paratively better able to make original research. In the reference work they will find greater opportunity to exhibit individuality than in the more clerical routine of the accession work and its dependent records. pursued by many libraries. As an instance of the usefulness to which even a small library can attain by judicious reference work, the reader is referred to the last report of Miss Crawford, then of the Sioux City Library. The pupil having served the stated period of time in the reference-room as allowed by the entire course of study, should have a fair knowledge of the general literature of the referenceroom, but above all the manner of using, and value of the various indexes, concordances, bibliographies, etc., which go to make up the tools of the reference-room clerk. The attention of the pupil should be trained to discover those numerous and often valuable bibliographies which it has recently become more generally the custom to insert in books not coming under the head of reference books, and to be found more particularly in those dealing with sociological questions. MacDonald's "Abnormal man" may be cited as a book greatly increased in value on account of its excellent bibliography, and Bandelier's "Gilded man," as one which would be greatly improved by the addition of one. Many libraries preserve such bibliographies for reference by indexing them on cards, and keep them solely for reference Without inflicting an unexperienced pupil upon a busy public, a course of work can be arranged which will give to the pupil the same experience as that gained by the regular employes in direct contact with the public. Let the instructor require of the regular employes to submit a quantity of questions, all of which have been actually put to them at delivery-desk, registrydesk, reference-room, etc. Enclose of these questions, one each in a sealed envelope, of which distribute one to each pupil, with the general instructions that a reference-list on enclosed subject is to be submitted within a stated time, to be accompanied by a list of all books consulted, whether a reference be found or not this to test pupils' discrimination in the selection of books. File the returns, re-envelope the questions, addressing them this time in order to avoid the same person having the same questions, and repeat until each pupil has had all questions, then collate and report result to class. Every librarian knows the range of these questions from Kaffir mythology to the news flashed across the wires yesterday. Such exercises as the above are useful chiefly in preparing the pupil to meet these varied demands without dismay. Let the pupils be assigned to deputy duty in the reference-room in rotation to prove their mettle in the actual fray. Meanwhile, work should be begun in the systematic preparation of reading lists on current topics, which, when completed, may be posted, sent to the local The cataloging question must be omitted newspaper, or included in the bulletin, for care here. No pupils are competent to undertake should be taken that all work, when finally sub-cataloging until they have had larger experimitted, shall have been well done, and being well done the material so brought together should be made available to others. Most libraries have a certain patronage of club members and teachers who depend largely upon the reference-room of the public library, and where demands for lists on live topics are consequently continually accumulating. Here the pupils will find ample opportunity for genuine work, and in this way, too, a measure of return may be made for the expenditure of the time of the employes given to pupils. The work of the reference-room may be much extended, so that it becomes a valuable adjunct to the cataloging department and to the work among children and schools now so earnestly room use. Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of reference-room work. It is a preparation for the cataloger who, without this experience, will often fail of the realization of the most essential part of a catalog, i. e., not so much its mathematical arrangement and uniformly preserved nicety as the ability of the ignorant public to use it. ence in the general use of books than that here related gives. They may be thoroughly equipped with all the rules, and be able to write perfect cards, yet the ultimate, the great, the final thing they may not be able to do that is, to so ripely grasp the meaning and place of a book as to properly assign to it a subject, and judiciously to analyze its contents. This judgment is born of experience brought about by contact with the public. The writer again wishes to call attention to the fact that the foregoing memoranda have been preserved largely at the suggestion of some librarians who by virtue of distance and other equally potent reasons were debarred from the advantages of contact with the great supply centres of trained librarians, and who perforce were compelled to select from raw local material, rather than from experienced material at large; and, moreover, that these memoranda were the results of practical and successful experience in an active public library and are addressed mainly to librarians of public libraries. Much that would properly find a place in the foregoing has been omitted, each librarian being at liberty to introduce such accessories as he may deem necessary to the rudimentary education of library employes as such. Trips to the bindery, the printing office, the newspaper offices, to neighboring libraries, may, with advantage, be made; Mr. Dana even including attendance during the session of the city council. Tabulation in regular program form was not made, because it was not intended that these statements should be arbitrary, but they were offered simply in the hope of being suggestive. For further material the reader is referred to the "Handbook of the Denver Public Library," the bulletin issued by that library, to the bulletins and reports of the Los Angeles Public Library bearing on training classes, to the circulars of the Armour, Pratt, and Drexel Institutes on library schools, and finally to the handbooks and reports of the Library School of the New York State Library. THE WOMAN'S EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.* BY ALICE E. CHANDLER, Advisory Librarian, Town Library, Lancaster, N. H. THE subject of the Woman's Education As- | by such approval as seems to warrant its consociation will perhaps be best introduced by the presentation of a circular issued for distribution this summer among the smaller libraries of Massachusetts: WOMAN'S EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. The Woman's Education Association, of Boston, a body organized to promote educational interests, has been interested lately in studying how to make the libraries in the smaller towns of the state more useful, It has been noticed that the circulation of these libraries often does not increase as it should, but, after the library has ceased to be a novelty, the demand for books diminishes. Frequently this is due to the fact that the readers have exhausted the small number of books, and the town appropriation is insufficient to keep the library up to its original standard. Of course in no one of these smaller towns can many readers of solid books be found, but no town is so small or so quiet that there may not be in it some person, young or old, eager for knowledge, whose whole life may be changed by having a chance to read the best or latest books of travel, science, history or literature, which are too expensive or too little in demand to be bought by the town purse. The Woman's Education Association offers to supply this want by lending travelling libraries of about 25 volumes, on various subjects, for six months. In these collections are books of American History, Natural Science, General Literature, Travel, Agriculture, Sports, etc. Requests for books from local societies studying special topics will receive due consideration, and lists of the most desirable books on one or more subjects, will be sent to libraries or societies applying for them. The Association has the cordial endorsement of the State Library Commission in this work. Application for the Travelling Libraries may be sent from any town by the librarian and two other citizens. No charge is made for the use of the books, except the prepayment of the return freight, but an account is expected of their circulation. The libraries will be sent out early in October, but, as the number is limited, an early application is desirable. For all information, address the secretary of the Association, Miss Mary Morison, 26 Marlborough st., Boston, Mass. The publication of this circular is induced by the desire to extend a work instituted during the previous year, and which has been followed * Read at the meeting of the Massachusetts Library Club, at North Easton, May 22, 1895. tinuance and extension. A year ago three libraries similar to those mentioned were prepared, and lent to as many towns, recommended by the State Library Commission. In the autumn these were exchanged for the first time, and now a second transfer has been made. The association has been heartily thanked by every town for the use of the books, and the work seems to be highly appreciated. The circulation varies greatly. In one town of 300 inhabitants the first set only went out eleven times. With the next library the use increased to 70, fully as large as could be expected in a town of that size. Another library was lent in a town of 2000 people, where no public library existed. A number of earnest women determined to start one with the hopes that the town would presently adopt it. Though their hopes have not yet been realized, they have fully demonstrated its usefulness and popularity by a circulation of over 2000 in six months, to which the travelling library contributed 172. At the same time a fourth library of a slightly different character was started. A small town with a low valuation had declined to establish a library, thinking that they could not afford the yearly expense. Knowing that there was one town official who was an earnest advocate of a library, the association offered to loan 50 volumes for a year, if they would be properly housed and cared for. Of course this library had to be of an entirely different character from the others, and the committee found the selec tion of "50 best books” anything but an easy matter. Careful directions were sent telling the simplest and cheapest way of running a library, and, besides the 50 books lent, 50 more were promised by friends as a permanent gift if the library was continued. These arguments proved so persuasive that the town not only accepted the offer, but that of the state also, and the commissioners were able to add another free library to their list. This spring a letter was received saying, "The library has been a great treat to our town, and we appreciate the effort which you are making." On the return of these books we hope to add this town to our regular travelling library list. Three new libraries are now in preparation for three more towns, which will make seven towns on our circuit. The selection of these books is not an easy task, as of course those already in circulation must not be duplicated, or the value of the loan is decreased. To avoid this, as well as for the reasons mentioned in the circular, the choice has been made from a class of books somewhat more expensive than these towns can afford to buy, and the average cost for the 25 books has been a little over $40. The books chosen are generally illustrated, and not of too solid a character to interest the average reader. Several are included as specially adapted to the young.* The only criticism we have received was that the books were too large. Oddly enough, in that very town the three books that were used the most were also the heaviest ! This objection was met by suggesting that the larger books should be retained by the borrower double the regular time. In addition to these libraries, it will be noted that the circular states that applications will be considered for books on special topics, and it is possible that this branch of the work may become in the future a small reference library, or sets of libraries on different subjects, similar to those of New York State. In other ways the association will be glad to be of service. With its headquarters in Boston, expert advice can be readily obtained as to the best books on any subject, booksellers consulted on prices, or the Library Bureau called upon for supplies. Most of the readers of the JOURNAL are probably beyond the need of such help, but I will be pleased to have them remember that the Woman's Education Association is at the service of all who may desire its aid. * A list of the books composing "Travelling library no. 1," of the W. E. A., is given on page 310. ONE LIBRARIAN'S WAY OF KEEPING NOTES. BY NINA E. Browne, Librarian Library Bureau, Boston. ALMOST every one studiously inclined has some method of taking and keeping notes. The proof of its excellence lies in the facility of finding a given note after it is once filed away. The book is the form most generally used by the average student, yet any college graduate can testify to the difficulty of utilizing the notes thus taken, and to the final waste of all the time and study which they represent. When our college students are taught a rational method of taking and keeping notes, less time and energy will be expended uselessly and better results will be attained. be drawn from actual notes on technical library subjects. But the college student is not the only one who fails to find the special note he seeks. The librarian may fail in this particular, and perhaps with less excuse. Since the librarian though "not supposed to know everything, should know where to find everything," this article is written in the hope that the librarian still young enough to learn new tricks, may find something helpful. The illustrations will The first essential to good results is the adoption of a uniform size of paper.* Slips of the card catalog size (7 x 12 cm.) were decided upon in the beginning, because of the convenience of carrying and handling. In a short time it became apparent that some notes would be too long to be written upon a single slip, or of such a nature that they could not be written upon two or more slips advantageously. This caused the adoption of a letter-size sheet (20 x 25 cm.) in addition to the small slip, though the latter is used whenever possible. These two sizes have proved satisfactory. The second essential to good results is that only a single subject be noted on a given sheet or slip. Conformity to this rule allows a note taken to-day to be filed with notes taken 10 years ago without recopying or rearranging the notes already filed. *See Library notes, v. 2 : 46. The quality of the slips seems of minor importance. The thin paper is preferable when storage space is likely to be limited. In any case its durability is sufficient for private use. For easy handling the slips should be of equal thickness. The collection of slips in question, however, is made of paper of all weights, from a heavy catalog card to the thinnest of slips, on the backs of waste cards, or anything at hand of the given size. This does not make a model file in appearance but it answers every purpose. The large sheets are more easily filed and handled if not of too thin stock. The slips are kept in the upper left-hand drawer of the library-desk, which is fitted with partitions for this 7 x 12 cm. size. Before possessing a drawer the L. B. trays without partitions (23p) were used. The deep tray was chosen because it could be packed with books and papers without injuring the slips. But for this treatment of them, the trays of two-thirds height are preferable. The large sheets, together with pamphlets, etc., are kept in the L. B. pamphlet cases (48g) which stand on shelves within reach of the desk. The Decimal Classification notation is used as a basis of arrangement. When the Decimal Classification does not give sufficient subdivision, a logical order under a given head and sometimes an alfabetic order of slips is used. The Expansive Classification, for one familiar with that, would serve equally well. Those unwilling to use a classed order can use the alfabetic arrangement to advantage. Each slip bears on its upper left-hand corner the Decimal Classification number with the special subdivision expressed in words on the upper line. E.g., 025.3 Linotype catalogs; 025.6 Two-book plan. Guides bearing the number or subject are freely used. The following are actual headings used on guides in 025 Administration. 025.1 Executive: Bulletins; Statistics. 025.2 Accession : Selecting and buying; Begging; Order dep't; Accession book; Gifts, Treatment of; Marking of books - Embossing, Perforating, Book plates. 025.3 Catalog: Card catalog of libraries; Mechanism; Catalog guides; Classed catalog; Dictionary catalog, Co-operative cataloging; Printed catalog cards; L. B. printed cards; Printed catalogs. 025.4 Classification. With the small size notes is filed an index on An index to the main articles in the LIBRARY JOURNAL is also included. Thus is shown in one place all the material there is on a given subject in the collection. If the note wanted is on the large sheet, the index slip shows the number in the file where the large sheets are also arranged in Decimal Classication order. With the notes on library topics is kept a collection of library blanks, reports, catalogs, etc., of various libraries. The blanks are mounted by subject on the L. B. scrap sheets of the same size as the large note sheets (20 x 25 cm.) and filed with them; e.g., the book plates are together, the acknowledgment of gifts, the registration blanks, etc. A list of the libraries represented in each of these groups is written on slips and filed with the other index. 025.6 Notices of over due books See file Indianapolis P. L. Harvard Aguilar Salem P. L. Y. W. C. A. (N. Y.) This collection was begun some years ago, and at the Library Bureau has proved most helpful to others than the collector. It is open to the inspection of any one interested. The occasional demand for all the blanks of a given library is supplied by filing under number 027 cards for each library represented with a list of its blanks in the collection. 027 Springfield City Library. 024 Rules. 024.1 Registration. 024.5 Call slip for lib. use. 025.2 Book plate; Embossing stamp. 025.6 Charging system; Teachers card; Blank for circulation statistics. 025.8 Book label for numbers. 028.5 Catalog of juvenile books. The Decimal Classification numbers show where each blank can be found. If any librarian is willing to add the blanks of his library to this collection (made for and used by li- CO-OPERATIVE CATALOGING OF SCIENbrarians) he may feel sure that his blanks thus mounted and indexed are doing good missionary service. TIFIC LITERATURE. THE International catalogue committee ap This shows the general outline of one collec-pointed by the Royal Society of London to consider the preparation of an international catalog tion of notes, the growth of seven years. Time of scientific literature, presented the following may necessitate modifications, but the principle report to the president and council of the society promises to hold good. on July 5, and the recommendations therein contained were approved: A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF REFERENCE BOOKS. THE Reynolds Library, of Rochester, N. Y., in removing to its new building, has planned to extend its usefulness in various ways, especially in the development of its reference department, which will be largely increased, reorganized, and arranged for accessible use by the public. To this end Mr. G: F. Bowerman, the reference librarian, has recently sent to some 500 of the leading libraries of the United States and Great Britain the following circular letter: "In moving into the more commodious quarters of our new home, we are planning to increase the usefulness of this library, particularly by means of our reference department. Although we believe our list of reference books will compare favorably with that of other libraries of the same age and size, yet we know it can be improved and to this end we ask the aid of other libraries. Will you please give us your list of reference books, or lend it to us if it is only in ms.? By checking those which you regard as most valuable you will give us additional help. "It is my purpose to compile from the lists sent me in reply to this letter, and from other sources of authority, a list of about 3000 books most useful in reference work. This list when published, I will be glad to send to those who co-operate with me. The plan is to include not only cyclopædias, dictionaries, and other works which are strictly classed as reference books, but also text-books and other comprehensive works of a special or general character, which often prove more useful in reference work than cyclopædias, e. g., Winsor's Narrative and critical history,' and Dana's 'Manual of geology.' Any help or suggestions to make this list useful will be thankfully received." "At the first meeting of this committee (February 8, 1894), the memorial to the president and council (July, 1893) which led to the appointment of the committee, and the minute of council of December 7, 1893, appointing the committee, having been read, it was resolved to request the president and council to authorize the committee to enter directly into communication with societies, institutions, etc., in this country and abroad, with reference to the preparation, by international co-operation, of complete subject and authors' catalogs of scientific literature. "Subsequently a draft circular letter was prepared, which, on February 22, 1894, received the approval of the president and council, who also authorized its issue. "This letter was sent to 207 societies and institutions selected from the exchange list of the Royal Society, and to a few others. It was also sent to the directors of a number of observatories and of government geological surveys, to the foreign members of the Royal Society, as well as those of the following societies: Chemical, Geological, Physical, Royal Astronomical, Linnæan, Royal Miscroscopical, Entomological, Zoological, Physiological, and Mineralogical, and of the Anthropological Institute. A special letter was addressed to the Smithsonian Institution. "More than a hundred replies to the letter have been received; several of these are reports of committees specially appointed to consider the suggestions put forward by the Royal Society. A list of answers received up to December, 1894, with brief excerpts from the more suggestive, was issued to members of the committee early this year. It should, however, be added, that from some important institutions no answer has as yet been received. "It may be said at the outset that in no single case is any doubt expressed as to the extreme value of the work contemplated, and that only two or three correspondents question whether it is possible to carry out such a work. It is a great gratification to the committee that the matter has been taken up in the most cordial manner by the Smithsonian Institution, the secretary of which, in his reply, refers to the desirability of a catalog of the kind suggested, as being so obvious that the work commends itself at once. The importance of having complete subject catalogs and not mere transcripts of titles, is also generally recognized. A copy of the list of reference books published by the library in 1888 will be sent to librarians desiring to co-operate in the work, and Mr. Bowerman intends to spare neither time nor pains in the preparation of the selected list. The proposed inclusion of books that do not come strictly within the "reference" class, while adding to the difficulty of selection, should form a valuable feature, and if Mr. Bowerman is able to obtain a consensus of library opinion as to the 3000 best books of reference-using the term in a wide sense-his catalog ought to be a worthy addition to the "tools of the "Some bodies and individuals take the matter trade." His project certainly should command up very warmly and urge that steps be taken the interest and co-operation of his fellow-forthwith to put the scheme into action, this workers. being especially true of the replies received |