The need for reference books, selection guidelines, issues about circulation, descriptions of various types of books, and ideas for promoting the use of these books in a congregational library are covered in this guide. The work opens with a discussion of what reference books are and broad guidelines for deciding which books should be in a congregational library. Guidelines for building the reference collection suggest ways to determine which books are currently owned, what is needed, what can be afforded, what will fit into the library, and how to plan for the future. The basics of learning to be a reference librarian are then outlined, including such areas as helping patrons to answer questions and helping them to learn. Promoting the reference section to the church or synagogue's education staff, youth groups, and other individuals is also described. Sample materials are provided, including a leaflet for a workshop on tools for Bible study; a bibliography of reference books; a quiz on library reference sources for patrons; and a sample lesson for Bible instructors. An annotated bibliography of reference books includes books about the Bible, as well as works on church history, comparative religions, denominations, music, and worship and preaching. An annotated list of reference books, prepared by Marcia Posner specifically for small, Jewish libraries, includes biographies, dictionaries, directories and almanacs, encyclopedias, history, the Holocaust, Israel and Zionism, Judaism, librarianship, quotations, and rabbinic literature. A list of publishers of religious reference books is also provided. (SD)