Do NOT own the software

Here is a great question of value.  WHile it is true that the program itself is free, and while it is true that there are a few resources available for free (which is great!), for Logos to be beneficial for most, some collection of books/resources must be made.  Now, for some perhaps a Bible Dictionary, a one volume commentary and a number (20 -50) of supporting books is all your need or want.  Such a package can be had for about twenty dollars from various retailers.  I would imagine that most that go this route will soon be upgrading to a Logos Base Package. 

Why?  

Base Packages provide the greatest bang for the buck.  Some features are ONLY available with a base package.  Not to mention (as I mention), the quality of your study and interpretation will improve greatly with better tools.  Anyone who is pastoring a church or involved in uncovering the truth of Scripture on a regular basis  will want a base package that fits their needs.  But how to decide?

For nearly every Pastor, great quantities of time and financial resources are spent in acquiring a collection of key resources. Some spend as little as several hundred dollars to acquire the very basics (a good study Bible, a good dictionary, several good commentaries, Bible Atlases, several good theology resources, and pastoral specific books). But many, perhaps most, pastors will spend thousands and tens of thousands of dollars to garner a rather more complete library of excellent quality resources and language tools. These resources are going to be purchased and each person's needs (or perceived needs) dictate their choices.  The point being is that many a new-comer to Logos reacts negatively to the upper end of the Base Packages because of the perceived extravagance of the expense.  What one needs to realize is that THIS MONEY (and more) is going to be spent regardless (whether for print books, journals, and worship materials or electronic) in order to support the need of the Pastor or teacher. 

My advice to folks is to determine what makes sense for THEIR needs.  But do so with an eye to the future.  One does not want to over-estimate, but one should not underestimate either. Get advice from people whom you trust (of people doing similar work) for your needs and invest wisely into your library of resources.  But do not compare the cost of the top tier base packages geared to pastors who would pay much more for those resouces in print with the cost of a few old free resources available freely or inexpensively elsewhere.  The Base Packages from Logos offer exceptional value for those wanting to have a useful library of key resources.  

One last consideration: In print books or digital?   The question seems like it should be determined by cost alone to some.  But, as any regular user of Bible Software will tell you the cost can not be determined by a simple dollar sign.  While you will normally pay less for Logos books (especially for Base Packages and various sales), their value is many times the same book in print (and especially true for commentaries, language studies, dictionaries/encyclopedias, and theology books).  Why? Time and better informed study. When using a resources like Logos, your goal is to inform your study of the Word and to do so in the time that you have.  By having the right resources and following a method of study, you will see and read more insigntful information in less time with an electronic library that has been keyed and indexed in many useful ways. While I personally enjoy picking up a real book to read it (and still do for some types of books), I can't afford (in money or in time) to access books in this way when I am digging for gold in a passage/topic that I am preparing. And that sentiment is often repeated on these forums.  

I hope that helps some.  And enjoy whatever level of resources that you chose for yourself!  

JJ