New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-10-26
The AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
ITS RECENT MEETING AT SAN FRANCISCO AND
ITS WORK IN THE INTEREST OF
PIJyIIC EDUCATION.

ITS RECENT MEETING AT SAN FRANCISCO AND
ITS WORK IN THE INTEREST OF
PUBLIC EDUCATION.
The American Library Association, in arranging for
the yearly meetings which 1t has been holding since
1876, seems to have been actuated somewhat by the
desire TO make these meetings interesting and instructive
In general way. besides offering opportunities TO
librarians for education in their profession Especially
in late years new place OF meeting chosen each
time so as to give librarians in various parts OF the
Union successfully the benefits OF these conventions
and at the time afford the members OF the assoca-
ton an opportunity Of seeing the country" and en-
loving short relaxation from their labOrs in the con-
temptation OF new scenes and other people.
At last years meeting I'm the White Mountains there
seemed to be a general impression that the 1891 CON
ference would be held i'm London. But John Vance
Cheney poet and librarian, presented warm invitation
from California, and supported it in such stirring
appeal for the people OF the Pacific SLOPE whose
librarians he said. wrestling in the sagebrush7
and anxiOusy looking forward toward the East for the
aid and comfort that the presence Of the American
Library Association would bring them, that the trip
westward was decided upon.
And thus on September so a special vestbulod train
started from Boston, taking the NewYork contingent
the following morning, and picking up members OF the
association at other cities along the route. stop
OF two days was made at Denver, shorter stops being
devoted Colorado Springs, salt Lake City and sacra
mentO and san Francisco was reached on the evening
OF october 10.
On October L. the librarians ready for business
and began the conference, which lasted until October
IL. October 1923 are devoted to a trip through the
semi tropical scenery OF Southern California and on
October 30 the homeward journey will be begun stops
being made at Topeka. Kansas City, Chicago and Pitts
burg. the train arriving in New York City on November
4. The numerous invitations and the hospitality OF
the Califonans will cause the Librarians to hold their
stay in san Francisco and their postconference trip
in grateful and pleased remembrance.
The conference begun Monday, October 12,
BY the reading of reports of the various committees
The address OF reception was delivered by the Rev.
Horatio Sebbns, d. D.. of san Francisco. and poem
was read by John Vance Cheney librarian of the san
Francisco Public Library.
President samuel SWEET Green. librarian of the
Worcester Jassl Free Public Library, IN an address
on the opening day of the conference gave com
nrehensve review of the lbrays field in general and
the associations work in particular.
The test Of the Of library" said he. is
ire usefulness, And again: "The usefulness Of a
library depends primarily upon Its having good
librarian More good be accomplished Dy such
n one with a poor library and unsuitable building
than by an incompetent with the best Of collec-
lions properly housed. The first desderaum in the
founding OF public library, therefore, Is an accom-
plished librarian who should have some say rs TO
the construction Of the proposed building, just he
will always seek 10 exert widespread and elevauns
an educational influence circumstances Will allow"
A pOIuf upon which Mr.. Green lad much stress i
the lending Of books to other libraries. The plan Of
thus afording scholars in other cities the opportunity
OF studying books which cannot be procured In the
city IN which they dwell is followed 1y several braIis
notably that OF the Surgeon Generals ohce in Wash
ington under the direction of Or. John $ Bings the
Harvard University Library Dustin Wnsor) and The
Boston Athenaeum Library Charles A. Gutter. The
Importance Of this privilege to the student in special
fields viii be readily perceived.
The industry energy, and dsinterestedness that have
been displayed by the association and its officers III
the ,ield Of pubic education hardly known or
REALIZED ny the very ones whom they benefit.
Indirectly the labors Of the society have served to
make libraries In general more useful by eevatng a..
status OF the librarian, investing his Office with
dignity In the public estimation. and making
recognized profession Of what was once rather con-
sdered suitable post for already overworked profes
sor or the proper field for hOse literary loungers who
ooud hardly be raked into IN any other way.
Apart from this the association has been always
foremost directly and indirectly In furthering the
eause of public education. Directly by the pubhca-
taon by the cooperative method (Which means I'M
enumerated work those who are engaged In IT., Of