Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-05-18
STATE LIBRARIANS.
Twenty-Five States Represented at the
st. Louis Meeting


st. Louis Meeting
The State Librarians from twenty-five
States, together with representatives from
two-thirds of the States and Territories, met
in St. Louis on the Sth inst
T. H. Wallis of California called the
meeting to order, and invited Mrs. Miller
of Iowa to the chair. and then placed in
nomination Melvil Dewey of New York as
Chairman. Mr.. Dewey declined in favor of
MIR. Wallis. Mr.. Wallis stated that Cali
fornia has S34 600 in her library fund and
her Librarian received the salary as any
other State officer, and that he feels in a
position to do some very plain talking in
defense of State libraries and State Libra
nans. and, therefore, declined the honor.
and insisted on the nomination of Meivil
+. Dewey, which was made by acclama-
ton. Mrs. Miller was chosen temporary
Secretary.
A committee from the States of Califor-
mia, Michigan and Tennessee was appointed
to prepare proper subjects for consideration
and adoption by Congress and the several
States and Territories.
At a late session held at o'clock in the
afternoon this committee submitted the fol-
lowing series of resolutions, which embody
everything the new organization contem-
plates at the present conference
WHEREAS. The laws governing the libraries
OF the several states ana Territories have been
formed for each without regard to any other or
any uniformity among them, and this diversity
of legislation has resulted in many ways in great
loss TO said libraries, and has greatly retarded
their growth and prevented the increase of their
usefulness; and whereas, the State of California
has, by resolution of her Legislature. instructed
her Librarians to call conference of the Libra
rlans of the several States and Territories for
the purpose of securing the adoption of an ap
proximately uniform system of laws. rules and
regulations for the government and control of
such Libraries. Now, therefore, we, the Librari-
ans of the several States and Territories in such
conference assembled, do resolve:
First-That each State should provide for the
maintenance of state Library by creating g.
fund that should be continuous, and not de-
pendent upon annual or bi-annual apprcpria-
tons.
second-That the salary of each State Libra
rian should be proportionate to the salaries paid
other State officers in the same State and the
term os Office should be made dependent upon
his efficiency solely.
Third-Ihat each State should provide by
law for the speedy transmission, under the di-
rection of the state Librarian to all state libra
ries and foreign Governments OF all public doe
nments, reports. laws, Transactions etc. pub
lished by authority, and that these be addressed
directly to said state libraries.
fourth-That each State provide by law that
all books published under its authority be
properly indexed, and that the title page OF sill
statutes and journals of Legislatures show the
the sessions. Also that in law reports the ex-
IRENE dates of the decisions be correctly indi-
| Gated on the title pages. and the date of the
rendition OF each decision appear above the
title of each case, and that each volume of law
reports contain table of cases, plaintiff and
defendant and vice vera.
Finh-That each State provide for the proper
cataloguing and indexing under the direction
of the State Librarian, o. all publications that
have been or may be issued by authority of the
State.
Sixth-Fnr tho r,ranaro.io,, n "A ,,,,,,l;oo.;o =,
list OF the sessions of the Legislature, from the
nrst Legislature 10 date, stating the converting
and adiourhing of each session.
That each state provide for the proper ex-
change and disposition of duplicate books
Resoired That the Governors of each State
| and Territory be respectfully requested to sub
NIT the foregoing resolutions TO their several
Legislatures. and urge upon them the adoption
of the laws necessary 10 carry out the reforms
| therein recommended, aud also TO impress
upon them the propriety of adopting memorials
| TO Congress in favor OF the Federal legislation
hereinafter suggested.
WHEREAS, The national Government has thus
far no; given TO the State and Territorial libra
ries the aid and assistance which it is desirable
1t should give, therefore be 1t
Resolved, frst-That Congress should provide
for the free transporta' ion of books and all
printed matter between State libraries.
Second - That Congress should provide by
| International arrangements for the free trans
porlaiion of books ana other printed matter be-
tween State libraries and departments OF for
T2frd-That Congress should provide for
lower rate of postage or books.
f0urth-That the privileges now enjoyed by
the library OF Congress, i'll The exemption Of
books from import duties. be extended TO State
libraries.
Resotred, That the President of the United
States be respectfully Requested 10 bring these
matters the attention of Congress.
Inasmnch as State libraries ave important
factors in the educational system OF the several
states and territories, Toe IL
R1solred. That the several Superintendents of
public institutions and the National Bureau of
Education be requested to unite with us in
bringing about the above uamed reforms.
WHEREAS the American Library AsSocia ion
has by the organized efforts of its members ac-
complished so much for the good of libraries
ana will appreciate so III ly the objects we seek
10 obtain.
Resofred. That we ask their Endorsement of our
Efforts increase the efficiency of our libraries
and their hearty cooperation ii obtaining ac-
ton to that end.
Rfsoiyed That committee be appointed to
drat an address setting forth in full the
and the necessity for the adoption of The re-
forms we have recommended, aud hat said adj
dress be made part OF on- action, and that said
committee communicate these resolutions and
address 10 all persons whose aid We seek In ac-
complishing our objects.
Resofred. That We pledge ourselves to use
every effort with our several State officers, Leg
islatiires and members OF Congress. and with
all who an help us IN secure their active assist
ance in the accomplishment of these leforms.
After long discussion the resolutions
were adopted.
On the following day the State Librarians
were received by the American Literary
Association then in session in st. Louis.
T. H. Wallis OF California. Melvil Dewey
of New York aud o. C. Soule of Boston go
to Washington this week TO prepare an ad-
dress in support of The action OF the State
Librarians.
W x.o4,-o,-e NIL v,rasan,aa - ~ ~.