Explanation about how to make best use of online catalog
You may search for a specific resource by entering the title (in part of in full) or the author. You may search for resources on a specific topic by entering a keyword into the description field or by scanning the drop down subject list. Please note: the subject list became a little cluttered in the conversion process from our old database to our new database (resources on a given topic may be split between two or three subject headings); we are in the process of cleaning this up to make it more user friendly.

Once you have entered a piece of information, click on the "Search" button. This will bring up a list of resources. For more information on a specific resource, click on the Resource Code. This will take you to a page with more information about that resource.

To launch the catalog now, click here.

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Making Reservations
You may reserve a resource for use in person, by phone, or by e-mail. It is recommended that you reserve resources as early as possible to ensure availability; however, last minute requests can often be honored. To request a resource by e-mail, simply click on the e-mail link at the bottom of the Resource Screen. This should open your e-mail program and allow you to send us an e-mail. Please include your name, congregation, daytime phone number, the resource code, the title of the resource you wish to use, and the dates on which you would like to use it. We will check availability and contact you to confirm your reservation.

Reservations are made for specific dates of use. Resources may be picked up prior to use or the Resource Center will ship them out 8-10 days before the scheduled use to give the teacher/presenter adequate time to prepare. We ask that you return resources as soon as you have finished using them. If for some reason you need to request an extension, please call the Resource Center to confirm availability.

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Age Group Key
At the bottom of the Resource Screen, you will note that most resources have been designated as appropriate for one or more specific age groups. This is noted by an "X" under the appropriate age group designation. The codes refer to the following age groups:

These are only suggested audiences. We encourage you to take into consideration what you know about your group, the setting, and your purpose for using the resource.

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How Long Can We Keep Resources?
Videos and DVDs are reserved for use on a specific date. If it is convenient, you may pick up the video or DVD prior to use or the Resource Center will ship it out 8-10 days before the scheduled use to give the teacher/presenter adequate time to prepare. We ask that you return the resource, in person or by mail, the day after its scheduled use date. If for some reason you need to request an extension, please call the Resource Center to confirm availability.

Interactive Resources (such as the parachute, the canvas labyrinths, and the LCD projector) and Computer Software are also reserved for specific dates and should be returned promptly after use.

Print Resources are usually checked out for a period of three weeks, although arrangements can be made for an extended loan.

Anthems are usually checked out for a period of six weeks, but again, arrangements can be made for longer loans.

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Returning Resources
The borrower is always responsible for return postage. You are asked to return resources to the Resource Center for Churches in person or by UPS or first class mail promptly following use. A return label will be enclosed. Occasionally we may ask you to send a resource directly to another congregation for use. In this case an appropriate label will be enclosed.

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Preview Policy
You are always welcome to preview a videoor DVD resource, either at the Resource Center or off premises, before reserving it. There is no charge to preview a video at the Resource Center. If you wish the preview a video or DVD off-site, the charge will be $1.50 (plus shipping and handling if applicable). Because many of our video and DVD resources are used quite frequently, it is important that they be returned in a timely manner (within 8-10 days for previews). If resources checked-out for preview are not returned within the alotted time, you will be charged the full usage and handling fee.

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Usage and Handling Fees
A usage and handling fee is charged for most video/DVDs. This fee includes our shipping costs to you and allows us to set a little aside for the maintenance and upkeep of our collection. The usage and handling fee for single session video/DVD resources will be either $6 or $8.50 depending on the purchase price. The usage and handling fee for video/DVD series will average $6-$8 per session. No usage fee is charged for videos placed in the Resource Center by partner denominations to describe missions and/or leadership initiatives; however, we will charge you for the actual cost of shipping.

The usage and handling fees associated with items like the parachute, the labyrinth, and the LCD projector vary by item. Please inquire about costs.

Print resources can be used free of charge if you pick them up in person. If we ship them to you, you will be charged for shipping and handling.

We have weeded some older music out of the collection, and would be willing to invest in some new music if we had requests on what people would like to see in the collection. The standard loan period is two months; exceptions can be negotiated. The cost for Resource Center members will be $10 per title. The cost for non-members will be $10 per title plus $5 per order. A special anthem library membership will be available to members and non-members alike for $150/year; this will allow you to use an unlimited number of titles with the only additional charge being actual shipping costs. You will be charged $5 or actual replacement costs (whichever is greater) for each lost copy.

With all resources, we will inform you of any usage and handling fees when we confirm your reservation. And you will be invoiced for all charges when you receive your resource(s).

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Deposit Account
In order to avoid writing frequent small checks, some congregations choose to open a deposit account. If you have a deposit account, we will deduct any charges for resource use from your account and inform you of deductions, your account balance, and the necessity to deposit additional funds via invoice. A deposit account can be opened with a $50.00 minimum.

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User Liability
The borrower is responsible for resources during the entire period of loan and return shipment. Loss or damage to resources due to machine malfunction or careless handling is your liability. The same is true of loss or damage sustained during return shipping (we package videos in hard plastic cases, taped securely, and choose to ship via UPS so packages can be tracked). If a video is lost or damaged beyond repair while in your care, you will be charged for replacement.

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Copyright
The videos in our collection are protected by United States copyright laws. The duplication or reproduction of these video programs, whether audio and/or video, is expressly prohibited. In addition, videos labeled "for home use" should not be used in a public setting; therefore, we try to purchase only videos with public performance rights. However, even with public performance rights our videos should only be shown in non-commercial settings. Churches are not exempt from lawsuits related to copyright laws.

To launch the catalog now, click here.

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Updated 6/27/07