The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-07-03
OUR LITERARY BUDGET.
USE or MODERN LIBRARIEs.
Recent Meeting of the American Library As
sociasson-The New Views Which We're
Presented-system Of Cataloguing.

AT recent meeting Of the American Ii
brary Association some new views Of the re-
lation Of libraries to communities were pre-
scented and discussed. In a good deal the
same way that a college does not exist when
a beautiful building has been erected and a
corps OF teachers employed, library is not
established when books have been placed
upon shelves and catalogued. It's always to
be considered that the majority Of people do
not know how 10 get the best service from
library. A librarian who endeaVors 10 put his
treasures before the people, and who keeps
bis niger on the public pulse, can extend the
usefulness Of his library far beyond what II
could be Without his sympathetic aid. Colonel
Higginson printed an essay not long ago in
which he suggested that whenever it is posi-
bic books should be open to the inspection OF
the public. OF course, in large Libraries this
might not be feasible, but wherever 1t has
been tried the freedom has not been abused.
1t - eXasperating 10 the real bOOk-lOYer 10 be
barred from the tempting alcoves Of books
and TO be obliged 10 supply his needs through
the very unrespOnsiye and unsympathetic
medium Of the catalogue.
The system OF cataloguing now in vogue is
perfect so far as the accurate registration OF
books is concerned, but the catalogue does
not give the inquirer any information beyond
the recital of title and author. This simple
enumeration is we'll enough for the book
hunter who knows in advance what he wants,
but there is no way Of "gOing behind tie re-
turns for detailed information. Suppose. for
instance, that the inquiry be directed TO some
branch Of photography Carbon processes, or
quick developments Of plates-a list Of looks,
with formal titles, does not hint where the
desired information is to be obtained. The
need Of the student is some word Of descrip-
ton Of each important book, with such brief
criticism and comment az a thoroughly IN
formed specialist could give him. Thus aided
he could find the books most useful TO him
without waste OF time or effort.
IL was proposed that the association, which
embraces IN It's membership nearly all Of the
best Librarians Of the country, should appoint
a committee of reviewers in each department
of literature. II would he made the duty OF
these 20 give succinct reviews OF books, ana
the results OF their labor should be printed on
cards and distributed among the Libraries.
BY this means the busy man al work on
speciality would be saved vast amount OF
useless labor. or course this scheme need
not be directed TO an expression OF opinion on
literary quality, but in the field Of science II
could be made Of the greatest service. In
telling what there is in a book II Is not neces-
sary to say whether it is written well. GOOD
critics have different points OF view, ana
there is wide room for difference as TO literary
merit. The American Library Association
has appointed a committee 70 ascertain
whether this project OF review Tor libraries ID
practical. and how it can best be introduced.
II may be that this would prove as important
In library management as the card catalogue,
and Of service equal 10 the comparatively
new system OF indexing Observation-Disclosures
apOlis News.