompson
    J.C. Thompson Member Posts: 3

    is there a feature set that you recommend starting with? I am looking at possibly going with the features through faithconnect. I am not sure.

  • xnman
    xnman Member Posts: 2,782 ✭✭✭

    is there a feature set that you recommend starting with? I am looking at possibly going with the features through faithconnect. I am not sure.

    I would strongly suggest you think about what you are going to do with Logos Software. Determine in your mind what goals you are after and then try to buy as many "features" as your budget will allow.  And keep in mind... you don't have to buy "they whole 9 yards" at once.   Call the sales staff... and you will find people there that are honored to help you in all this.

    I speak from experience... the sales staff and people with Logos in general... have been fantastic with me.

    I wish you well.

    xn = Christan  man=man -- Acts 11:26 "....and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch".

    Barney Fife is my hero! He only uses an abacus with 14 rows!

  • JT (alabama24)
    JT (alabama24) MVP Posts: 36,489

    is there a feature set that you recommend starting with? I am looking at possibly going with the features through faithconnect. I am not sure.

    Personally, I think that’s good. The single biggest reason for me to use Logos is as a search library. That can be done with the free engine. If for some reason I had to stop using FC, I would still have access to my primary features. For others, that may not be the case. 

    macOS, iOS & iPadOS | Logs |  Install

  • Kathleen Marie
    Kathleen Marie Member Posts: 812

    I prefer to spend more money on libraries than features. I really love the legacy libraries which seem to work better when someone doesn't have a lot of the new features . When I want a library in Logos 9, I sign up for a month (sometimes a free trial) of a subscription, and that allows me to buy just the libraries without the features. Sometimes I can get another 5% off by watching an eventbrite.com event.

    "Buy" the free Verbum software and you will own the Catholic Topical Index and can use it in Logos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=himWey-UR4M&t=895s 

  • SineNomine
    SineNomine Member Posts: 7,043

    I would love any help that anyone would be willing to offer.

    If you haven't already, immediately and coarefully acquire all the free stuff you can, in whatever language, with the possible exception of the Perseus collections. This includes all versions of Logos/Verbum 9 Basic.

    As others have noted, base package libraries are the cheapest way of acquiring the books that are in base package libraries. Definitely go through them. Doing this will also give you a better sense of what Faithlife actually offers.

    “The trouble is that everyone talks about reforming others and no one thinks about reforming himself.” St. Peter of Alcántara