The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-05-19

sary, tine "AcceSSiOn Catalogue" In winch
books are entered in the order of their ar
rival, and which furnishes an historical
statement of all books from their purchase;
the "Shelf Catalogue" or catalogue of the ar.
rangement of the books on the shelves; and
the "Card" and alphabetical catalogue, Civ
ing entries more or less as the book may re-
quire, under its author, title, and subject.
From this last the printed catalogue. vol
ume of 337 pages octave, was made, the work
being completed and delivered at the library
about the first day OF November. The typo
graphical execution and workmanship Of
the volume is excellent, and reflects credit,
not only on the Printing and Publishing
House where il was executed. but through
them upon the city. Copies of the catalogue
have been sent TO the principal libraries In
this country and England, and valuable ad-
the library received in exchange. Fifty
copies have been sold. Through the cour-
tesy of the daily papers, lists Of the new
books added to ( he library have been printed
once month, thus keeping readers in
formed in regard to the late additions. APP
all books added to the library since the issue
OF the catalogue; and this list 1t is proposed
TO continue in subsequent reports, until such
time as the growth of the library warrants
the issue OF q supplementary catalogue.
During the year, 69i volumes have been
bound and repaired, at a cost to the library
of 1927 81; an average of AZ cents per volume.
The item of binding will, in the future, be
no inconsiderable one, and would recon-
mend, as q precautionary measure against
the rapid wear OF the books, as well as pre-
ventative against soiled and greasy covers,
that the volumes in greatest demand namely:
Fiction and Juvenile, be covered. The addi-
tional expense which this will entail will,
think, be balanced by greater comfort in
handling and consulting them, well as by
the added strength the cover will give the
volume.
MISCELLANEOUS. d
Fines amounting to S457 SO have been COL
lected during the year on 3,4S1 books, show
ing an average detention of about four days.
1 would take this opportunity to acknowl-
edge the faithful and efficient services of my
assistants. Miss Mary Bradshaw, Miss Fannie
Currie and Misses Mary and Lottie H. Allen,
who have performed the oftimes irksome
duties of their positions with credit to them
selves and benefit to the library. The rapidly
circulation ofthe library, bringing
with it as it does additional duties, would
seem to fully Justify an increase in the
salaries of the day assistants; at least, the
placing of them, in this respect, more on a
level with other departments of the educa-
tional system Of the city. While their du-
ties may not be so severe as those employed
in the city schools, their labor is GER
tainly. more protracted, as fatiguing,
and their work as intelligently and
executed. The duties of night at
tendant during the year have been faithfully
and well performed by Mr.. b. z. Cadwalla-
der. Changes of a merely personal charac-
ter have been made in the night force, bring
ing with them, however, no increase in the
employed, nor in remuneration. 1t
10 a lv M fOr in nj
report to again refer to the great need of
additional room for library purposes, and the
of providing the library with
home of its own. There is no doubt that
such a change would act benefcially, for be-
sides affording it greater facilities to extend |
its influence, it is giving the library an in
it will never have in it's present
quarters. 1t is now too often spoken of as
being the high school library, the name i'm
plying a restriction in its use. This,
it is true, is small matter, but if,
in placing it apart Oy itself as the
public library, tree to all, it speaks
10 any who would not otherwise be |
reached, this end is worthy a trial. In con-
clusion, would remark upon the increased |
literary activity of the city during the past |
winter; never before have the number of
reading clubs" and "social meetings" for
he discussion of literary topics been so nu-
nerous. This may or may not be attribu-
ed to the influence of the library; but GER
ain it is that the impetus given by the
opening of the library has awakened many
o the fact that the intellectual grow tn of
he city should keep pace with the material
growth; that they should 60 hand in hand
o make the name of the city, not only the
ynonym of wealth and great business
ctivity, but also for large and liberal Gull
ure. The excellent school system of the
ity will do much TO lay the foundation for
his. We must look to the libraries to adj
auce it and carry it on.
APPENDIX LIBRARY STATISTICS, 1874.