1887, have been catalogued under the new rules. The work on accessions previous to that date has systematically pro ceeded backwards through the published volumes, with the result, thus far, that all author cards have been written for vols. VII., VI., V., IV., and III.; some of the subjects in VII. and VI., and most of the subjects and titles in V., IV., and III. As this leaves but one alphabet to consult, in the printed form, for vols. I. (A to L) and II. (M to Z) are continuous, work on the authors has been suspended until the subjects and titles of all the printed volumes are fully written up. Additional Shelving. Through the courtesy of Governor Peck, additional wall shelving for the accommodation of about 6,000 volumes has been built upon the main floor of the library. This was a long needed improvement, and enables a better classification of the books most in demand. But the time is not far off, at our present rate of growth, when all available space upon both floors will be crowded to its utmost. The oldfashioned method of shelving, now in use in the library, is uneconomical of space, but the compact iron-stack system cannot be adapted to rooms like these. From whichever point of view we contemplate the future of the library, a new building, building, constructed on modern principles of library architecture, appears the only solution of the problem. Bibliography of Wisconsin Authors. In May last, the Society published the Bibliography of Wisconsin Authors alluded to in last year's report as being in press. This work is not only a list of such of the works of Wisconsin writers as are upon the shelves of our library-although we have a large collection of such-but includes all of their published works so far as known: those we do not possess being indicated by an asterisk. The titles embrace books, pamphlets, magazine articles, and reports and papers in society transactions, etc., while much additional information is given in the numerous footnotes. This compilation has been a labor of considerable magnitude, involving wide correspondence and laborious research. The volume contains 263 pages, the names of some 900 authors, and in the neighborhood of 4,700 titles. No doubt some names and titles were overlooked in the search, and there is reason to believe that inaccuracies may be detected, but these are faults incident to a pioneer undertaking of this character and do not seriously mar the work. Supplements to this Bibliography will be published from time to time. Newspaper Catalogue. A catalogue of our bound volumes of newspapers has been in preparation at intervals, since February last. We are unaware of the existence of any adequate catalogue of this description, and have therefore been obliged to plow in virgin soil. Many vexatious problems have arisen in the progress of the work, requiring much thought in their solution, but at last all difficulties of detail have apparently been surmounted, and the copy will be ready for the printer early next spring. The Society now owns 6,854 bound volumes of newspapers, one of the best collections in America, and is continually making valuable additions. Some of the files received during the year just closed, were: Aloany (N. Y.) Atlas Argus, 1864-1865, 4 vols. London Times (daily), 1862-64, 6 vols. New York Herald (daily), 1860–62, 1871, 8 vols. New York Times, 1870-78, 35 vols. New York Weekly Tribune, 1842-48, 6 vols. Philadelphia Evening Telegraph, 1865, 2 vols. Pittsburg (Pa.) Daily Dispatch, 1861-65, 4 vols. San Francisco (Cal.) Evening Bulletin, 1864-65, 4 vols. South Carolina Gazette, 1752-67, 1783-85, 1791-98, 1802-04, 25 vols. Toronto (Can.) Daily Leader, 1864–65, 3 vớ Troy (N. Y.) Daily Times, 1863-65, 5 vols. Draper Manuscrip per manuscripts During the year the greater part of the chiefly covering events in the west during Lord Dunmore's War and the War of the Revolution, have been neatly bound, making 261 folio volumes. The papers included in these volumes came to us in a greatly confused condition, without semblance of order, most of them having long been kept in what were practically rubbish-heaps. Matter clearly worthless was removed, the residue being classified at a considerable expenditure of time and thought, and carefully prepared for the binder. The result is a highly important addition to the manuscript resources of the library, and during the past summer and autumn the collection has been sought in person by special investigators from as far away as North Carolina and New York, while letters of inquiry from all parts of the country regarding this material are so numerous as to add largely to the duties of the corresponding secretary. The following table gives the strength of the Draper MSS. There exists a popular delusion that the chief business of a library is handing out books to readers. But for the one attendant at the counter, the services of half a dozen trained workers are engaged behind the scenes. That the attendant may obtain at a glance, or at most after a few minutes of investigation, just the material which the reader seeks, thus increasing his usefulness by economizing his time, a complicated human machine is in silent operation within inner offices, classifying, cataloguing, registering, working out new or improving old methods by which the treasures of the great library, which are hidden from common sight, may instantly be brought to the service of those who seek them, as appeared the genie to the inquisitive Aladdin. The Society is fortunate in commanding the services of a librarian who is competent to the task, and we take pleasure in commending the excellent but by many unheeded work which he and his well-ordered band of assistants are doing for this institution and the state. USE OF THE LIBRARY. During the year, statistics of library use have, for the first time in our history, been kept by the attendants. From these statistics we find that it is not unusual to have a hundred and fifty or more readers in a single day, and for months together the daily attendance averages at least a hundred. Some days upwards of 350 books are charged, being either given out over the counter or in use on the alcove tables, while often fully 200 more are examined in place at the shelves by special investigators privileged to do so. This shows a very good use, for a library devoted wholly to reference books; few libraries of the kind in this country have a larger patronage. During the twelve months some 24,000 books passed over the counter into the reading rooms, and 18,000 more were used at the alcove tables, in addition to what were handled in place. Of those who used these books, 91 per cent. were connected with the State University, either as professors or students, and 9 per cent. were the outside public-chiefly visiting specialists, who are more numerous in the summer than at other seasons. A prominent writer recently said: "It is possible that the college library is of more ultimate value to the community than the library of any other sort." If this be so, and we thoroughly believe that it is, then the Society's library is doing a noble work in this commonwealth. From 1854 to the present time, the University of Wisconsin has sent out into the world 2,335 graduates, a large proportion of whom are now men and women of marked influence in society, business, politics, and the professions. To these positions in life they have brought trained intellects and cultured tastes which have had much to do in the upbuilding of our state. To all of this great throng the library of the Society was, during their college days, when intellects were keen and eager, their chief literary laboratory; and the warm appreciation with which SO many of the alumni appear to regard this institution, is an evidence that the work of the past has |