The record-union., 1892-11-24
THE STATE LIBRARY.

The report of the Trustees of the State
Library is at hand. In it we find recon-
mendations by Librarian Perkins that
should be thoroughly discussed and fully
considered before definite Judgment is
pronounced.
The first suggestion is that the State
Library be made means of contributing
to the educational progress of the State.
This, it is proposed, shall be done by
bringing it into closer relation with the
educational system. First, by annual
issuance by the library authorities, sub
ject to approval by the State Board of Ed
ucation, of lists of books which are de-
sirable for school libraries, in order to
assist school officers in making their Sc
lections. This includes the idea of notes.
by way of comment, concerning the
character of the books. Second that the
library be made more accessible to the
people bya system of book loans through
the agency of the university and the
three normal school libraries.
AS to the first suggestion, it would
seem to possess strength. The informa-
ton that comes to the management OF a
great library concerning books is apt to
be of a varied character and to be of more
than ordinary value. If this knowledge.
so far as it relates to books adapted to
school libraries, can be conveyed to School
Trustees, will it be availed Of? Will it
pay for the trouble and the cost? VIII it
have compensations? These are the ques-
lions that must be answered affirmativelv
before the suggestion can have approval.
As to the second suggestion, the State
Library must, of necessity, remain a
reference library. Access to it for re-
moval of books on loan must always be
limited TO the few, while for reference
purposes it can only be valuable to those.
outside of few officials, who can visit it.
Now suppose the law permitted the
Librarian to loan books to the four other
State libraries in order to answer the de-
mands for such books, will the practice
make of the State institution circulating
library?
OF course, if such scheme of loaning
is undertaken, it must be at the cost Of
the borrower for carriage of the books
both ways, and the subordinate libraries
must be held accountable for the return
of the volumes. 1t may be admitted that
such a system would broaden the useful
ness of the State Library, but might it
not have the effect of putting it on
wheels and Of destroying in large part its
functions as a reference library. We do
not say that this would be the result. but
we invite attention to that possibility as
one of the factor of ,ho discussion.
Of course. loana if made, would be
granted only under guarantees, and
would never be permitted to ex-
tend to indiscriminate lending.
The Librarian is careful to say
that such is not the intention,
and must not be contemplated. a dis
cretion must therefore be lodged in the
library officials which viii keep them
quite actively engaged in passing upon
applications. The general public cannot
be permitted TO draw books from the State
Library; were it otherwise the State would
soon find its fine library mere skeleton,
and early a wreck.
New York, it seems, has adopted the
proposed new system. There the regula-
tions recite that
The State Library is established for the
benefit OF the whole state; that it contains
many books not readily accessible in other
parts OF the state. and not so much used at
Albany as TO make their brief absence from
the shelves a serious consideration. IT
has therefore been decided to lend books from
the University, or to their officers or ac-
credited representatives, for temporary use
outside Albany; provided,
/. That such pTecaution be taken in pack
ing as TO guard against any probability Of in
jury in transportation.
?. That the State Library shall not pay
postage or express either way.
3. That borrowers at any distance shall not
be entitled to retain books as long a time as is
allowed borrowers in Albany, where the books
can be sent for if specially needed by the
library, but shall return the books at the
earliest practicable day after the temporary
use for which they We're lent.
4. That no book shall be lent except on con-
dition that II shall be returned within twenty
four hours after notice is received from the
library that the claims of other users require
RS recall