The herald., 1894-01-01

cities named the expense per volume
waI over three times that incurred in
Los Angeles. While the general aver
age OF cost in the II cities aae 7.8 cents
per volume, Los Angeles has an expense
of only Al cents. A comparison OF
q n sral averages euch es here given 10
irreiutable testimony as to the efficiency
OF the Los Angeles pubic library and
tl economy OF its management.
A nong the duties imposed upon this
buaId by the charter, In addition to the
general provisions for the proper equip
ment and running Of the library as a
public institution, is that of maintain
ing 1t according to the spirit and in
tent OF its provisions. Viewed as q
public institution, the proper mainte-
nance OF the library must be in accord
ance with the dignity OF the city, and
in aid OF its claims as the metropolis OF
Southern California, the center OF the
most attractive place for the health
seeker. tourist, capitalist, manufac-
turer and agriculturist. Our claims to
be considered the Italy OF America
would be very poorly supported IL our
public library, our schools and churches
we're allowed to fall into neglected
condition; but, apart from these general
considerations, and superior to them,
as having more direct bearing upon
the library ae an institution, the board
rec % nized that this congress- was called
to consider and discuss the latest and
most advanced methods and systems OF
government, management, conduct and
maintenance OF public libraries to o.
tain by comparison and cemment the
best information upon the subject of
public libraries and the most modern
syatems of management and control
thereof.
The civil service rules originally
adopted by this board have been found
to work admirably. Appointments and
promotions on the etaf of employees
are governed entirely by fitness and
without reference to political or other
influence. Regular examinations have
bsen held, and by the system OF train
ing, during which the pupils give their
time without pay, tho library has been
able to aecure a considerable amount OF
valuable help, besides educating the
students for the intelligent discharge OF
their duties, and thus raising the
standard OF proficiency. So far from
the class being burden upon the re-
sources OF the library, it has been of
material assistance and has more than
repaid the nominal outlay incurred in
its maintenance. We call attention in
this connection to that part OF the Ii
brarian's report in which the number
of hours OF grstuitous service performed
by the pupia is set forth.
The hoard receives reports from the
librarian from time to time. showing the
regularity with which the etaf OF en-
poyes s dscharging it's duties. and the
interes. which they severahy take in the
endeayors made to render the institu-
tion of the greatest service to the public.
The Library club maintained by the
staff and by the teachers and others in
terested in library work, is an admira-
BILE organization, and in it's mem bership
and attendance shows the extent to
which the employees are devoted to the
spirit OF their vocation.
The work done by the etsff during the
past year is commended by the board
and the faithful services of the librarian
and frat assistant.